How much time do you spend down on the ground, sitting on your floors? As adults, we often spend very little time. But for your kids and your pets, it’s an everyday occurrence.

They lie and sleep on the floor. They play on the floor. They may even eat directly from the floor (yes, your kids too.)

And all that time playing invariably makes a mess. All of which require cleaning up.

There’s a right and a wrong way to do so. Commercial over-the-counter cleaners may state they are safe, but are they really? If you can’t read the labels, or a warning is printed right on the bottle, do you really want that near the family members you hold near and dear to your heart?

If you do use a commercial cleaner, dilution is very important. Be sure to keep everyone out of the room until the floors are clean and dry. When used correctly, the residue left behind will be minimal.

There are also other safer methods using all-natural solutions that can do the job just as well using ingredients from your pantry.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is one of the most versatile products you have in your home. It’s known for its odor absorbing and mild abrasive qualities, and can clean just about any mess you have in your home. Sprinkle some on your carpet, wait 30 minutes, vacuum, and you have a natural deodorizer. When you mix it with equal amounts of warm water and salt, it becomes a thick paste that can scrub everything from dishes to stained countertops and sinks.

Vinegar

For a quick all-purpose cleaner, combine ½ cup vinegar to a gallon of water, pour into a spray bottle and use as needed. This inexpensive solution cuts through grease and grime and will clean most surfaces easily. And because it’s natural, you can safely use it on a variety of things, including your dog’s toys, grooming tools, and other non-porous surfaces that need a little freshening up. You can store the mix in the bottle between uses.

Lemons

If the smell of vinegar is a little too strong for your tastes, use a little lemon juice instead. Mix three cups of hot water with two tablespoons of baking soda and lemon juice. The baking soda cuts through grime while the lemon juice has natural enzymes that break down organic matter. Plus the fresh, clean scent is an added bonus. You can use it safely on a variety of surfaces and feel good about what it leaves behind. Check with manufacturers guidelines first, or test on surfaces to ensure resiliency and colorfastness.

Carpet Stains

Accidents on carpet can be a nuisance. Before you pull out the chemical-laden cleaners, try something natural instead. For light carpet stains, two tablespoons of salt mixed into ½ cup of white vinegar may do the trick. Be sure the salt completely dissolved before using. For heavier carpet stains, add in two tablespoons of borax, making sure both the salt and borax dissolve before using. For tough, ground in stains, mix one tablespoon white vinegar with one tablespoon cornstarch until a thick paste forms. Rub it into the stain with a dry cloth and let it sit for up to two days. Vacuum.