When it comes to cleaning, natural is the way to go. I understand it may not always be possible to “go green” but with these recipes below, I will make it so much easier for you to be a little friendlier to the environment.
A few basic ingredients are all you need to start making your own cleaners but before I share the homemade cleaner recipes with you, I wanted to give you a few tips that will help you along the way:
Old T-Shirt Rags
An easy way to clean up spills around your house is to use old repurposed 100% cotton t-shirts. Keep your t-shirt rags in a basket near your sink or underneath the kitchen and bathroom counters. You’ll always have them on hand and no need to worry about keeping them pretty, just toss them in the wash when you’re done.
Newspapers
Newspapers are great for removing lint and cleaning glass! You can also avoid going through a roll of paper towels when you are cleaning the car windows or that bathroom mirror. Just throw the newspaper away when you’re done using them.
Essential Oils
Many essential oils have antimicrobial properties which means they can inhibit the growth of, or even kill, certain bacteria and fungi! A few of our favorites: Thyme, Tea Tree, Lavender, Rosemary.
Homemade Cleaner Recipes
All-purpose cleaners can work for a majority of things and are especially helpful in bathrooms and kitchens. Here are a few of our favorites:
All-Purpose Vinegar Spray
1 cup white distilled vinegar
1 cup water
Mix vinegar and water together in a spray bottle and spray on desired surfaces. Wipe away with a clean cloth.
All-Purpose Citrus Spray
2 cups water
2 cups white distilled vinegar
20 drops citrus essential oil (examples: lemon, grapefruit, orange, lemongrass)
Mix all together in a spray bottle and spray as needed.
All-Purpose Disinfecting Spray
2 tablespoons white distilled vinegar
2 teaspoons liquid castile soap (example: Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint)
2 tablespoons baking soda
2 cups warm water
Mix all but the water in the bottle and wait for the baking soda and vinegar to stop reacting before adding the water. Gently add the water and shake to mix well. Use on surfaces to clean and disinfect.
Homemade Disinfecting Wipes
1 cup water
2 tablespoons white distilled vinegar
2 tablespoons castile soap (example: Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint)
20 drops of any of these essential oils *you can also mix and match them* (Thyme, Tea Tree, Lemon, Lavender or Rosemary)
Mix together and pour over small t-shirt scraps to use as disinfecting wipes! These ready-to-go wipes can be stored in an airtight container like a mason jar for example!
Granite Counter Cleaner
1/8 cup vodka
1 cup water
drop of dish soap
8 drops of essential oil of your choice
Mix ingredients in a small spray bottle and shake well before use.
Lemon Stain Remover
1/2 cup baking soda
10 drops lemon essential oil
Lemon juice
Make a paste using the ingredients. Place on the stain and allow the mixture to sit for a few hours or overnight. Gently scrub the spot and rinse well.
Clogged Sink Cleaner
When your drains are clogged, try this cleaner that does not damage your pipes and fill your house with nasty smells.
1/2 cup baking soda
1 cup vinegar
1 gallon boiling water
1/2 cup salt
Pour baking soda down the drain first, add the vinegar and allow it to bubble and react for 15-20 minutes. In the meantime, boil the water and salt and then use it to flush the drain. Repeat as needed!
Citrus Dish Soap
Skip store-bought dish soap and try these dish soap recipes below. Save money and avoid nasty ingredients at the same time!
20 ounces castile soap (Example: Dr. Bronner’s or Dr. Woods)
20 drops lime or lemon essential oil
20 drops sweet orange essential oil
Mix all ingredients together and pour into a squirt bottle. Only need 1-2 squirts each time you use.
Floral Dish Soap
20 ounces castile soap (Example: Dr. Bronner’s or Dr. Woods)
10 drops lavender essential oil
10 drops ylang ylang oil
10 drops rosemary essential oil
Mix all ingredients together and pour into a squirt bottle. Only need 1-2 squirts each time you use.
Natural Fruit & Vegetable Spray
Soak or gently scrub fruits and vegetables with a mixture of vinegar and water and then rinse with water to cut through pesticides and dirt. Completely safe to use.
Citrus Refrigerator Spritz
Mix a 1:1 (equal parts) water and lemon juice. The acid in the lemon juice will kill bacteria while leaving your fridge with a refreshing scent.
Tea Tree Bathroom Spray
2 teaspoons tea tree essential oil
1 cup distilled water
Mix tea tree oil and water together in a spray bottle. Shake well before each use. Will kill bacteria and also prevent mildew from developing.
Note: Use hydrogen peroxide or tea tree oil in the bathroom to kill bacteria and avoid the toxic fumes from commercial products.
We hope you enjoyed these recipes! Let us know if you use any of them and also, don’t forget to share this article or pin it if you found it useful! THANK YOU!!!!
Leave a Comment