These DIY alternatives are environmentally friendly and especially great for families with children or pets.
- White vinegar: Vinegar is a great natural cleaning agent that can remove grease, odor, and stains. It is safe to use on almost all surfaces except natural stone because, over time, it can cause etching on the surface.
- Baking soda: The grainy texture of baking soda can help to break down stains safely. It is great to clean from the tub and shower tiles to the kitchen sink and appliances. Remember that baking soda is an abrasive cleaner, it can be too hard on softer materials such as the wood floor/furniture, or gold-lined dishes.
- Lemon juice: Lemon juice also makes an excellent natural cleaner. The acidity of lemons is both antiseptic and antibacterial.
- Orange/lemon peels or rosemary: If you are concerned that essential oils can cause skin irritation for your pets, try lemon/orange peels or rosemary. Once a staple in hospitals, orange and lemon peels or rosemary are safe for everyone, added to natural cleaning products as an antibacterial, and antiseptic as well as to freshen up rooms with a lovely scent.
- Essential oils: Essential oils are powerful, concentrated oils that are made from flowers, leaves, and roots of plants added to your DIY cleaning products as they also have antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. However, not all essential oils are suitable for pets or pregnancy. Always check with the doctor before using essential oils.
- Microfiber cloths: These are washable and reusable. They are great for trapping and absorbing dirt, grease, and dust. These can be used to clean glass, mirrors, and electronics. These are a great alternative to paper towels.
Once you have decided to take the homemade cleaning products plunge, do not skip the easy cleaning recipes below:
1. Kitchen Cleaner and Deodorizer
Try mixing: 1 cup of vinegar and 1 cup of water to clean kitchen appliances and countertops. You can also try another recommendation if baking soda is available in your home. Shine spots on stainless steel and deodorize the inside of your refrigerator with a paste of 4 tablespoons of baking soda and 1 quart of warm water.
2. Wood Cleaner
Make your own wood polish by combining 1/2 cup white vinegar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 3/4 cup olive oil (essential oils can be added as well). Olive oil is great for wooden surfaces; it helps protect the wood while keeping it nourished and gives it a nice shine.
The homemade lemon cleaner is beneficial for cleaning cutting boards to deodorize the surface. Use salt, lemon, and warm water mixture, and scrub with a soft cloth.
3. Glass Cleaner
Most DIY glass cleaners use water as a base. This recipe includes 2 cups of water (distilled water is best), 1/2 cup white vinegar, and 5-8 drops of essential oil. Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle and gently shake together. This homemade cleaner will leave your windows and mirrors sparkling.
Tip: Avoid cleaning windows on a hot, sunny day or in direct sunlight, because the solution will dry too quickly and leave lots of streaks.
4. Reducing Painted Discoloration
If you have a painted surface that has some discoloration due to oxidization, take baking soda and add water until it becomes a paste, then gently rub it into the discolored area. This should help to remove some of the paint oxidation.
5. Homemade Brass Cleaner
To clean tarnished brass cabinet pulls and knobs or decorative ware, dampen a sponge with vinegar or lemon juice, then sprinkle on salt. Lightly rub over the surface and immediately dry with clean microfiber cloths.
6. All-Purpose Cleaner
To create an all-purpose kitchen cleaner, combine 1/2 cup vinegar, 1/4 cup baking soda, 1 quart of water, and a few drops of essential oils for the smell, then let it sit for at least a couple of weeks. Once done, you can use the homemade all-purpose cleaner to remove hard stains, clean trash cans, or wipe away wall smudges.
You can also add a few lemon peels instead of essential oils. Besides a fresh scent, the lemon rind may help boost cleaning power.
7. Natural Stone Cleaner
Most acidic regular cleaners are too harsh for permeable natural stones such as granite, limestone, or marble. Add a mixture of hydrogen peroxide, 1/2 tablespoon of dish soap, and a few essential oils to an opaque spray bottle – exposure to light kills its effectiveness – and spray on your surfaces. Let everything bubble for a few minutes, then scrub and rinse clean with a microfiber cloth. This recipe is also great for stainless steel appliances and glass!
When you put these recipes to the test, you might be surprised at how well they compete with commercial products. You will not only save money, but you will also improve the quality of your indoor air. Make your home more natural, non-toxic, and eco-friendly!
