While there are plenty of household cleaning products available at the big-box stores and supermarkets, many of these cleaners contain harsh or even dangerous ingredients and chemicals. More and more women are taking a DIY green cleaning approach to not only make their homes fresher but to save money and do their part to improve the environment. Interested in making your own cleaning products? It’s simple and requires only a few ingredients, some of which you probably already have on hand!
Common green cleaning ingredients include:
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- Rubbing alcohol
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Borax
- Vegetable or olive oil
- Fresh herbs
- Castile soap
- Essential oils
- Liquid soap
Once you have your ingredients on hand, you’ll need a few spray bottles and screw-top jars to store your natural cleaners in, along with cleaning cloths or a toilet brush depending on the task at hand. Caution: There are some green cleaners you should never mix, so take note!
DIY green cleaning recipes
Whether you’re cleaning the toilet, polishing the furniture or cleaning the windows, here’s how to make your own cleaning products!
Toilet Cleaner
All you’ll need to have your toilets sparkling and fresh is 1/4 cup of vinegar and one cup of borax. Pour both into your toilets when everyone’s ready for bed, then simply scrub and flush in the morning. You can also do this any time of the day that you have a few hours when the toilets won’t be used.
Glass Cleaner
In a spray bottle mix one cup of water, one tablespoon of vinegar, and one cup of rubbing alcohol. This is all you’ll need to make a glass cleaner that rivals any brand you’ll find at the supermarket and can also be used on chrome, stainless steel, hard tiles, and many other surfaces. Use a clean cloth to scrub surfaces, or to ensure streak-free windows and mirrors nothing beats an old newspaper!
Furniture Polish
Your furniture will gleam when you polish it using 1/2 cup of lemon juice and 1/4 cup of olive oil mixed in a spray bottle — and the lemon juice leaves a fresh, clean smell. Just use a clean, soft cloth to polish before wiping with another clean cloth to remove any residual cleaner and leave your furniture with a rich shine.
These are just a few examples of simple recipes you can use to make your entire home sparkle without using harsh chemicals. From scrubbing the shower/tub and cleaning the oven without having to scrub to natural laundry brighteners, there are countless ways to make your own cleaning products using the simple (and affordable) ingredients listed above!
Making your own green cleaning products can save you a bundle while making the air inside your home healthier. If you have enjoyed these cleaning tips and want more, count on Molly Maid for all things housekeeping related!
