Making your own natural cleaning products is a great way to reduce the chemicals in your home, cut down on plastic waste, and help the environment. Here’s a simple, effective DIY all-purpose cleaner that uses natural ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. It’s safe, non-toxic, and works wonders on most surfaces.
1. Eco-Friendly All-Purpose Cleaner
Materials:
– 1 cup white vinegar
– 1 cup water
– 2 tablespoons baking soda
– 10-15 drops of essential oils (optional for scent and added cleaning power; lemon, tea tree, or lavender are great options) or orange/lemon peeling
– A reusable spray bottle
Instructions:
- Mix the Vinegar and Water: In a reusable spray bottle, combine 1 cup of white vinegar with 1 cup of water. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and works well to cut through grease and grime.
- Add Baking Soda: Carefully add 2 tablespoons of baking soda. It’s important to do this slowly, as baking soda reacts with vinegar and can foam up. This ingredient helps scrub tough spots and neutralizes odors.
- Essential Oils (Optional): Add 10-15 drops of your chosen essential oils. Lemon oil has antibacterial properties and a fresh scent, tea tree oil is great for killing bacteria and mold, and lavender oil provides a calming fragrance.
- Shake and Use: Close the bottle and shake gently to mix all the ingredients. Your natural cleaner is ready! Spray it on surfaces like countertops, sinks, and windows, and wipe clean with a cloth.
Notes:
– Avoid using this cleaner on natural stone surfaces like marble or granite because vinegar can damage the stone.
– For tougher stains, let the cleaner sit for a few minutes before scrubbing.
2. Hydrogen Peroxide for Stain Removal and Disinfection
Materials:
– Hydrogen peroxide (3% concentration)
– Water (for dilution)
– Spray bottle
Instructions:
- Dilute hydrogen peroxide with water in a 1:1 ratio (for gentle cleaning, use 1 part hydrogen peroxide to 2 parts water).
- Pour the mixture into a spray bottle.
- Spray directly onto stains, countertops, or bathroom surfaces.
- Let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe with a damp cloth.
Why This Works: Hydrogen peroxide is a natural bleaching agent that disinfects surfaces by breaking down into water and oxygen.
Environmental Benefit: It leaves no harmful residues and is much safer than chemical disinfectants.
3. Cornstarch for Glass Cleaning
Materials:
– Cornstarch
– Water
– Spray bottle (for glass cleaning)
– Vacuum (for carpet freshening)
For Glass Cleaning:
- Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 cup of water.
- Pour the mixture into a spray bottle.
- Spray onto glass surfaces and wipe with a dry cloth for a streak-free shine.
Why This Works: Cornstarch effectively absorbs odours and grease, leaving surfaces fresh without harsh chemicals.
Environmental Benefit: Cornstarch is biodegradable and comes from natural plant sources, making it a sustainable alternative to chemical-based cleaners.
4. Olive Oil and Vinegar for Wood Polish
Materials:
– 2 parts olive oil
– 1 part vinegar
– Soft cloth
Instructions:
- In a bowl or container, mix 2 parts olive oil with 1 part vinegar.
- Dip a soft cloth into the mixture.
- Gently rub the polish onto wooden furniture or floors in a circular motion.
- Buff the surface with a dry cloth for a smooth, shiny finish.
Why This Works: Olive oil nourishes the wood, while vinegar helps remove dirt and grime without damaging the surface.
Environmental Benefit: This natural polish avoids the toxic chemicals in commercial wood cleaners, making it safe for both you and the environment.
