Introduction
I’m excited to share my knowledge about creating natural cleaning products using herbs, flowers, and other plants from the garden. Making your own cleaners is rewarding, eco-friendly, and can save money. Many common garden plants have cleansing and disinfecting properties that make them great natural cleaning ingredients. In this article, I will provide an in-depth look at which plants work best and how to turn them into powerful cleaners and disinfectants for your home.
Best Herbs for Natural Cleaning
Lavender
Lavender has a fresh, floral scent and antibacterial properties that make it an excellent addition to natural cleaners. The dried flowers or lavender essential oil can be used. Some ways to use lavender for cleaning include:
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Mix 2 tablespoons dried lavender flowers or 2-3 drops lavender oil into a spray bottle filled with water to make a antimicrobial linen spray.
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Add 5-8 drops lavender oil to a bucket of water with vinegar and use it to wash floors. Lavender provides a pleasant scent and extra disinfecting action.
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Put a few drops of lavender oil on a cloth and wipe down counters or appliances to disinfect and leave a fresh scent.
Rosemary
Rosemary is another aromatic herb with disinfecting abilities. The needles from the rosemary plant contain compounds like rosmarinic acid that have been shown to fight bacteria and viruses. Ways to use rosemary for natural cleaning:
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Make a concentrated rosemary cleaning solution by boiling a handful of fresh or dried rosemary in water for 10 minutes. Use the cooled liquid as a deodorizing rinse for dishes or smelly garbage cans.
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Mix crushed, dried rosemary into a baking soda scrub to scour sinks and tiles. The rosemary boosts the cleaning power and leaves an invigorating scent.
Thyme
Thyme contains thymol, a natural antibacterial and antifungal compound. Thyme essential oil or dried thyme can be used in natural cleaners. Some ideas:
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Add several drops of thyme oil to all-purpose vinegar cleaning spray. The thyme oil will boost disinfecting action.
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Place thyme sprigs in a vase of water to inhibit bacterial growth and keep cut flowers fresher longer.
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Make a concentrated thyme cleaning solution by steeping thyme in hot water. Use it to mop floors or wipe down surfaces where mold could grow.
Best Flowers for Cleaning
Calendula
The bright orange and yellow calendula flowers have mild antibacterial and antifungal properties. Calendula petals can be dried and added to cleaning products. Ways to use calendula:
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Place dried calendula petals in a jar, cover with vinegar, and let infuse for 2 weeks. Strain and use the vinegar as a multi-purpose cleaner.
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Add a handful of dried calendula flowers to a bucket with sudsy water and use it to wash delicate fabrics. Calendula can help brighten clothes and combat musty smells.
Sunflowers
Sunflowers have natural degreasing abilities. The seeds contain compounds that help cut through kitchen grease and oils. To use sunflowers:
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Place 1 cup sunflower seeds in a blender with 2 cups water and blend into a scrubbing paste. Apply to counters, stoves, or floors where grease accumulates.
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Save the seeds from fresh sunflowers. Place a handful in a small muslin bag and keep it in your kitchen sink to help break down grease and food residue as you wash dishes.
Marigolds
Marigolds have cleansing and antibacterial properties. The vibrant orange and yellow flowers can be used dried or fresh in homemade cleaners. Ideas include:
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Make a concentrated marigold infusion by filling a mason jar with marigold petals and pouring boiling water over them. Let cool, then strain. Use the liquid to wipe down surfaces.
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Add a few drops of marigold essential oil to your toilet bowl brush water or toilet scrub recipe. Marigold can help disinfect and deodorize.
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Place fresh marigold blooms in the rinse water when hand washing delicate fabrics. Marigolds can help brighten colors and fight odors.
Other Plants for Natural Cleaning
Mint
Mint leaves and essential oils provide a fresh, clean scent. Add mint to all-purpose cleaners or use mint tea to rinse floors. The strong aroma also helps deter pests like mice.
Lemon balm
Lemon balm has a light citrus scent and antibacterial properties. Infuse lemon balm leaves in vinegar or water to make disinfecting cleaning sprays.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus oil has antibacterial and antiviral compounds called cineoles. Add a few drops to any natural cleaner recipe to boost germ-busting power. It also cuts through grease.
Pine
Pine oil has a clean, forest-fresh fragrance. Add it to natural cleaning solutions or use it straight on surfaces. Pine oil can disinfect and deodorize.
Making Your Own Natural Cleaners
Now that you know which garden plants have the best cleaning powers, it’s easy to start making your own solutions. Here are some simple recipes to try:
All-Purpose Herbal Cleaner
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 1/4 cup vodka
- 15-20 drops essential oils like lavender, lemon, and tea tree
- Combine ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake before each use.
Disinfecting Pine Cleaner
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 1/4 cup pine sol
- 5 drops pine essential oil
- Combine in a spray bottle and use anywhere that needs disinfecting.
Lavender Laundry Rinse
- 2 quarts warm water
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 10 drops lavender essential oil
- Add ingredients to rinse cycle to freshen laundry.
Making your own natural cleaners is simple, affordable, and eco-friendly. Tap into the cleaning powers of common garden herbs and flowers for disinfectants and degreasers that get the job done without harsh chemicals. Start creating your own plant-based cleaning solutions today!
