The hardest thing about being a parent is that you are constantly asking yourself, “Am I doing a good job, “Did I do the right thing?” We spent countless hours thinking how this will affect their lives! But do you ever think about the products that you are using around them in your home? Most store bought products hold ingredients that we can’t pronounce and that are harmful to your family, pets, and environment! We should be teaching our children about eco-friendly living and taking care of our world!
The floors in our home is what originally sparked my interest in this topic! I love my tile floors, but boy, oh boy are the a tedious thing to keep clean with three boys and a dog. I was spraying whatever was a reach on the floor to sanitize before pulling out the mop. I never thought a thing about it until I read an article pertaining to eco-friendly products. I made me wonder what I was using. To my surprise the “great cleaning products” we full of things that could be harmful to my family, and that’s when I knew I had to begin some research of my own to figure out safe alternatives to my beloved cleaning toxins.
Here are seven of my favorite cleaning tips for your tiles! (You can use these on any tile surface…showers, backsplash, floors)
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Baking Soda
Yes! I couldn’t believe it myself! This is a simple, but powerful ingredient! This is best used for light cleaning of water spots or on a build up of dust or residue. Simply dip a damp sponge into a bowl of baking soda. Scrub the desired surface… tile or grout. Make sure to then rise the surface down or wipe down well with a damp cloth.
2) Vinegar
This ingredient is a true superstar! It is one of the most versatile and effective natural cleaners out there because of its acidic nature. This helps inhibit the growth of mold, mildew, and bacteria. For this natural cleaner mix equal parts of distilled white vinegar and water in a bottle. Spray generously onto the dirty surface and allow to sit for a few minutes before scrubbing with a brush or sponge.
3) Salt
Salt can kill single celled organisms such as mold by dehydrating it. For salt to be able to work its full potential the area must be wet when the salt is applied. If you are working on floors or another flat surface you can rub the area with a damp cloth and sprinkle on salt. This works best if you allow the salt to sit overnight before scrubbing the grouted part.
Tip: You can use any type of coarse salt! 
4) Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is a must have natural beauty enthusiasts for its power to lighten stains and skin blemishes. It works the exact same action when it comes to tiles – it is an effective stain remover. Like vinegar, fresh lemon juice is acidic in nature and creates an inhospitable environment for mold and mildew.
For the best results combine with baking soda, and see what this can really do!
5) Borax
This naturally-occurring mineral is highly alkaline which is why it is so effective in cleaning, disinfecting, and deodorizing. Use borax in the same manner as you would baking soda: dip a damp sponge into a bowl of borax powder, and scrub until your tiles and grout until they shine.
6) Hydrogen Peroxide
When all else fails to whiten grout and remove stubborn molds, it’s time for this miracle worker! Typically used for sanitizing cuts, hydrogen peroxide is a fantastic tool to whiten. Mix hydrogen peroxide with white flour to create a thick paste. Apply this to the grout and tiles and cover with plastic wrap. Allow to work its magic overnight, before rinsing well with cold water.
7) Steam Cleaning
This is an incredibly effective method of removing dirt, soap residue, bacteria and mold. Steam cleaners rely on high heats and pressure to do their job.These machines require no chemicals or products at all – and can be a great option for those who have mold allergies. This a great option for grout lines and tiles!
Happy Cleaning! I hope these tips that I discovered help you stop worrying a little bit! These natural ingredients have been a marvelous addition to my cleaning regiment and my families life! I never have to question if I’m making the best decision when it comes to cleaning now!