Now that we’ve been in the New Year for a few months, it’s time that we keep the momentum going. Since you’ve been so busy, perhaps some things have gone to the wayside. From cleaning out your car’s cupholders to organizing your closet, we’re sure you can name a few things off the top of your head–we know we can!
Cleaning your home comes with its own set of challenges, though. With a baby in your home, it’s essential to be mindful of the household products that you use on appliances, furniture, dishes, clothes, and even your floors.
At Parasol, we’re a family dedicated to your family. We always have your back! That’s why we’re gonna help you clean up your act with all-natural items that are safe for babies. We cover all areas of your home while suggesting different types of baby-safe cleaning products, from DIY solutions to items you can pick up the next time you’re out.
Your bathroom
As parents ourselves, we know this room gets plenty of use. Between you, your partner, and your kids, let’s face it–someone is always in the bathroom.
As one of the most used rooms in any home, it’s important to keep your bathroom clean, especially if you have a little one crawling around! We recommend staying away from household cleaning products that contain VOCs, as these are harmful chemicals that cause some serious health issues. The risk just simply isn’t worth the reward. Instead, use organic baby-friendly cleaners on bathroom tile, tubs, and toilets.
A must-have non-toxic baby cleaning product is castile soap, which is a plant-based cleaner that’s safe for adults and children. You can use it to scrub the toilet bowl, treat your tub, and clean just about anything else. It’s a total game changer! When cleaning sink fixtures and countertops, opt for a natural all-purpose baby-safe cleaner to remove dirt, grime, and bacteria. Soon enough, your bathroom will be ready for bath time all over again–and you won’t have to worry about anything nasty, like phosphates and solvents. Trust us, this is going to be the glow-up your bathroom always needed.
Your little’s room
Be sure your baby’s space is always prepared for nap time, changes, and everything in between. Wipe down toys, changing tables, and other areas in the nursery with an all-natural surface cleaner that is free of harmful chemicals or parabens. This will freshen things up, without exposing your little to toxic ingredients.
This area of your home is also prone to dust bunnies and cobwebs, so dusting is an absolute must. Gross, right? A long-reaching duster is a great way to remove dust and debris from hard-to-reach areas. We recommend one that can bend and shape to fit into corners. Meanwhile, a steam cleaner is a great way to clean up any filth or residue that’s hiding in your carpet—just make sure you use a baby friendly cleaning products!
When it’s time to do laundry, wash clothes with a gentle, fragrance-free detergent. A mild laundry soap that is sensitive on the skin with minimal ingredients will keep clothes clean and prevent irritation. This way, your little will stay as comfortable as possible, even if they have sensitive skin. Mrs. Meyer’s, Babyganics, and Seventh Generation have awesome, delicate formulas that fight stains and odors.
The kitchen
You probably use a lot of bottles, spoons, plates, bowls, and other utensils in a given day, and that’s totally OK. But it’s not OK to clean your little’s dishware with “traditional” antibacterial soap that could contain harmful carcinogenic ingredients because non-toxic and natural cleaning products are just as effective. Plus, green household products are baby safe! What’s not to love?
Kitchen floors are a magnet for dust, crumbs, and dirt. While it might seem difficult (and never-ending), it’s important to keep your kitchen floors as clean as possible—especially if you have a little explorer on your hands. Sweep, spray and scrub with eco-friendly floor cleaner for the best results. Another option we love is a steam mop, like the Shark® Vac-Then-Steam®. Because it only uses water, you can continue to clean chemical-free.
Don’t underestimate the power of homemade multi-purpose cleaners! The kitchen is an awesome place to use a DIY cleaner because, well, all the ingredients you need are an arm’s length away. Combine distilled white vinegar, water, and your favorite essential oil and you’ve got yourself a powerful natural cleaning product. Yes, it’s that easy—and there are no chemical smells!
For all areas
Do parenthood like the pro you are, and switch to some of these natural alternatives.
Kids and parents alike need to wash their hands to keep germs at bay. Stock up your bathroom, kitchen, and mud room with organic hand soaps, which give you a powerful clean just like traditional soaps. The good news? No harmful fillers! Everyone™ makes hand soaps that are safe for kids, and because they’re multi-purpose, your littles can enjoy the sweet scents all day long—and these products smell amazing! Who doesn’t want to smell delicious oranges and coconuts every time they lather up?
If you’re looking for an air freshener you can use in any room, we highly recommend an essential oil diffuser. An invigorating scent like lemon works well in dining areas, while lavender or tea tree is a must for bedrooms. It’s so fun to experiment with different combinations! We love Young Living Essential Oils, and you can find information about essential oil safety guidelines on their website.
A clean home makes everyone happier and healthier, which is why we hope our tips inspire you. You should never use household cleaners when kids are in the room; while ingredients like vinegar are natural, they still have strong odors that could bother little noses. Also, if you have or hire a sitter, let them know about your natural cleaning approach. This keeps everyone on the same page, and your sitter can reach for the right eco-friendly cleaning products when there’s an accident or mess.
Baby-safe cleaning products are the best way to keep your little, your home, and the environment safe. When you keep your home clean “the natural way,” you’re protecting your family and giving your child a safer place to learn, grow, and love.