Ditch the Toxins: How to Make an All-Natural Cleaning Solution for a Healthy Body & Home

Written By Ashley Brandley

Have you ever thought about how the products you use to clean your home could be affecting your health?

If there’s one thing I’ve always felt uneasy about, it’s the cleaning aisle at the grocery store. Rows of brightly colored bottles labeled with warnings about toxic ingredients seem anything but something I should be using in my home. When I’ve used these products in the past, I’ve been left with a splitting headache and the lingering smell of chemicals that take over my home, making it feel less clean and more hazardous. This is what led me to explore natural alternatives, and the difference they’ve made in both my health and my home has been one of my favorite switches i’ve made.

Many store-bought cleaners contain harsh chemicals like phthalates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances, which act as endocrine disruptors. These chemicals can interfere with your body’s hormonal balance by mimicking or blocking hormones like estrogen, leading to long-term health impacts.

Studies have shown that endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can worsen PCOS symptoms by increasing cortisol and androgen levels, further driving inflammation and hormonal imbalance.

Switching to natural cleaning alternatives, like vinegar and lemon-based solutions, is an effective way to reduce your exposure to these harmful substances. Not only does this minimize the chemical load on your body, but it also helps lower stress on your endocrine system.

Let me introduce you to one of my favorite DIY cleaning hacks: a lemon-vinegar cleaner! It’s inexpensive, effective, and completely free of harmful chemicals.

When I prep my weekly turmeric lemon ginger shots (check out my other blog post for the recipe!), I make sure to save my lemon rinds to create this multi-purpose cleaner.

How to Make Lemon-Vinegar Cleaner

Things you’ll need:

  • Lemon rinds (from about 3-5 lemons)

  • White vinegar

  • A large glass jar with a lid

  • A spray bottle (for later use)

Instructions:

  1. Collect your lemon rinds after juicing, and place them in a glass jar.

  2. Fill the jar to the top with white vinegar.

  3. Seal the jar and let it sit for 2–4 weeks to infuse.

  4. Strain the mixture and pour the liquid into a spray bottle.

You now have a non-toxic cleaner perfect for counters, glass, sinks, and more!


Why Using Only These 2 Ingredients Works:

White vinegar is a natural cleaner with several benefits:

  • Breaks Down Dirt and Grime: Acetic acid dissolves grease, dirt, and mineral deposits.

  • Kills Bacteria: Vinegar disrupts the cell walls of bacteria and mold, acting as a natural disinfectant.

  • Neutralizes Odors: Its acidity neutralizes alkaline odor-causing molecules.

Lemon juice and rinds bring added cleaning power:

  • Citric Acid for Cleaning: Dissolves mineral deposits and grease, perfect for hard water stains.

  • Natural Antibacterial: Lemon juice has natural antimicrobial properties.

  • Essential Oils: Lemon peel contains limonene, which cuts through sticky residue and adds shine.

Give It a Try!

I’d love to hear how it works for you! Share your thoughts in the comments, and let’s create cleaner, healthier homes together.

Stay tuned for more tips on living a hormone-friendly lifestyle, from what you eat to how you clean.

Ashley Brandley