It has been exactly one year since I started making my own household cleaners. I made the move because I hate chemicals and I’m obsessed with finding new natural ways to clean or amp up my beauty routine.
In most cases, less is more. The shorter the ingredient list, the better. It’s also helpful if you can pronounce very word, too!
So, in honor of Earth Day coming up this week, I’d thought I’d share the DIY natural cleaners that have been working for me. I hope they can work for you and your family!
Toy and Surface Cleaner
Fill re-usable spray bottle with distilled water.
Add 2 tbsp. Castile soap.
*I like Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps. I’ve been using the unscented baby mild. Target sells this soap at a reasonable price and you only need a little bit. Castile soap has so many uses. Dr. Bronner’s website has a lot of information that can help you decide how best to use it in your home. It takes me a long time to get through one bottle!
All-Purpose Cleaner
1 part white vinegar
1 part water
10-20 drops lemon or tea tree essential oil
*Instead of using just plain white distilled vinegar, I soak leftover orange peels in the vinegar and let them ferment for two weeks before making the solution. The orange peels give it a pleasant smell, plus the oranges have natural, anti-microbial properties.
Grease and Crayon Remover
Few drops essential oil
Window Cleaner- 1
4 ounces of white vinegar
3 drops lemon essential oil
Window Cleaner- 2
1/2 cup of white distilled vinegar
2 cups of warm water
1 tbsp. corn starch
A couple of quick notes:
>>I bought my bottles on Amazon If you buy bottles in bulk it’s cheaper. Plus, you’ll probably use that many bottles anyway for your cleaners.
Be careful with essential oils. Make sure to read up on which ones are safe for kids and which ones are best for which cleaning purpose. I’ve been buying my oils on Vitacost.com. So far, I’ve been using lemon, grapefruit and eucalyptus. I’m still new to this whole essential oils movement!
Pat yourself on the back. You’re doing a wonderful thing for the environment and your family by protecting them from harsh chemicals.
This was pretty easy, am I right?
Have you tried to make your own cleaning products? If so, what’s your recipe? I’d love to have it!
