Green cleaning has become increasingly popular as more people look for eco-friendly ways to keep their homes fresh and clean. While you may already be using some green cleaning staples like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils, there are likely many satisfying DIY solutions you haven’t discovered yet. After testing countless combinations, I’ve rounded up my favorite green cleaning hacks that deliver sparkling results without harsh chemicals.
Make Your Own All-Purpose Cleaner
One of the most versatile green cleaning solutions is a simple DIY all-purpose cleaner. With just a few inexpensive ingredients, you can make a spray that tackles messes throughout your home.
A Basic Formula
To whip up a basic all-purpose cleaner, you’ll need:
- 1 cup water – Forms the base of the cleaner. You can use tap water.
- 1⁄2 cup distilled white vinegar – Cuts through grease and grime without leaving streaks.
- 1⁄4 cup rubbing alcohol – Disinfects surfaces.
- 5-10 drops essential oil (optional) – Adds a light scent. Lemon, lavender, and tea tree oil are great choices.
Mix the ingredients together in a spray bottle. Use on countertops, appliances, mirrors, and more. It’s safe for most surfaces yet strong enough to clean thoroughly without toxic fumes.
Customize Your Cleaner
Once you master the basic formula, experiment with adding other ingredients to tailor the cleaner to specific needs:
- Baking soda – Extra scrubbing power for tougher messes
- Hydrogen peroxide – Natural whitening for sinks and bathtubs
- Lemon juice – Cutting grease and brightening stainless steel
- Castile soap – Added grease-fighting for kitchen messes
The possibilities are endless!
Clean Windows and Mirrors with Vinegar
Pesky streaks on glass surfaces can be frustrating. For crystal clear windows and mirrors minus the hassle, straight vinegar is surprisingly effective.
Use Undiluted Vinegar
Simply put some undiluted white vinegar into a spray bottle. Spray directly onto the glass surface and wipe clean with a microfiber cloth or crumpled newspaper. The acetic acid in vinegar cleans without leaving smudges or lint.
Vinegar is strong enough on its own so there’s no need to add other ingredients. It removes dirt, water spots, and buildup easily.
Buff Away Streaks
If you notice any residual streaks, simply spray a small amount of vinegar onto the microfiber cloth instead of directly onto the window. Give a final buffing to ensure sparkling results.
The vinegar evaporates rapidly so there’s no strong scent left behind either. It’s the perfect natural glass cleaner!
Freshen Carpets with Baking Soda
Carpets trap odors easily, making the whole home seem stuffy. Harsh chemical carpet powders often just mask scents temporarily instead of removing them. For a satisfying deep clean, baking soda is a miracle deodorizer.
Sprinkle and Let Sit
To freshen carpets, simply sprinkle baking soda liberally over the carpeted area. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes to fully absorb odors. The baking soda will pull odors out of the carpet fibers as it settles in.
Vacuum Away
After letting the baking soda sit, run the vacuum over the area to remove it. This will pull away the baking soda along with the funky scents from your carpet. All that will remain is fresh, clean carpet that smells amazing!
Optional Essential Oils
You can add 5-10 drops of essential oils like lemon or lavender to the baking soda before sprinkling for extra odor neutralizing power. The oils provide a light scent while the baking soda gets to work absorbing bad smells.
Conclusion
Green cleaning can be just as effective as harsh cleaners if you use the right natural ingredients. A simple DIY all-purpose spray, undiluted vinegar for glass, and baking soda for carpets are three satisfying solutions to try first. Experiment with other eco-friendly cleaners to find your perfect homemade formulas that keep your home sparkling.
