Get your home sparkly clean—with fewer harsh chemicals
We get it. There’s a common misconception that “green” or “natural” cleaners aren’t as effective as commercial cleaning products. But we beg to differ. While there’s a time and place for chemicals (after all, not all so-called chemicals are bad), we hope to show you how to get that sparkly clean with fewer harsh chemicals.
Many effective and natural cleaners are items you probably already have at home. Baking soda. White vinegar. Salt. Lemon. Castile soap or dish soap.
New to green cleaning?
This article will give you timeless cleaning tips and hacks you can revisit time and again.
Many natural (and effective) household cleaners can be found in your pantry. So learn to get those sinks, tubs, and laundry clean with a few simple ingredients.
Start here for cleaning basics
Get the most of your household cleaners by understanding when to use acidic, alkaline, or abrasive cleaners.
How To Use Citric Acid for Cleaning: 7 Easy DIY Recipes
Lemon power to the rescue—here’s how to use citric acid for cleaning! Natural and budget-friendly, here’s a roundup of 7 easy DIY cleaning recipes.
7 Household Acids for Cleaning and How To Use Them
Acidic cleaners are great for removing hard water stains and rust. Here are some common acids for cleaning around the house, and how to use them safely.
What’s a Strong Alkaline Cleaner? 6 Examples and When To Use Them
When you want to remove baked on grease or unclog drains, use a strong alkaline cleaner. Read more about alkaline vs. acidic cleaners and how to use them!
What Are Abrasive Cleaners? 3 Main Types and Tips on Using Them
What are abrasive cleaners? In short, abrasives help remove heavily soiled or stained surfaces—with less elbow grease! Learn more on how to use them!
Let’s talk about mild soap
Sometimes all that’s needed is a gentle clean. For these instances, let’s look at different mild soaps that are versatile and useful for cleaning virtually all surfaces.
What Is Mild Soap for Cleaning? Here Are 9 Ways To Use It
What is mild soap for cleaning? Gentle detergent is easier on the skin and contains fewer harsh chemicals. Here’s why and how to use it.
What are Soapberries: 7 Benefits + 7 Ways to Use This Natural Soap
What are soapberries? These tiny fruits of the soapberry tree are eco-friendly and versatile. They contain saponins which create lather when mixed with water.
How To Make Soap From Soapwort Plant and 6 Easy Ways To Use It
If you’re looking for a natural way to make soap (without lye), the soapwort plant is just what you need. We’ll show you how to make soap from soapwort plant!
Laundry
From tackling stubborn stains to brightening whites, laundry day just got a bit better.
Tips for Soaking Clothes in Vinegar + 5 Other Vinegar Laundry Hacks
Vinegar is an effective cleaning solution you should be using for laundry. Learn more about soaking clothes in vinegar overnight plus other laundry hacks!
Soaking Clothes in Baking Soda + (8 Other Surprising Tricks)
Baking soda is a mild alkaline powder that’s a great natural cleaning ingredient. Here’s how soaking clothes in baking soda works, plus 8 other laundry hacks!
Why Put Aluminum Foil in the Dryer? 4 Surprising Reasons
Here’s a simple laundry hack involving aluminum foil in the dryer. Simply scrunch up foil into balls to reduce static. Here’s what you need to know.
Do You Really Need Dryer Sheets? Why It’s Time to Ditch Them
Do you really need dryer sheets? Here’s our opinion on why we think you should think twice before using dryer sheets.
Troubleshooting and other tips
For those times when you need help, pronto, here’s how to unclog sinks, toilets, and clean around the house.
How to Unclog a Toilet With Dish Soap Fast in 5 Easy Steps
There’s nothing more annoying than a toilet that won’t flush. Before you call the plumber, we’ll show you how to unclog a toilet with dish soap and hot water.
All Natural Drain Cleaners: How to Unclog Drains Without Chemicals
Ditch the chemicals! Here’s a few DIY all natural drain cleaners and plumbing tools that will unblock your sink without hurting the environment or your health.
Best Tips for How to Deep Clean Carpet Without a Machine
Check out our tips for how to deep clean carpet without a machine or harmful chemicals. Learn how to deep clean and refresh your carpet naturally!
Ready to dig deeper?
Ready for a greener clean? Check out all of our cleaning articles below.
Penny-Pinching Perfection: Affordable DIY Home Organization Tricks
Organizing your home doesn’t have to break the bank. Here’s a roundup of 11 DIY home organization ideas that’ll clear clutter while being budget-friendly.
Does Soap Kill Fungus? How To Keep Your Home and Body Clean
If you’re battling fungal problems around the home, or on skin, does soap kill fungus? Here’s what you need to know to stay healthy and clean.
Best Way To Clean Vomit From a Car To Eliminate Stains and Odors
Someone got sick and threw up all over your car interior. Here’s the best way to clean vomit from a car to banish stains and remove lingering smells.
How To Clean 78 Records Without Damaging the Shellac
If you have a few 78 rpm records, they’re more fragile than vinyl. Here’s how to clean 78 records without damaging the shellac finish using mild soap.
Best Way To Clean a Tile Shower Without Harsh Chemicals
Are your tiles and grout looking dingy? Here’s the best way to clean a tile shower using baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and soap to banish buildup.
How To Clean Oil Paint Brushes Without Solvents
Solvents or thinners are not the only option for cleaning oil paint off brushes. Let’s look at how how to clean oil paint brushes using oil and a bar of soap.
Best Way To Clean Engineered Hardwood Floors
With a bit of care, you can keep your engineered hardwood floor looking great. So, what’s the best way to clean engineered hardwood floors? Let’s dive in!
Best Way To Clean Fireplace Glass Quickly and Effectively
Is the glass door on your fireplace covered with soot, streaks, or residue? Here’s the best way to clean fireplace glass quick and effectively.
How To Get Stains Out of Car Seats (Using 5 Basic Ingredients)
Life is busy. When you’re on-the-go, it’s easy to get stains in the car. Here’s how to get stains out of car seats using simple household products.
How To Keep Your Eyeglasses Clean + DIY Cleaning Spray
Seeing smudges on your eyeglass lens? Here’s how keep your eyeglasses clean from dirt, debris, and oils. Plus, here’s what NOT to do when cleaning.
How to Wash Leather Without Ruining It
Leather is a durable fabric that needs some TLC. Whether you have a leather jacket, shoes, purse, or couch, here’s how to wash leather without ruining it.
Best Way To Clean Old Coins Using Everyday Products
Have a jar of old coins begging to get cleaned? Let’s go over the best way to clean old coins using everyday products such as vinegar and salt.
How Much Bleach Is Needed To Clean and Disinfect? Here’s a Dilution Chart
If you’re looking to clean and disinfect to prevent the spread of illness, how much bleach is needed to clean? Here are some handy dilution ratios.
How To Clean Zebra Blinds: Do’s and Don’ts
When was the last time you cleaned your window treatments? Here’s how to clean zebra blinds from start to finish along with some do’s and don’ts.
How To Get Tea Stains Out of Carpet Effectively
Spilt tea is full of tannins, which can lead to stubborn stains. If you have stains on your carpet, we’ll show you how to get tea stains out of carpet quickly!
Best Way To Clean LVP Flooring (Luxury Vinyl Plank)
Luxury vinyl plank flooring is a resilient material that can withstand the rigors of day-to-day life. Learn the best way to clean LVP flooring.
Best Way To Clean Quartzite Countertops + Remove 5 Stains
What’s the best way to clean quartzite countertops? I’ll share an easy DIY recipe for everyday cleaning of natural stone, plus how to remove 5 common stains.
Homemade Soap Scum Cleaner With Antibacterial Properties
Built up soap scum? Here’s an easy and eco-friendly homemade soap scum cleaner that will remove soap scum on showers and tubs for a sparkly clean.
Does Soap Freeze? An Experiment with Liquid Dish Soap vs. Castile Soap
Does soap freeze? If you’ve accidentally left a bottle of dish soap in frigid temps, yes it freezes. Luckily liquid soap has ingredients which make it hard to freeze.
Does Soap and Water Kill Salmonella? No, but Here’s What Can
Can soap and water kill salmonella? No, hand or dish soap isn’t effective at killing microorganisms, but here are 4 common household items that can.
Does Sugar Soap Remove Paint? No, but You Should Still Go Easy
Sugar soap is a powerful cleaner that removes grease and grime. Does sugar soap remove paint? Not really, but you should still tread gently on some surfaces.
Be Wary of DIY Pressure Washer Soap Recipes (Plus 2 That Work)
Looking for a DIY pressure washer soap recipe? We’ll go over safety tips when mixing chemicals, and share two recipes that work.
Does Soap Kill Grass? Here’s What Everyone Should Know
If you accidentally spilled soap on your lawn, or are making a DIY solution, you may wonder, does soap kill grass? Yes, it can—here’s what you need to know.
Do Soap Nuts Expire? A Guide to Shelf Life and Reusing Soapberries
Do soap nuts expire? Simply put, no, they don’t have an expiration date if you store them properly in an airtight container. Here’s what you need to know.
How To Clean a Flat-screen TV: 7 Best Tips for Streak-free Screens
If dust and fingerprints are distracting you from your favorite show, here’s how to clean a flat-screen TV in a few minutes flat!
Best Way To Clean Linoleum Flooring? Here Are 8 Handy Cleaning Tips
While linoleum is durable, cleaning it properly requires a bit of know-how. Read these handy tips on the best way to clean linoleum flooring.
Easiest Way To Clean a Bathtub Using Vinegar, Baking Soda, and Soap
Here’s the easiest way to clean a bathtub naturally with baking soda and vinegar (and a bit of liquid soap). Break out your bubbles and enjoy a warm bath!
Combine Baking Soda and Dish Soap for Cleaning: 9 Ways To Use It
Some things work better together, like baking soda and dish soap. Here are 8 ways to use this cleaning duo around the house.
Safe Toilet Tank Tablets? 7 Reasons To Skip Toilet Tablets + Safe DIY
Do safe toilet tank tablets exist? Here’s 7 solid reasons to avoid commercial toilet tablets. Plus, learn to make your own safe toilet cleaner!
Can You Put Bleach in Your Toilet Tank? 4 Bad Things That Can Happen
If your toilet tank is looking bad and smelling worse, you may wonder, can you put bleach in your toilet tank? Simply put, no. Here’s why.
Why Put Aluminum Foil in the Dryer? 4 Surprising Reasons
Here’s a simple laundry hack involving aluminum foil in the dryer. Simply scrunch up foil into balls to reduce static. Here’s what you need to know.
3 Good Reasons You Should NOT Put Fabric Softener in Toilet Tank
Some cleaning hacks aren’t all they’re cracked up to be, such as the fabric softener in the toilet tank trick. Before you try this toilet cleaning hack, read our reasons NOT to do this.
Best Tips on How To Clean Coil Stove Top, Burners, and Drip Pans
If your electric stove top has seen better days, no worries. We’ve rounded up some handy tips on how to clean coil stove top, burners, and drip pans.
What Is Greenwashing? 4 Fishy Household Cleaning Labels To Beware Of
What is greenwashing? Simply put, it means to make a product or brand appear more eco-friendly than it really is. Greenwashing examples abound. Learn more!
What’s a Strong Alkaline Cleaner? 6 Examples and When To Use Them
When you want to remove baked on grease or unclog drains, use a strong alkaline cleaner. Read more about alkaline vs. acidic cleaners and how to use them!
What Are Abrasive Cleaners? 3 Main Types and Tips on Using Them
What are abrasive cleaners? In short, abrasives help remove heavily soiled or stained surfaces—with less elbow grease! Learn more on how to use them!
How To Use Citric Acid for Cleaning: 7 Easy DIY Recipes
Lemon power to the rescue—here’s how to use citric acid for cleaning! Natural and budget-friendly, here’s a roundup of 7 easy DIY cleaning recipes.
7 Household Acids for Cleaning and How To Use Them
Acidic cleaners are great for removing hard water stains and rust. Here are some common acids for cleaning around the house, and how to use them safely.
6 Types of Toilet Bowl Stains and How to Remove Each One
Toilet bowl stains are something nobody wants. Here are the most common types of stains and how to get rid of them (even stubborn stains!).
The pH of Dish Soap: How It Affects Cleaning Power and Your Skin
The pH of dish soap determines how acidic or alkaline a solution is. And this plays a key role in how it works to clean AND how it affects your skin.
Can You Wash Dishes with Bleach? Key Tips on Using Bleach Safely
If you want to disinfect, can you wash dishes with bleach (safely)? We’ll cover bleach safety and everything you need to know about using bleach on dishes.
8 Castile Soap Warnings You Should Know
Here’s a roundup of Castile soap warnings you should take note of to get the most of your soap! While Castile soap is a cleaning powerhouse, it’s not perfect.
What are Soapberries: 7 Benefits + 7 Ways to Use This Natural Soap
What are soapberries? These tiny fruits of the soapberry tree are eco-friendly and versatile. They contain saponins which create lather when mixed with water.
8 Reasons Your Bathroom Smells Like Urine + How To Fix It Fast
Nobody wants a smelly bathroom. We’ve rounded up 8 reasons your bathroom smells like urine, plus ways to fix it. Time to roll up your sleeves and clean!
What Are Surfactants in Soap? Synthetic vs. Natural Surfactants
What are surfactants in soap? These key ingredients help reduce surface tension and make for a better clean! Read more.
Soaking Clothes in Baking Soda + (8 Other Surprising Tricks)
Baking soda is a mild alkaline powder that’s a great natural cleaning ingredient. Here’s how soaking clothes in baking soda works, plus 8 other laundry hacks!
How Does Stainless Steel Soap Work? And Is It a Gimmick?
They market these soap bars as “odor removers” that rid your skin of garlic and onions. But how does stainless steel soap work? Let’s find out.
13 Best Substitutes for Dish Soap and Dishwasher Detergent
Don’t panic if you’re out of soap! We’ve rounded up 13 of the best substitutes for dish soap and dishwashing detergent—with common household ingredients.
What Is Mild Soap for Cleaning? Here Are 9 Ways To Use It
What is mild soap for cleaning? Gentle detergent is easier on the skin and contains fewer harsh chemicals. Here’s why and how to use it.
Can You Use Hand Soap to Wash Dishes + 3 Ways to Wash With No Dish Soap
Can You Use Hand Soap to Wash Dishes + 3 Ways to Wash With No Dish Soap
How to Unclog a Toilet With Dish Soap Fast in 5 Easy Steps
There’s nothing more annoying than a toilet that won’t flush. Before you call the plumber, we’ll show you how to unclog a toilet with dish soap and hot water.
How Many Cleaning Cloths Do You Need? Plus Tips on Organizing and Washing Reusable Towels
If you’re decluttering, or making the switch to reusable cloths, you might be wondering, how many cleaning cloths do you need? We’ll help you figure this out!
How To Clean a Swedish Dishcloth 5 Ways
Natural and biodegradable, these dishcloths are absorbent and also easy to clean. So, if your dishrag needs cleaning, here’s how to clean a Swedish dishcloth 5 ways.
How To Use a Swedish Dishcloth 16 Ways: An Eco-Friendly Alternative to a Sponge
This eco-friendly alternative to a sponge is a cleaning powerhouse. Here’s how to use a Swedish dishcloth in the kitchen and around the house.
Clean Jewelry Naturally: DIY Cleaning Tips and Tricks
Looking for ways to clean jewelry naturally? Here are some tips and tricks! We’ll show you how to safely clean your jewelry without any harsh chemicals damage.
All Natural Drain Cleaners: How to Unclog Drains Without Chemicals
Ditch the chemicals! Here’s a few DIY all natural drain cleaners and plumbing tools that will unblock your sink without hurting the environment or your health.
Best Tips for How to Deep Clean Carpet Without a Machine
Check out our tips for how to deep clean carpet without a machine or harmful chemicals. Learn how to deep clean and refresh your carpet naturally!
22 Timeless Cleaning Tips You Need To Know
Tried, tested, and true timeless cleaning tips that’ll help you keep your home spotless.
DIY Homemade Sugar Soap for Walls (With Natural Ingredients)
Looking to make your own DIY homemade sugar soap for walls? We’ve rounded up a few ways you can get your interior walls sparkling clean with natural ingredients.
Basic Principles of Sanitation at Home
Here’s how to keep yourself and your kitchen in tip-top condition by applying basic principles of sanitation at home.
7 Easy Hacks for Using Dryer Sheets in Car
Dryer sheets have many uses beyond laundry. Here’s a look at 7 different ways you can use dryer sheets in car to freshen, clean, eliminate static, and more.
Fridge Condenser Coil Cleaning: How To Clean in 5 Easy Steps
Here’s an easy step-by-step guide to fridge condenser coil cleaning. Set aside 15-20 minutes for this simple DIY task to have a more efficient refrigerator.
Do You Really Need Dryer Sheets? Why It’s Time to Ditch Them
The jury is still out: do you really need dryer sheets? Here’s our opinion on why we think the use of dryer sheets should be reconsidered.
Tips for Soaking Clothes in Vinegar + 5 Other Vinegar Laundry Hacks
Vinegar is an effective cleaning solution you should be using for laundry. Learn more about soaking clothes in vinegar overnight plus other laundry hacks!
Can You Use Dish Soap To Wash Your Hair? Technically, Yes, But . . .
If you’re looking for a shampoo alternative, you may wonder, can you use dish soap to wash your hair? Here’s what it does to your hair.
Can You Use Dish Soap In A Pressure Washer?
Can you use dish soap in a pressure washer? Whether you’re trying to save money, or looking for an eco-friendly soap, we’ll go over why dish soap isn’t so great for your pressure washer.
Can You Use Dish Soap to Wash a Car: Car Washing Tips and Car Wash Soap Alternatives
Can you use dish soap to wash a car? We’ll explain why dish soap is not the best solution and look at a few car wash soap alternatives and car washing tips.
How To Clean A Wood Cutting Board After Raw Meat
Here’s the nitty-gritty on how to clean a wood cutting board after raw meat (or poultry and seafood). Learn how to clean, remove odors and stains, and disinfect.
The Strategic Kitchen Cleaning Checklist for Daily, Weekly, and Deep Cleaning
Tackle the mess in your kitchen with this strategic kitchen cleaning checklist for daily, weekly, and deep cleaning. Roll up your sleeves and let’s get started!
3 Ways to Clean Mildew Off Shower Curtains and How to Keep it That Way
When was the last time you washed your shower curtain? Let’s banish mildew and soap-scum! Here’s how to clean mildew off shower curtains and keep them fresh.
The Complete Bathroom Cleaning Checklist for Every Schedule
Whether you have 10 minutes or an hour, here’s a complete bathroom cleaning checklist for every schedule. Gather your cleaning supplies and let’s get started!
9 Easy Ways to Clean a Mirror Without Windex
Move over Windex. Here are nine easy ways to effectively clean a mirror without Windex using common household ingredients you already have in your cupboard.
The Ultimate Cleaning Your Room Checklist for Busy People
Here’s a cleaning your room checklist for busy people who dread the prospect of cleaning. We’ve broken it down into three manageable cleaning sessions.
How Do You Clean an Old Dutch Oven?
How do you clean an old Dutch oven? Get tips for removing rust, deep cleaning, and restoring.