Natural Cleaning Solutions You Can Make at Home

Why Make Your Own Cleaning Products?

Cleaning your home is essential for removing dirt, germs, and odors. However, many commercial cleaning products contain harsh chemicals like ammonia, bleach, and formaldehyde. These chemicals can irritate eyes and skin and cause breathing problems. Making your own natural cleaning solutions at home allows you to avoid these chemicals while still getting your home clean. It also reduces plastic waste from all those store-bought cleaner bottles!

Here are some key benefits of natural homemade cleaners:

• Gentler on skin: No itchy eyes or rashes from harsh fumes. Natural ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and castile soap are much less irritating.

• Safer around kids & pets: No need to worry if they lick or touch damp surfaces after you clean.

• Cost savings: Homemade cleaners are a fraction of the price of commercial ones.

• Reduced waste: Reuse old containers instead of buying new plastic bottles.

• You control the ingredients: Use simple, recognizable ingredients you trust instead of complex chemicals.

Equipment You’ll Need

Making DIY cleaners is easy with just a few basic supplies:

• Glass spray bottles: For mixing and storing liquid cleaners.

• Funnels: To easily pour ingredients into spray bottles.

• Old containers: Such as yogurt tubs or ice cube trays for DIY cleaning blocks.

• Measuring cups & spoons: For accurately measuring ingredients.

• Cheesecloth: To strain citrus peels or herbs out of cleaners.

• Labels: So you remember what’s in each bottle.

Multi-Purpose Cleaner

This homemade cleaner tackles almost any hard surface in your home. Its natural ingredients disinfect, deodorize, and clean gently but effectively.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• 1⁄2 cup vinegar
• 1⁄4 cup baking soda
• 10 drops lemon essential oil (for scent; optional)

Instructions:

1. Add the water, vinegar, and baking soda to a spray bottle. Swirl gently to combine.

2. Add lemon oil, if using, and shake vigorously to incorporate.

3. Label bottle and store. Shake before each use.

4. To use, spray directly onto surfaces and wipe clean with a damp cloth.

Tip: For tough soap scum, let the cleaner sit for 5 minutes before wiping.

Why It Works:

• Vinegar dissolves dirt, grease, and stains. It also kills bacteria and viruses.

• Baking soda acts as a gentle abrasive to remove stuck-on gunk and neutralize odors.

• Lemon oil provides antibacterial properties and a fresh, clean scent. Avoid if you have pets—citrus oils can be toxic to cats and dogs when ingested.

DIY Disinfecting Wipes

Disinfecting wipes help destroy bacteria and viruses on surfaces. This homemade version uses natural rubbing alcohol as the disinfecting ingredient.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• 1⁄2 cup rubbing alcohol
• 1 tablespoon liquid castile soap
• 15 drops tea tree essential oil
• Old washcloths, cloth diapers, or cotton rags

Instructions:

1. Mix water, rubbing alcohol, soap, and tea tree oil in a bowl.

2. Soak washcloths in mixture until saturated.

3. Wring out excess liquid and store in an airtight container.

4. To use, pull out a wipe and clean surface. Allow surface to air dry for maximum disinfecting.

Why It Works:

• Rubbing alcohol kills bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It makes up 50% of this recipe to meet the concentration needed to sanitize.

• Tea tree oil provides extra antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties.

• Castile soap helps cut through grease and sticky messes.

Foaming Hand Soap

Washing hands frequently with soap and water is crucial for reducing the spread of germs and illness. This recipe makes lovely foaming hand soap using essential oils.

Ingredients:

• 1⁄3 cup liquid castile soap
• 2 tablespoons fractionated coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, helps retain moisture)
• 20-30 drops essential oil of your choice
• 2⁄3 cup water
• Foaming soap dispenser

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients to foaming dispenser and shake vigorously to combine.
2. Label bottle.
3. To use, pump a dollop into hands and wash thoroughly before rinsing.

Tip: Fractionated coconut oil makes the soap liquid at any temperature. Regular coconut oil will solidify below 76°F.

Why It Works:

• Castile soap is made from plant oils and cleans very effectively while remaining gentle.

• Fractionated coconut oil moisturizes skin and creates a nice foaming texture.

• Essential oils add natural fragrance and antibacterial properties. Good choices include lavender, lemon, peppermint, or tea tree oil.

Conclusion

Making your own natural cleaning products is easy, affordable, and healthier than using commercial cleaners full of harsh chemicals. With just a few basic ingredients and supplies, you can quickly whip up effective solutions tailored to your home’s needs. Give these recipes a try and enjoy the sparkling results!