A lot of our common household cleaning products are considered toxic and damaging to our health and the environment. Thankfully, there are natural and safer alternative ways to keep your home clean, fresh, and sanitary. DIY household cleaners not only cut down on packaging and plastic waste but also help reduce air and water pollution — with the majority of cleaning ingredients already on your kitchen shelves, they are also more economical!
Check out these easy to make homemade cleaners that are eco-friendly AND really work:
1. All-Purpose Cleaner
Combine vinegar, water, the rind of a lemon, and some rosemary sprigs into a spray bottle. Give it a, shake to mix well, then set aside for a week to let the ingredients infuse. Once it’s ready, you’ll have an organic cleaning product that can be used to remove stubborn stains from almost any surface.
2. Glass Cleaner
For a smear-free glass cleaner, mix 2 cups of water, 1/2 cup white or cider vinegar, and a 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol (70% concentration). Add 1-2 drops of essential oil to add a nice scent. You can spray directly onto the windows and wipe with a paper towel or a soft cloth. For cleaning mirrors, it’s better to spray the mixture onto a cloth first. You’ll have sparkling glass using your DIY, eco-friendly glass cleaner.
3. Kitchen Cleaner
Kitchen counters, appliances, and refrigerators can get pretty grubby very quickly. For an easy, homemade cleaner for your kitchen, all you need is baking soda. It works as a deodorizer and is great for bringing stainless steel sinks and appliances back to their original shine. Just mix 4 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 quart of warm water and pour the solution onto a clean sponge and wipe.
4. Tile Grout Cleaner
This area can be hard to clean even with regular methods but this recipe for tile grout cleaner will give excellent results. Mix borax, baking soda, washing soda, and 100ml of 3% hydrogen peroxide and apply to the grout lines. Leave it to oxidize for 30 minutes before scrubbing with a tile brush, and then rinse off. Your bathroom or kitchen tiles will look good as new!
5. Toilet Cleaner
No one likes this job, but with just a couple of regular household ingredients, you’ll have a quick and easy solution. Sprinkle a cup of baking soda into the toilet bowl and leave it for about an hour. Then pour over a cup of white vinegar and let that sit for 5 mins before flushing. You don’t even need to scrub!
6. Water Ring Remover
If a wet glass has been set on your antique coffee table and has left a water ring, don’t panic! This DIY household cleaner will save the day. Make your solution from one part white (non-gel) toothpaste and one part baking soda.
Using a dampened cloth, gently apply the toothpaste mixture to the stain and rub in the direction of the wood grain. Then rub off with a dry cloth and give a final shine with a soft cloth and polish.
7. Cookware
Sea salt or coarse salt mixed with a lemon juice will make an organic and eco-friendly cleaner that is safe to use on your cookware. Another option is a paste made from baking soda and water. This works particularly well on stained cups and mugs.
Homemade cleaning products aren’t just non-toxic and better for your health and home, but they are also eco-friendly and can save you money!