Teaching your child to clean is a part of life, but what about all those dangerous chemicals? Here are some homemade cleaning products that your child can safely use.
In general, children are playful, carefree and full of life. All they care about are their toys and not much else, no matter how much mess they might make. But most parents would want their children to become more responsible at an early age. There are some easy chores you can do with your children like folding and putting away clothes, making beds, taking out the garbage, wiping counters, windows, tables and chairs, or maybe dusting or sweeping the floor. There’s a whole lot more you can do together with your child in making doing chores a learning and enjoyable experience.
Teaching your children to clean not just their toys but other things or spaces as well can be good for their wellbeing. If taught at an early age, they can gain self-discipline as they grow. Along with that, it is of utmost importance to make sure your child uses only the safest cleaning products. You cannot put at risk the health of your child in using harmful chemicals contained in a product. You can use homemade cleaning products to use together with your child. Some cleaning suggestions would be a clean cloth, small broom with dustpan, sponge, and baby wipes, all carried in a cleaning caddy.
You can make your own cleaning spray that is chemical free and safe for your child to use. Simply mix 1 cup water with ¼ cup white vinegar and 20 drops of essential oil such as lemon or orange. Using a funnel, pour the mixture in a spray bottle. Shake well and use as an all-purpose cleaner to wipe tables, sinks, counters or windows. However, don’t use this mixture on marble or granite made counters, as the vinegar’s acidic feature will etch the surface.
If you want to polish your furniture without using toxic polishers, simply mix 1 cup olive oil with juice from half a lemon. Pour in a spray bottle and shake well. Spray on a clean cloth or rag and spread evenly. This is best used in cleaning wooden unvarnished furniture.
An effective, safe, cleaning product commonly used by homeowners is baking soda. To get rid of food deposits in your kitchen sink or debris in the tile grout in your bathroom, you can follow this recipe. Prepare ¼ cup baking soda, ½ cup vinegar and 2 liters water. Mix them well and apply in affected areas. You can store and set aside any excess, label it, and keep it for another use.
To make your own glass or window cleaner, another safe recipe would be a concoction of 1 liter warm water and 2 tsp. white vinegar. Use a crumpled newspaper or soft cloth to clean the window or glass.
Children imitate what adults are doing so you can set an example for them to follow by teaching them how to be responsible and organized at an early age.