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Banish Toxins with Homemade Cleaning Products

Do you want to hear something ironic? The household cleaners that we often use to rid our homes of dirt and germs leave toxic chemicals in their place. It seems strange to clean a surface, only to leave it worse off than it was before. Don’t you think? Instead of using toxic chemicals, try these homemade cleaning products to get your house sparkling.

Cleaning products are some of the most poorly regulated items on the market, yet they are often the most dangerous. Even those labeled “green” or “natural” may be full of chemicals that can damage your heart and your health. The cheapest and safest cleaning products are the ones you make yourself.

What’s wrong with store-bought cleaners?

Federal law requires that ingredients be listed on food, medications, and cosmetics packages but not on household cleaners. Unfortunately, that means that, in most instances, consumers have no idea what chemicals are in their homes. 

Conventional household cleaners are packed with everything from formaldehyde to chloroform. Additionally, many cleaning products release volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These chemicals vaporize easily, making it easy to inhale dangerous substances. VOCs cause pulmonary and cardiac problems, among many other health issues. In fact, a recent study found that exposure to VOCs may increase blood pressure. As a result, cleaning products have a history of wreaking havoc on health. 

Can I buy natural cleaning products?

As consumers learn more about the harmful effects of toxic cleaning products, there has been an increased demand for safer options. Companies have responded by changing their marketing, but not always their ingredients or practices. 

Many cleaning products are labeled with words like “green,” “natural,” “plant-based,” or “eco-friendly.” However, these terms are not regulated, so companies can use them to attract buyers to their products with little basis. For example, a product can have one natural ingredient and still be filled with toxic dyes, preservatives, fragrances, and irritants. 

Not all cleaning product companies are deceitful, however. Some reputable companies are selling non-toxic cleaners that you can trust. Here are some ways that you can determine if a product is safe: 

  • Check for ingredients on the product or the website – If companies are genuinely going natural, they are proud of it and will list their ingredients. If you can’t find an ingredient list, the product is likely not as safe as it claims to be.
  • Look for the USDA organic label – Many cleaning products claim to be organic but may only contain one or two organic ingredients. Only products with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) organic logo are considered organic. However, many excellent products don’t carry the USDA organic label, as becoming certified is cumbersome and expensive. Don’t rule a product out just because you don’t see that label. 
  • Check with reputable organizations – Organizations such as the Environmental Working Group (EWG) research products’ health and environmental safety and typically publish annual reports on the safety of cleaning products. 

Safe ingredients for homemade cleaning products 

Cleaning solutions don’t need to be complex. Safe and effective ingredients that can be used alone or in combination are often found right in your home. You can complete many cleaning tasks simply with water, soap, and a bit of elbow grease. Here is a list of our other non-toxic homemade cleaning products: 

Vinegar

Vinegar is one of the best ingredients to have on hand for natural cleaning. A mild acid, vinegar can break down dirt, stains, rust, and soap scum. Studies have also shown that vinegar is also a mild disinfectant. The antibacterial properties of vinegar help it kill unwanted microbes like the flu or tuberculosis

While the acetic acid in vinegar is helpful for cleaning, it can damage some surfaces. It’s best to test a small surface area before cleaning the entire space. 

Baking soda

The little box in the back of your fridge does more than just deodorize. Baking soda has been used as a natural cleaning solution for centuries. Unlike vinegar, baking soda is slightly basic, which allows it to react with acids in the air and neutralize them. 

This slightly abrasive salt mixes well with vinegar to clean plastic, chrome, steel, and glass. Studies have shown baking soda to be an excellent tooth-whitener, so it stands to reason that it can also safely whiten tile, grout, and other hard-to-clean areas of your home. The abrasive nature of baking soda can damage things like glass, marble, and wood, so be careful when using it on surfaces that could become scratched.

Natural soap

When choosing a soap to clean your home, wouldn’t it be great if it was non-toxic enough to also use on your body? Castile soap is just that! Castile soap has a neutral pH and will clean everything from dishes to floors to toilets to fruit. It is derived from vegetable oils and is antimicrobial and antibacterial, without all the added chemicals. One study even found that it helped speed wound healing in animals. Castile soap is a great addition to your homemade cleaning products.

Lemon juice or citrus fruits

It’s no coincidence that many conventional cleaning products are scented with lemon. Not only does this fruit smell amazing when cleaning, but it also acts as a natural sanitizer, inhibiting bacterial cell growth.  The acidic nature of lemons can cut grease and is an excellent choice for cleaning chrome, copper, and glass. Other citrus fruits like oranges, limes, or even grapefruit can do the trick if you are out of lemons.

Olive oil

The smooth nature of olive oil makes it a natural conditioner for various surfaces. Olive oil is excellent for homemade furniture polish, buffing streaks off stainless steel, and removing stickers or residue. It’s safe on leather and can even be used with a microfiber cloth to buff out those annoying water ring stains. 

Washing soda

The lesser-known cousin of baking soda, washing soda has a similar chemical composition to baking soda, although its higher pH makes it stronger. With high safety scores from the EWG, washing soda is an excellent choice for laundry. Its high alkalinity makes it a fantastic cleaner and a water softener. 

A natural solvent, washing soda can remove most stains, including blood and grease. It’s great for cleaning pots and pans and will also remove those hard-water stains in your bathroom. Washing soda can cause slight skin irritation in some, so we recommend using gloves with this natural cleanser.

Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is simply water with an extra oxygen molecule. This natural disinfectant has been used in the medical world for years. When it comes into contact with catalase, an enzyme found in most cells, it breaks the bonds and releases oxygen gas bubbles. As such, hydrogen peroxide is an excellent disinfectant for most cleaning jobs. 

The bleaching effects of hydrogen peroxide make it a great stain remover as well. However, a recent study found that the use of hydrogen peroxide as a cleaning agent may contribute to indoor pollution, so use it sparingly and with caution.

100% organic essential oils

Essential oils are an excellent way to add a pleasant fragrance to your homemade cleaning products. In addition to its lovely scent, each essential oil has beneficial properties. For example, peppermint oil will keep unwanted pests away, pine is an excellent deodorizer, and tea tree oil is antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal.

Alcohol

Rubbing, or isopropyl alcohol is an excellent surface disinfectant with a broad range of uses. While there is a wide range of concentration levels, the best concentration for cleaning is 70 percent. Because alcohol can kill many viruses, bacteria, and fungi, it’s a great addition to homemade cleaning products. 

Safe household cleaners

Non-toxic all-purpose cleaner

Ingredients 

  • 3 cups distilled water
  • 3 Tbsp castile soap (adjust up or down as desired)
  • 10-20 drops of essential oil of your choice 

Instructions

  1. Pour the water into a spray bottle, adding the castile soap and essential oil. Gently shake the ingredients in the bottle until mixed – store at room temperature. 
  2. Apply the cleaner on surfaces and wipe with a damp, wet cloth. Be certain to remove all of the cleaner, as it can leave a residue if not wiped off appropriately. 

Non-toxic bathroom cleaner

Ingredients 

  • 2 cups distilled water
  • 12 oz rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol
  • 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar
  • 5-10 drops of essential oil of your choice  

Instructions

  1. Pour the water into a spray bottle, adding the rubbing alcohol, vinegar, and essential oil. Gently shake the ingredients in the bottle until mixed – store at room temperature. 
  2. Use a damp cloth to pre-clean the surface. Apply non-toxic bathroom cleaner to the desired surface and let sit for 5-10 minutes. Wipe again with a damp cloth until clean. 

Note: Do not use vinegar on granite or marble. Instead, replace vinegar with 4 ounces of alcohol.

Non-toxic oven cleaner 

Ingredients 

  • 1/2 cup Castile dish soap
  • 1 cup baking soda
  • 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide
  • 2 Tbsp vinegar
  • A squeeze of lemon juice 

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until it resembles a thick glue.
  2. Remove all racks from the oven.
  3. Sprinkle water over the bottom of the oven.
  4. Cover the entire surface of the oven with the cleaning mixture.
  5. Let it sit for 20 minutes to several hours, depending on soil level.
  6. Use a damp sponge to remove the cleaning solution. It’s helpful to have a bucket of warm water for this step of the process. 
  7. Repeat with a paper towel or damp cloth until all cleaning solution is removed.

Non-toxic carpet cleaner 

Ingredients 

  • 1 ½ cup distilled white vinegar
  • 3 cups water
  • 3 tsp table salt
  • 5-15 drops of essential oil 

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle
  2. Spray the non-toxic cleaning solution on the carpet.
  3. Using a microfiber cloth or rag, spot-clean the carpet where needed.
  4. Allow the carpet to dry thoroughly.
  5. Vacuum the carpet to remove any dried residue. 

Non-toxic wood cleaner

Ingredients 

  • 1/2 cup water
  • 3/4 cup of lemon juice (3-5 lemons)
  • 1 tsp castile soap
  • 3-4 drops olive oil 

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
  2. Saturate a soft sponge or microfiber cloth with the mixture, squeezing out any excess.
  3. Wash wooden surfaces.

Next steps

The average American family spends upwards of $600 a year on cleaning supplies. That’s quite a sum to spend on toxic products that can cause your family to suffer from poor health. Making your own homemade cleaning products is much easier than you think. Put your feet up and enjoy your clean, safe home!

Eat Well · Live Well · Think Well 


Medical Review 2022: Dr. Lauren Lattanza NMD

In order to live well, one must eat well.

Get the Natural Heart Doctor approved Diet and discover how to eat for your 100 Year Heart.

Work With Us

Discover how we can help you achieve your 100 Year Heart.

About Dr. Lauren Lattanza NMD, FACC

Dr. Lattanza Office Visit with Patient

Dr. Lauren Lattanza Fees

20 Minute Virtual Call: $250

Initial In-Person Appointment:

Follow Up In-Person Appointment:       

As a Naturopathic Physician, I am trained to treat the whole person and get to the root cause of disease.

I went to Arizona State University where I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a depth in physiology and minor in Spanish. After my undergraduate degree I was working on prerequisite classes towards medical school, which is when I came to learn that my values identified best with the principles of naturopathic medicine. I knew that I wanted to help patients identify the causes of disease and be able to offer treatments which would improve their health rather than simply treating symptoms.

I dedicated the next 4 years to the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, Arizona where I attained my Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine. I served as Class President all 4 years, Board of Trustees – Student Trustee, spoke as the Club President for our branch of Toastmasters, and was voted by my peers and attending physicians to earn the Outstanding Leadership Award for the Class of 2020. Throughout medical school I took it upon myself to work alongside MDs, DOs, chiropractors, and functional medicine practitioners in addition to naturopathic physicians.

As a Spanish speaking student, I was able to volunteer with community clinics around Phoenix and provide free healthcare to low-income families. Due to this combined exposure, I came to find my passion in treating cardiometabolic and digestive disorders that are all too common, yet largely preventable. I took the opportunity to learn the broad spectrum of healthcare so I can ensure that I am able to provide my patients with the best options.

About Dr. Jack Wolfson DO, FACC

Dr. Wolfson Office Visit with Patient

Dr. Jack Wolfson Fees

30 Minute Virtual Call: $1500

Initial In-Person Appointment:

Follow Up In-Person Appointment:       

Dr. Jack Wolfson is a board-certified cardiologist, Amazon best-selling author, husband, father, and the nation’s #1 Natural Heart Doctor.

For more than two decades, more than one million people have enjoyed the warmth, compassion, and transformational power of his natural heart health courses and events.

Dr. Wolfson is the founder of Natural Heart Doctor Scottsdale, his heart health practice in Arizona, and Natural Heart Doctor, an online resource center with natural health information. Doctors from across the globe reach out to Dr. Wolfson for training and education in holistic health practices.

He has been named one of America’s Top Functional Medicine Doctors and is a five-time winner of the Natural Choice Awards as a holistic M.D. Dr. Wolfson’s work has been covered by more than 100 media outlets, including NBC, CNN, and the Washington Post. His book “The Paleo Cardiologist: The Natural Way to Heart Health” was an Amazon #1 best-seller.

Dr. Wolfson and his wife Heather have four children and are committed to making the world a better place to live. They provide for those in need (including animals) and support natural health causes through their philanthropic efforts.

Chiropractic

Our chiropractor is an expert at adjustments and holistic chiropractic care and works closely in conjunction with the other health care experts at Natural Heart Doctor.

Call (480) 535-6844 for details and scheduling.

IV Therapy

We use specially formulated natural vitamins and minerals that are injected into a vein to prevent or treat dehydration. Ideal for people in Arizona.

Call (480) 535-6844 for details and scheduling.

Acupuncture

Stimulate your body’s natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being with acupuncture at Natural Heart Doctor.

Call (480) 535-6844 for details and scheduling.

Health Coaching

Our health coaches use evidence based skillful conversation, clinical interventions, and strategies to engage you actively and safely in health behavior changes.

Call (480) 535-6844 for details and scheduling.

Cardio Tests

We use the most advanced testing in the world to assess heart health and to identify the root cause of your health issues.

Call (480) 535-6844 for details and scheduling.

Office Visits

Schedule an office visit with one of our cardiologists, holistic physicians, chiropractor, or health coaches.

Call (480) 535-6844 for details and scheduling.

Frequently Asked Questions

I’d like to receive an online second opinion from Natural Heart Doctor. What do I do next?

You can initiate a second opinion online through our website at any time. To begin, select the team member you’d like to speak with and open an account.

Click here for cardiologist Dr. Jack Wolfson.

Naturopathic Medical Doctor Dr. Lauren Lattanza. Get details.

Naturopathic Medical Doctor Dr. Tonia Rainier. Get details.

Click here for  Natural Heart Doctor Health Coach.

Alternatively, you can email health@naturalheartdoctor.com. A member of our care team will help guide you through the process of starting a second opinion.

What is the cost of a Natural Heart Doctor Online Second Opinion?

The cost for most second opinions varies by team member. This fee includes information collection, a phone or video consultation, a second opinion from a Natural Heart Doctor specialist and guidance throughout the process from your personal Care Team at Natural Heart Doctor.

Cardiologist Dr. Jack Wolfson’s Second Opinion Fee is $1500.

Holistic Physician’s Dr. Lauren Lattanza’s Second Opinion Fee is $250.

Naturopathic Physician Dr. Tonia Rainier’s Second Opinion Fee is $250.

Note: We apply the Online Second Opinion Call fee as a credit to any future consultations with Natural Heart Doctor, should you choose them.

Will my insurance cover the cost of a Natural Heart Doctor Online Second Opinion?

Most likely, no. Most health plans do not cover online second opinions or consultations. You are responsible for the cost of our second opinion. Natural Heart Doctor cannot file a claim with your insurance carrier, nor can we provide a procedure (CPT) code for this service.

What is the timeline to receive an online second opinion?

We do our best to schedule your second opinion as quickly as possible. Typically, it takes 5 to 7 business days after your information has been collected to receive your phone or video online second opinion.

What information do you need in advance of our call?

Our office will send you a short questionnaire to complete and return. We DO NOT need your complete medical records.

How many questions can I ask the expert during our call?

You may ask a maximum of five questions. This is to ensure that the expert has sufficient time to devote to each question. All questions must be finalized before your online meeting.

What should I expect to receive once my second opinion is complete?

You will receive a summary of our discussion along with our second opinion. The second opinion will be in written form. After you have reviewed the second opinion, a Natural Heart Doctor clinician will follow up with you by phone to address general medical questions about the information provided in the second opinion.

What if I have follow-up questions for the expert after I have reviewed my second opinion?

If you have a clarifying question about an expert’s response to one of the questions in your second opinion, and the Natural Heart Doctor clinician is unable to address it, then you may request a follow up session for an additional fee. 

Is my medical and payment information secure?

Natural Heart Doctor is strongly committed to protecting the privacy and security of all our patients. Our website meets all federal requirements for protecting personal health information under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). All financial transactions are processed by Natural Heart Doctor securely using industry standard payment processing tools.

I would rather visit Natural Heart Doctor for an in-person appointment. What should I do next?

If you would prefer an in-person appointment at Natural Heart Doctor instead of an online second opinion, please call (480) 535-6844 for details and scheduling.

Can I schedule a follow up appointment with the specialist who provided my online second opinion?

Yes, we’re happy to help you on an extended basis. Our clinician can discuss options with you when presenting our second opinion summary.