These days manyof us are becoming more aware of the products and the chemicals they contain around us. When it comes to cleaning our homes, one trip down the cleaning aisle at the store provides plenty of choices. But are they all healthy choices, for us and/or our enviornment?
While it is becoming more…becoming to use enviornmentally friendly products (I will share my favorites shortly), we also have a much less expensive and easy to do option: make our own. There is an incredible array of products we can make with items likely on hand at home that work just as well- if not better- than store bought chemically laden products.
Below you will find a list of recipes to create your own cleaning products that will leave your house sparkling clean! Here is a list of the top 6 items to have on hand- with these 6 items, you can make *alomst* any cleaner, including laundry detergent, that you will need.
Grocery List:
Borax
Super Washing Soda
Castile Soap
Essential oils (tea tree, lemon, lavendar and orange are favorites, but you pick!)
Baking Soda
White Vinegar (get a jug, you will use this a lot!)
Also, an empty spray bottle and air tight container (if you choose to make the laundry detergent or carpet freshener).
All Purpose Cleaner
Recipe #1
Diluted White Vinegar
1:4 parts water, in a spray bottle. Vinegar is truly incredible. The mild acidity of vinegar dissolves soap scum, dirt, and hard water deposits from smooth surfaces. It is also microbial. Use on countertops in the kitchen and bathroom, toilets, showers and all flooring, including wood!The scent of vinegar dissapears as it dries.
Recipe #2
Undiluted White Vinegar
Use white vinegar straight from the container for the tougher soap scum or water deposits. Spray or apply vinegar, let sit for 10 to 15 minutes and then scrub the grime away. If an abrasive would be helpful, apply baking soda to area before scrubbing. This works great on porcelain tubs and toilets.
If the smell of vinegar is a non-negotiable for you, try this:
Recipe #3
1/2 Cup White Vinegar
2Tbsp baking soda
10 drops essential oil of your choosing (tea tree, lavendar or lemon contain disinfecting properties).
In the event that you have come across something that requires more than what vinegar can do even with baking soda, try this!
Homemade Soft Scrub
1 1/2 cups baking soda
1/8 of a cup of castile soap
1/8 of a cup of water
10 drops essential oil of your choosing (remember that tea tree, lavendar or lemon disinfect!)
Mix ingredients together to form a paste. Apply and scrub that soil away! Store remainder in an air tight container. If it dries out, a little water will loosen it back up.
Homemade Carpet Freshener
2 cups Borax
1 cup baking soda
10 drops essential oil of your choosing
Combine together and store in an air tight container. Sprinkle on carpet and let it sit for up to a half an hour, and vacuum!
Va-voom fresh!
Check out this Wiki How Page to learn how to make your own laundry detergent, liquid or powder. There are a few different recipes, and I’ve tried and had success with two. I have a house full, all the time, and the laundry Never Ends. I’m thankful for a less expensive, nicer-to-the-enviornment option!
As promised above, here is a list of my favorite go-to’s at the store. I admit that sometimes I like to change things up a bit. These are products I use guilt free. I invite you to check out their web pages to read their inspiring stories!
Mrs. Meyers Clean Day
Dr. Bronner’s All-One
Simple Green
Happy Cleaning To You!!