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Part 1 - Cleaning The Home
The Non-Toxic GAPS Way

Spring Cleaning the Natural Way


Spring often brings a natural desire to open the windows, clear out clutter and refresh our homes. While traditionally associated with the season, this approach to cleaning can be embraced all year round.

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Your Non-Toxic Cleaning Toolkit
 

Soda Crystals (Washing Soda)

A powerful, mineral-based cleaner derived from natural sources such as salt and limestone. Excellent for cutting through grease, softening water and tackling heavily soiled areas, particularly useful for floors and laundry.

 

Bicarbonate of Soda

A true staple. Its gentle abrasiveness makes it ideal for scrubbing without damaging surfaces, while its natural deodorising properties neutralise odours rather than masking them.

 

White Vinegar
Naturally antibacterial and highly effective at dissolving limescale and soap scum. Particularly useful in hard water areas.
(Avoid use on natural stone such as granite or marble.)

 

Distilled Water
Free from minerals, making it ideal for streak-free cleaning on glass, mirrors, and finishing surfaces.

 

Castile Liquid Soap
A concentrated, plant-based soap traditionally made from olive or coconut oil. Gentle, versatile, and suitable for a wide range of cleaning tasks.

 

Essential Oils (Used Mindfully)
Oils such as tea tree, eucalyptus, lemon, lavender, oregano and rosemary offer natural antimicrobial properties while providing a fresh scent without synthetic fragrance.
A little goes a long way.

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Low-Waste, Sustainable Cleaning Tools

 

Natural cleaning isn’t just about ingredients, it’s also about reducing waste.

 

Before buying anything new, consider repurposing what you already have:

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  • Old clothing cut into cloths

  • Worn-out towels

  • Old toothbrushes for detailed cleaning

 

If purchasing new items:

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  • Choose compostable sponges or natural loofahs

  • Avoid microplastic-based cloths

  • Reuse spray bottles wherever possible

 

Small changes here can significantly reduce household waste over time.

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Practical Cleaning Tools

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  • Cleaning Scraper – ideal for removing burnt-on residue and limescale

  • Pumice Stone (on a stick) – effective for stubborn limescale

  • Crevice Brush – for tight, hard-to-reach areas

  • Repurposed Toothbrushes – perfect for fine detail work

  • Reusable Spray Bottles – relabel and reuse

  • Squeegee – essential for streak-free glass and shower screens

  • Natural cloths – bamboo or cellulose options preferred

  • Steam Cleaner – (Optional but A Powerful Ally in Low-Toxic Living)

  • Elbow Grease! - just a little

 

The Virtues of a Steam Cleaner

 

A highly effective addition. Using only water heated to high temperatures (typically 100–150°C at the nozzle).

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One of the simplest yet most effective tools in a natural home is the humble steam cleaner. Using nothing more than water heated to a high temperature, steam cleaning allows us to achieve a deep, thorough clean without the need for harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrances, or residue-laden products. It is a beautiful return to simplicity—where heat and water do the work nature intended.

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The power of steam lies in its ability to naturally sanitise. High temperatures help to eliminate bacteria, mould spores, dust mites, and other unwanted microbes, supporting a cleaner, healthier home environment without relying on conventional antibacterial agents. This makes it particularly valuable for families looking to reduce their overall toxic load, as well as for those with sensitivities, young children, or anyone following a healing protocol such as GAPS.

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Unlike many mainstream cleaning products, steam leaves nothing behind—no chemical films on surfaces, no lingering fumes in the air. This contributes to improved indoor air quality, which is an often-overlooked aspect of wellbeing. What we breathe in our homes matters just as much as what we put on our skin or into our bodies.

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From an environmental perspective, steam cleaning significantly reduces waste. There is no need for multiple plastic bottles, disposable wipes, or an array of specialised products. One device can be used across the home—from floors and tiles to bathrooms, kitchens, upholstery, and even mattresses—supporting a more mindful, low-waste lifestyle.

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Of course, like all tools, steam cleaners are best used with awareness. They may not be suitable for every surface, such as unsealed wood or delicate materials, and they do require electricity. However, when used thoughtfully, they offer a highly effective, low-toxin alternative that aligns beautifully with a natural approach to home care.

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In many ways, steam cleaning represents a gentle shift back to basics—reducing our reliance on chemicals and allowing us to create a clean, nourishing environment using one of nature’s simplest elements: water.

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Simple, Effective Cleaning Recipes

 

All-Purpose Cleaner

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  • 250ml distilled water

  • 250ml white vinegar

  • 1–2 tsp Castile soap

  • 20–30 drops essential oil

 

A versatile, everyday spray combining grease-cutting and gentle cleansing.  

 

Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle and shake before use.

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Natural Degreaser

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  • 1 litre hot water

  • 2-4 tbsp soda crystals

 

Ideal for ovens, hobs, and greasy surfaces.

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Tackling Limescale (Naturally)

 

Basic Method

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  • Bicarbonate of soda

  • White vinegar

 

Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda onto the affected area, then spray with white vinegar. Allow it to fizz and soften deposits for at least 30 minutes (or longer for heavier build-up) then gently remove the limescale using a cloth, loofah, scraper or pumice tool and rinse.

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Taps - Limescale often builds up around tap openings and the way I deal with this is to fill a small cloth or bag with bicarbonate of soda and tie it around the end of the tap. Spray with vinegar and leave overnight if possible.  Remove and gently clean away the softened limescale using a cloth, loofah, scraper or pumice tool and rinse.

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Shower Screens - Water droplets left on shower screens can quickly lead to limescale build-up.  Spray white vinegar onto the glass and use a natural loofah to wipe in circular motions. The mild abrasiveness combined with the vinegar helps lift residue. Rinse or spray with distilled water and finish with a squeegee.

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For more stubborn build-up, bicarbonate of soda can be added to your cloth before wiping, or a scraper can be used carefully.

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Regular maintenance makes all the difference.

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Glass & Mirror Cleaner

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  • 1 part distilled water

  • 1 part white vinegar

 

Spray lightly and wipe clean for a streak-free finish.

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Floor Cleaner

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Option 1:

  • 2 tbsp soda crystals

  • Bucket of hot water

 

Option 2:

  • 2 tbsp Castile soap

  • Bucket of hot water

 

Optional: add essential oils.

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Bathroom & General Cleaning

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  • ½ cup soda crystals

  • 1 litre hot water

 

A simple, effective solution for most surfaces (avoid aluminium).

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Drain Cleaner

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  • ½ cup bicarbonate of soda

  • ¼ cup white vinegar

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Allow to fizz, leave for an hour, then flush with hot water.

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Oven Cleaner

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  • 1 cup bicarbonate of soda

  • 1 tbsp water

  • 1 tbsp Castile soap

 

Mix into a paste, apply, leave overnight, then spray with vinegar and wipe clean.

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Natural Wood Furniture Polish

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  • Olive Oil

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Wipe away any dust using a damp, almost dry, cloth. 

Place a small amount of olive oil onto a clean, dry cloth and gently rub the oil into the wood using circular motions. 

Buff with a clean cloth to achieve a beautiful natural shine. 

 

Note - Olive oil helps to nourish and condition natural wood enhancing its appearance and bringing out its natural lustre without the need for synthetic polishes or chemical fragrances.

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