Before Chemical Cleaners, Indian Homes Relied on These Ingredients
In an age of increasing environmental awareness and growing concern over chemical exposure within the home, many households are revisiting traditional cleaning practices rooted in nature.
Indian kitchens and gardens have long housed ingredients renowned not only for culinary or medicinal purposes, but also for their cleansing properties.
Vinegar, neem, lemon, baking soda and soapnut (reetha) offer effective, economical and environmentally sound alternatives to commercial cleaners. When used correctly, these natural substances provide reliable hygiene without compromising indoor air quality or ecological balance.
Conventional cleaning products contain synthetic fragrances, harsh surfactants and antimicrobial agents that may irritate the skin, trigger respiratory issues or contribute to water pollution.
In contrast, plant-based and naturally derived substances are biodegradable and have been used safely for generations. Many ingredients possess inherent antibacterial, antifungal or........





















Toi Staff
Sabine Sterk
Penny S. Tee
Gideon Levy
Waka Ikeda
Grant Arthur Gochin