Non-toxic household cleaner formulations can be both simple and effective. They’re usually made up of only a few ingredients, many of which you probably already have on hand. These common and simple ingredients are the same ones our mothers or grandmothers also used for the same reason-they worked.

I used these simple non-toxic household cleaners years ago but gradually shifted away from them. I basically got lazy and then out of the habit of making them. It felt easier to just buy bottles of premade cleaners. Because of health concerns and greater awareness of the effects of chemicals in our water supply, I recently realized it’s time to get back to basics with household cleaners. And it really is so easy to do — which is perfect for home cleaners like me — conscious but reluctant.

I make it a point to remind myself that being an environmentally conscious consumer doesn’t have to be an all or nothing scenario. If you like the homemade all-purpose cleaner but prefer premade glass cleaner-that’s okay. Making some changes are better than making none at all. I personally haven’t been able to break my paper plates and paper towels habit. I have cut down considerably though—on the paper plates, that is. My paper towel use is an ongoing struggle. I’ll keep working on it!

Below are the basic ingredients found in these simple non-toxic household cleaners along with their functions:

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