Guest Post: Toddler Friendly Cleaning

Our home may not be tidy but it is clean. While mommy has given up on keeping all of my stuff under control, the war on germs continues. It looks like chaos but it’s a safe place to play.

I’m a toddler and it’s my job to explore. I wouldn’t be doing a thorough job if I didn’t chew on the couch cushions and give the floor an occasional lick. That’s just what toddlers do. Mommy’s job isn’t to stop me, but rather to make sure I can explore safely.

Keeping things germ free is important but it is also important that germs aren’t being replaced with harmful chemicals. Many commercial products leave residue behind that isn’t safe for a thorough explorer like me. Luckily, there are alternatives.

Mommy and I recently received an email from Nicole from Dream W2 EOT Cleaners. Nicole is an avid supporter of going green and she was interested in submitting an article with tips for a safer way to clean. While these ideas are geared towards safe cleaning around toddlers, they can really benefit anyone who wants to limit their exposure to harsh chemicals and toxic fumes.

Toddler Friendly Cleaning. What To Avoid.

Kids will be kids. They are used to getting into mischiefs and surely they enjoy making a mess in our homes. However, involving your children in helping you with the chores is not that easy. Anyway, I am not here to share my opinion and tips on how to encourage them to get a chore done the way you would want them to. I am here to make the cleaning safer for them. Hopefully, you will benefit from my solutions.

There are many store-bought cleaning detergents and agents which contain harsh chemicals and toxins. They appear to be powerful against all forms of grime and stains but are they really safe for you, your children and pets? I was really suspicious about their safety. That is why last year I decided to go for the green cleaning. I browsed a couple of web sites and a few home made cleaners really attracted my attention. Since then these cleaners are the only cleaners I use. At least I am sure that my little ones are safe.

These alternative cleaning products, about which I will tell you, are green, inexpensive and easy to make. Do you know what is the best part? I bet that you already have most of the necessary ingredients in your kitchen! So lets begin.

White vinegar and baking soda

If you are a diligent and caring housewife, then you are definitely familiar with this mixture. Perhaps because it is highly efficient…and natural. No matter whether you are cleaning a dirty and sticky counter top, disinfecting the toilet or sink, or re-freshening the fridge or trash bin, this powerful mixture will come to the rescue. You can use white vinegar and baking soda separately or in combination. Either way you choose, there are never ending benefits and uses.

This home made product is outstandingly toddler-friendly as both products are used daily in our kitchens. So if your children accidentally swallow this mixture, your biggest problem will be listening to their complaints and whining. I am sure you can live with it. You can ask your kids to prepare the solution by themselves by mixing equal parts of white vinegar and baking soda, and then put it on your crusty bakeware or cookware. Your toddlers will be impressed at the bubbling reaction without having a clue that they are actually helping you. If this is not a win-win situation I do not know what else could be!

Essential oils

I have been using essential oils for over a year already because they contain natural and safe ingredients. Plus, they leave an incredible aroma in my home. There is a wide range of essential oils you can choose from- tea tree oil, citrus oil, eucalyptus oil, etc. As well as refreshing your home, they can also be used for disinfection of counter tops, furniture and even repelling insects. The most important thing is that they are absolutely toddler-friendly!

My favourite one is the citrus oil. Nothing smells fresher! It is not a coincidence that a lot of store-bought products are masking the harsh chemical smell with citrus. No matter whether it be a lemon, lime, or orange, all of them are antibacterial! Arm yourself with a spray bottle and fill it with one part water and one part white vinegar. Then add a few drops of essential oil and… perform your magic. You can use it for disinfecting counter tops, furniture…and even plastic high chairs or toys.

If you want to protect your children from harsh chemicals, then my advice is to avoid using store-bought cleaners which are not only expensive, but dangerous as well. Go green, go toddler-friendly!

This is a guest posts from Nicole Gardiner. She is a manager of a small cleaning company called  Dream W2 EOT Cleaners. Nicole is a mother and truly believes that going green is the right way.

Do you want to submit your own guest post to Diary of a Little Peach? We would love to hear from you!