Most of today’s cleaning products don’t only pose a risk to the environment but also to human health. It’s the perfect time to make your own toxic-free cleaning agent from home ingredients instead of spending money on commercial cleaners loaded with harsh chemicals.

Here are tips on cleaning your furniture the eco-friendly way.

Wood furniture

Wood is considered the universal material in making furniture. To clean it, remove dust using a clean cloth, small paint brush, or vacuum. Dusting removes particles from the surface and also gets rid of dirt which may become harder to remove when wet.

Cleaning wood with water isn’t usually recommended. However, if you do need to moisten the piece to remove sticky parts, make sure you follow it with lemon oil or olive oil. Mix 1 cup lemon juice with 1 tbsp. olive oil and spray the mixture onto a soft cloth. Wipe the furniture with the slightly damp cloth. Let it sit for a few minutes, then buff.

Beeswax is another product considered to give wood furniture a long-lasting shine. Using a clean cloth, apply the wax onto your furniture in a circular motion. When done, leave it for a couple of hours.

Glass furniture

Almost every house has glass furniture in one form or the other which are usually seen in minimalistic designs. Cleaning glass doesn’t actually need any chemical agents. The most you would need is a bit of washing liquid.

The easiest and fastest way to clean glass is by spraying it with water. For muddy surfaces, it may be necessary to apply mild soap with a sponge. After spraying it with mild soap solution, wipe the surface dry with a clean cloth. You can also polish the glass with crumpled newspaper for a really good shine.

Fabric furniture

Prevent dust and grime from building up by vacuuming or brushing your fabric furniture frequently. For hard-to-remove stains, use whisked detergent. Fill a container with half water, half mild soap and use a hand mixer to whip it up until you make foam. Dab the foam onto the spots but don’t rub. Allow to dry and vacuum.

For red wine or ink spills, use hydrogen peroxide and a teaspoon of mild soap. Blot it on the stain with a dry towel behind the fabric. This works great for curtains, carpets, and other fabrics.

When purchasing fabric furniture, consider the labels. The code “W” or “WS” means it can be cleaned with water-based agents such as mild soap.

Leather furniture

Leather is considered one of the most durable materials used for furniture. Some of the popular leather furniture pieces include leather sofas and leather club chairs. However, without proper maintenance, it can be as vulnerable as the other products.

To remove loose dirt and spills, wipe leather with distilled water using a soft sponge. Be careful not to soak the material as this might create a larger, irreversible stain. Also, avoid rubbing the area, just dab.

Avoid harmful soap, abrasive cleaners, or strong detergents as this can seriously damage leather. If your leather is stained with something oily, apply a small amount of cornstarch to the area and let it sit. Then, wipe it away with a cloth. Repeat the process until the oil has been fully absorbed by the powder.