Unlike an all-purpose cleaner (whose job is to clean surfaces that are dusty or lightly soiled), degreasers can cut through more caked-on messes. To do so, they’re usually formulated with harsher chemicals—which makes creating your own a good idea. If you don’t have these on hand, go out and grab some! They can be used for so many cleaning and degreasing purposes around the house. You should also avoid aluminum surfaces, as vinegar can cause staining, and it may have the same effect on certain stainless-steel utensils, such as kitchen knives. For these areas, use the liquid Castile soap recipe above. She is Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition, has a Master’s degree in holistic nutrition from Hawthorn University, and holds multiple certificates in the environmental health field. She is the author of the forthcoming book: The Slightly Greener Method: Detoxifying Your Home Is Easier, Faster, and Less Expensive than You Think, which will release summer 2021. As a childhood leukemia survivor and mother of three (including one with multiple learning disabilities), Tonya helps parents learn how toxins in the home can affect their family’s health.
