We all try to keep our house as clean as possible, which seems impossible with our kids around. But our children are why we, as parents, try so hard to keep our home environment sanitary. With dust, allergens, and infectious microorganisms flying around and setting up shop on every surface, our kids are susceptible to health issues.

Our children’s health is a big concern as a parent, but what we use to protect them from bacteria is just as important. Most cleaning products today are full of chemicals that irritate and can compromise the functioning of our child’s body.

With the composition of many cleaning products classifying them as hazardous, where does one turn to keep their home clean and their children safe? Luckily, there are many ingredients out there that are safe to use and kill the harmful bacteria threatening your kids’ health. You may even have all the following natural cleaning options already in your home.

Distilled white vinegar is a chemical-free substance that is very acidic. The acidity of vinegar makes it impossible for most microorganisms to live in the same environment. Distilled white vinegar is best used for removing mildew, soap scum and even mold.

When mixed with water and a few drops of dish soap, vinegar can clean multiple surfaces in your home. Though, make sure you pour in the vinegar first, the water second, then the dish soap. Vinegar is so acidic, it can neutralize the soap’s disinfecting capabilities.

While vinegar is great for most surfaces, keep it away from your natural stone surfaces, for it is too acidic. The stones are porous, and the vinegar will wear away its surface when absorbed.

While vinegar is too acidic for natural stone surfaces, isopropyl alcohol is safe to use. Isopropyl alcohol or rubbing alcohol, is more alkaline so its much gentler on surfaces. However, the alcohol’s fumes are much harsher than vinegar’s, so protect yourself from ingesting too much and ventilate your home when using large amounts.

Even though rubbing alcohol is a gentler option, it is still great at killing bacteria since it is used to clean wounds to prevent infections. If the alcohol is safe to apply to skin abrasions, the substance would easily be classified as an environmentally safe choice for cleaning your home.

Rubbing alcohol is also great for cleaning because it is solvent, which allows it to dissolve dirt and oils easily. A bonus benefit to the alcohol is that it evaporates quickly, which prevents residue and streaks.

Dish soap is another well-known cleaning agent that’s great for disinfecting. The liquid can attach to dirt at the molecular level allowing for you to rinse dirt away using just water. Any dish soap will do, but vegetable-based dish soaps are a greener, more natural option.

All three above ingredients are great for wiping surfaces clean, but what about tougher, elbow grease type of jobs? Baking soda, salt, and cornstarch can be used for scrubbing because they are all abrasive. They’ll be able to scrape off the dirt clinging to the surface.

Besides scrubbing, both baking soda and cornstarch can be used to clean your carpet. I am a business owner of a carpet cleaning company and it wouldn’t feel right to end this article without a cleaning tip on carpets. Before starting, vacuum your carpets or rugs first. Sprinkle the cornstarch and baking soda over your carpets or rugs. After several hours with the baking soda and cornstarch hanging out in your carpets and rugs, vacuum again. Your carpets will be left feeling clean and smelling good with no harm done to your loved ones.

Keeping your house clean is always going to be hard work. Avoiding the use of hazardous chemicals to keep your house clean is easier than most think. Switching to green cleaning products is not only easy, but less expensive. Save your family and your dollars and go green, you’ll love it!