Top 10 Non-Toxic Ingredients You Need in Your Home
Just as we care about what we eat, we should also care about what we clean with. The surfaces we prepare food on, the air we breathe, the items we handle every day - all of them deserve the same level of thought and care as the food we put on our plates.
At The Natural Larder Collective, we believe in simple, intentional living - and that extends into every corner of the home. Natural cleaning isn’t just better for the planet; it’s better for your body, your air, and your peace of mind.
Here are 10 essential ingredients that can transform your home into a fresher, safer space - free from unnecessary toxins and full of nature’s quiet power!
1. White Vinegar
A pantry staple with a purpose. Vinegar cuts through grease, limescale, and bacteria. Use it in sprays, soaks, and glass cleaners.
2. Lemons
Naturally antiseptic and wonderfully fresh. Lemons shine in cutting boards, taps, sinks, and fridges. A squeeze and a scrub is often all you need.
3. Baking Soda (Bicarbonate of Soda)
A gentle yet powerful abrasive. It neutralises odours, lifts stains, and softens water. Perfect for sinks, ovens, and bathroom tiles.
4. Salt (Coarse Sea Salt or Blackthorn Salt Scraps)
Salt’s gritty texture makes it ideal for scrubbing tough stains and absorbing moisture. Pair with lemon for a dynamic cleaning duo.
5. Castile Soap
Made from plant oils (like olive or coconut), this liquid soap is biodegradable, versatile, and deeply effective. Use it for floors, dishes, even laundry.
6. Essential Oils (Like Lavender, Tea Tree, or Lemon)
These add a beautiful scent while bringing antibacterial or antifungal properties. Add a few drops to any DIY blend.
7. Cornflour (Cornstarch)
Great for polishing glass, soaking up oily stains, or even refreshing fabric and carpets naturally.
8. Olive Oil
Not just for salads - olive oil makes a nourishing wood polish when paired with vinegar or lemon. Restores life to cutting boards and wooden utensils.
9. Vodka or Witch Hazel
These clear liquids are wonderful natural disinfectants. Use them in linen sprays or glass cleaner recipes for a streak-free shine.
10. Natural Bar Soap Scraps
Don’t toss the end bits - melt them down to make surface scrubs or multi-use cleaning gels. A waste-free, grounding solution.
Final Thoughts
A naturally cleaned home doesn’t just sparkle - it feels different. Calmer. Lighter. Safer. When you surround yourself with fewer chemicals and more intention, you create a space that nurtures both your body and the earth.
This way of cleaning is not only effective - it’s also a quiet act of care. For your family. For the planet. For the slow, intentional life we believe in at The Natural Larder Collective.
Because in the end, cleaning isn’t just about what you remove. It’s about what you choose to leave behind: purity, balance, and peace.