Although there are countless commercial eco-friendly cleaning products on the market these days, all these products can be made at home using simple, inexpensive ingredients that are found around the house. With only a few key ingredients and supplies, making homemade cleaning products is a snap. Not only will these chemical-free green cleaning products help the environment, they are also safe to keep around the house, which is especially important in homes with small children.
Key Ingredients for Green Cleaning
There are a few basic ingredients that are needed to create the majority of green cleaning products. Different combinations of the following ingredients will work together to make a wide variety of homemade creations. Every green cleaning closet should include:
- White vinegar
- Lemon juice
- Baking soda
- Castile soap
- Washing soda
- Olive oil
Key Supplies for Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products
Instead of using paper towels, disposable dusting cloths, and disposable "magic" cleaning sponges, try using some of these reusable, inexpensive alternatives. Not only are they cheaper and better for the environment, but they are just as, if not more, effective than their commercial counterparts.
- Empty plastic spray bottles
- Microfibre reusable dusting cloths
- Cloth rags - cut up old t-shirts, sheets or towels that would otherwise been thrown out
- Plastic bristle scrub brush
Recipes for Homemade Green Cleaning Products
There are many combinations of only a few ingredients that will make a house sparkle. These are some of the most popular and effective cleaning solutions.
- Window/Glass Cleaner: In a spray bottle, mix 1-2 tbsp white vinegar with 1.2 litres of water. Shake and spray! For stubborn fingerprints, use a dab of rubbing alcohol and a dry cloth.
- Furniture Polish: In a spray bottle, mix the juice of 1 lemon, a teaspoon of olive oil, and a teaspoon of water. Shake and apply to the furniture. Allow the mixture to sit on the furniture for 5 minutes before buffing it with a dry polishing cloth.
- Toilet Bowl Cleaner: To clean toilet bowls, use one part baking soda to four parts vinegar. Sprinkle baking soda into the bowl, then squirt with vinegar. Let it sit for 15-30 minutes before scrubbing and flushing thoroughly.
- All-purpose Cleaner: In a spray bottle, combine 3 tbsp white vinegar, 1/2 tsp washing soda, 1/2 tsp castile soap, 2 cups of hot water. Shake and spray!
- Laundry Detergent: Combine 15ml castile soap, 1 cup of washing soda, 1 cup baking soda and 1 cup of white vinegar. Fill washer with water and add each ingredient one by one in the order given. Launder as usual.
- Oven Cleaner: Combine 1.2 litres of warm water, 2 tsp borax, and 2 tbsp castile soap. Spray on solution, wait 20 minues, clean with a rag and rinse with clean water.
Green Cleaning for a Safer Home
Cleaning a home with eco-friendly cleaning products can do much more than help the environment, it can also help provide a safer home. Families that use green cleaning products have less to worry about when it comes to keeping poisonous chemicals in the home - no need to worry if baby gets a hold of the vinegar and lemon juice solution! Homemade green cleaning products help the environment, provide a safer home, and are an inexpensive alternative to commercial cleaning products.
Mary-Kate Christopher - Mary-Kate is a freelance writer, blogger, mother, partner, baseball fan and aspiring holistic nutritionist living in Kingston, Canada. She ...
