Natural cleaners are an environmentally friendly, non-toxic, and cost-effective solution for keeping your home clean and free of harmful chemicals. They are easy to make, using only ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Natural cleaners also have the added benefit of being safe and gentle for children and pets.
Making your own natural cleaners can also save you money. Many store-bought cleaning products are expensive due to the cost of advertising, packaging, and profit margins. By making your own cleaners, you avoid these extra costs and only pay for the basic ingredients.
The process of making natural cleaners is straightforward, requiring minimal time and effort. Below you will find a comprehensive guide to making and using your own household cleaners.
All-Purpose Cleaner
An all-purpose cleaner is a versatile tool in your cleaning arsenal. It can be used to clean surfaces, remove stains, deodorize, and sanitize.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup distilled white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- Lemon rind
- Rosemary sprigs
Instructions:
Combine the vinegar, water, lemon rind, and rosemary in a spray bottle. Shake the mixture until it’s well mixed. Let it infuse for a week before using it.
Glass Cleaner
Having sparkling windows and mirrors is an easy way to make your home look and feel cleaner.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of water
- 1/4 cup white or apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch
Instructions:
Combine ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well.
Kitchen Cleaner and Deodorizer
Keeping your kitchen clean is essential for food safety and preventing pests. A natural kitchen cleaner and deodorizer can tackle grease, food splatters, and odors.
Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons baking soda
- 1 quart warm water
Instructions:
Dissolve baking soda in warm water. Apply with a sponge or spray bottle.
Lime and Rust Remover
Lime build-up and rust can make your bathroom look dirty and old. This natural cleaning mixture will remove those marks and leave your surfaces looking like new.
Ingredients:
- 1 part white vinegar
- 1 part salt
Instructions:
Combine the vinegar and salt in a bowl until it forms a paste. Apply the paste to rust and lime build-up and let sit for a few hours. Rinse with warm water.
Wood Polish
Maintaining the sheen and health of your wooden furniture and surfaces is easily done with a natural wood polish.
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup white or apple cider vinegar
- A few drops of lemon essential oil (optional)
Instructions:
Combine the oil and vinegar in a jar or container. Add a few drops of lemon oil if desired for scent. Shake well before using.
Carpet Stain Remover
Stains on carpets and rugs can be difficult to remove. Most store-bought carpet cleaners contain harmful chemicals. A homemade stain remover can break down the stain, leaving your carpets looking new.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1/4 cup baking soda
Instructions:
Create a paste by mixing the vinegar and baking soda. Apply the paste to the stain and let it dry. Vacuum up the residue.
Mold and Mildew Remover
Mold and mildew can be harmful to health, as well as unsightly. This homemade cleaner can eradicate mold and mildew while preventing future growth.
Ingredients:
- 1 part hydrogen peroxide
- 2 parts water
Instructions:
Combine the hydrogen peroxide and water in a spray bottle and spray directly onto moldy surfaces. Let sit for at least one hour before wiping clean.
Non-Toxic Oven Cleaner
Cleaning the oven is one of the most notorious home cleaning jobs. A natural oven cleaner can cut through burnt-on food and grime without the harsh fumes of store-bought cleaners.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 2-3 tablespoons water
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
Instructions:
Create a paste with the baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the inside of the oven and let sit overnight. The next day, spray the dried paste with vinegar. Wipe clean to reveal a clean and shiny oven.
Using natural cleaners in your home is not just beneficial for the health and safety of your family and pets, it’s also great for the environment. When you drain chemical cleaners, they can end up polluting rivers, lakes, and soil. By using natural cleaners, you’re eliminating the chance of adding those harmful substances to the ecosystem.
Overall, implementing the use of DIY natural cleaners for your home is an eco-friendly and affordable approach to maintain cleanliness. A final tip is always to label your homemade cleaners clearly so you know what’s inside and test a small area first if you’re worried about potential discoloration or damage. With all these tips and recipes to guide you, it’s now time to roll up your sleeves and start ‘cleaning green.’
