Swap of the Month: Cleaning Supplies
Because what’s really getting “clean” if your cleaners are dirty?
We clean our homes to feel safe, fresh, and healthy…
But if your cleaning products are full of harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances, they might be doing more harm than good.
Conventional sprays, wipes, and detergents often contain:
• Endocrine disruptors (that mess with your hormones)
• Carcinogens (yes, for real and we know the damage these may cause to the body)
• Artificial fragrances (linked to migraines, allergies, and skin irritation)
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that pollute indoor air
So while you’re scrubbing, spraying, and wiping your way to “clean,” your body is being exposed to a steady stream of toxins—every single day.
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What to Swap (Start Here)
If you’re not sure where to start, these easy swaps will help you clean smarter — not harsher. Each one replaces a chemical-heavy product with something safer, simpler, and just as effective.
• All-purpose spray → Plant-based or homemade vinegar + essential oil cleaner
• Antibacterial wipes → Microfiber cloth + non-toxic spray
• Glass cleaner → White vinegar + distilled water (1:1 ratio)
• Air fresheners → Open windows, simmer pots, or essential oil diffusers
• Bleach-based toilet cleaners → Baking soda + vinegar soak
• Fragrance-heavy laundry detergent → Plant-based detergent + wool dryer balls
• Plastic scrubbers → Natural sponges or wooden-handled brushes
• Chemical drain cleaners → Baking soda + hot vinegar flush, followed by boiling water
• Floor cleaner → Castile soap + warm water (a few drops go a long way)
• Oven cleaner → Baking soda paste left overnight + vinegar wipe-down
• Dusting sprays → Olive oil + vinegar mix (shines wood surfaces beautifully)
• Fabric softeners → White vinegar in the rinse cycle + essential oil scented wool dryer balls
• Dish soap → Non-toxic, biodegradable brands
• Paper towels → Reusable cloths or “unpaper” towels
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Safer Cleaning Essentials to Keep On Hand
Think of these as your new cleaning staples — the simple, non-toxic products that can handle nearly every mess in your home.
• Unscented castile soap
• White distilled vinegar (in glass jug if possible)
• Baking soda (stored in stainless steel or glass container)
• Hydrogen peroxide (in a dark glass bottle)
• Lemon juice or lemons
• Essential oils (tea tree, lemon, lavender, eucalyptus)
• Glass spray bottles
• Amber dropper bottles for essential oil blends
• Wooden scrub brushes
• Cellulose sponges (plastic-free)
• Copper or stainless steel scrubbers
• Natural fiber cleaning cloths (cotton or bamboo)
• Wool dryer balls
• Unbleached paper towels or reusable paper towels
• Refillable cleaning concentrate in glass packaging
• HEPA vacuum or bagless vacuum with washable filter
• Non-toxic toilet bowl cleaner
• Natural dish soap bar
• Silicone gloves (BPA & latex free)
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DIY Recipe: All-Purpose Cleaner
Shake this up in a glass spray bottle and get to work:
• 1 cup distilled white vinegar
• 1 cup filtered water
• 10 drops lemon essential oil
• 10 drops tea tree oil
✨ Use on counters, sinks, and most surfaces (but skip the stone/granite—vinegar is too acidic for those!).
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One swap at a time…
Don’t try to replace your whole cabinet overnight. Pick one or two products to swap now, and let it grow from there. Trust me, your body (and your airways) will thank you.
Want More Non-Toxic Recipes?
I’ve shared one of my favorite DIY all-purpose cleaner blends in this month’s newsletter — it’s simple, natural, and even safe for stone surfaces. To get the recipe and be the first to know what I’m swapping next month.
👉🏾 Subscribe to the Onarays Newsletter to get the recipe and be the first to know what I’m swapping next month.