Making your own green cleaners at home is a great way to avoid exposure to the harsh chemicals found in many conventional cleaning products. Not only is it better for your health, but it’s also better for the environment. Here’s how to get started making your own natural, non-toxic cleaners.
Why Make Your Own Green Cleaners?
There are a few key reasons why you may want to make your own DIY green cleaners:
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Avoid toxins – Many conventional cleaners contain ingredients like ammonia, bleach, formaldehyde, and phthalates. Exposure to these chemicals has been linked to health issues like asthma, cancer, and hormone disruption. Making your own cleaners allows you to control exactly what goes into them.
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Help the environment – Making your own cleaners reduces plastic waste from buying conventional cleaners in disposable bottles. It also cuts down on pollution since you aren’t using cleaners with harsh chemicals that get washed down the drain.
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Save money – Homemade cleaners are much cheaper than buying conventional cleaners. All you need are a few basic inexpensive ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and soap.
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Customize for your needs – You can tweak homemade cleaner recipes to be just what you need to tackle dirty countertops, grimy tile, or soap scum buildup. Add your favorite essential oils for scent too!
Equipment/Ingredients Needed
Making DIY cleaners is simple and requires just a few supplies:
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Glass spray bottles – For storing and spraying your homemade cleaners.
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Funnels – Helpful for getting your cleaner mixtures into spray bottles.
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Basic ingredients – Vinegar, baking soda, liquid castile soap, water, lemon juice, hydrogen peroxide, essential oils (for scent).
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Labels – To label your homemade cleaners so everyone knows what they are.
Top 5 DIY Green Cleaners
Here are 5 of the best homemade green cleaners to start with:
1. All-Purpose Cleaner
This homemade cleaner can be used to clean countertops, appliances, floors, and most other surfaces.
Ingredients:
– 1⁄2 cup vinegar
– 1⁄4 cup baking soda
– 1 tsp liquid castile soap
– 2 cups hot water
Instructions:
1. Combine ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake well before each use.
2. Spray directly on surface and wipe clean with a damp cloth or sponge.
2. Glass Cleaner
Gets windows, mirrors, and other glass sparkling clean.
Ingredients:
– 1⁄4 cup vinegar
– 1 tbsp rubbing alcohol
– 2 cups water
Instructions:
1. Combine ingredients in a spray bottle.
2. Lightly spray glass surface and wipe clean with a microfiber cloth.
3. Tub & Tile Cleaner
Removes soap scum, hard water stains, and grime from tubs, showers, and tiles.
Ingredients:
– 1⁄2 cup baking soda
– 1⁄4 cup liquid castile soap
– 1⁄4 cup vinegar
– 1⁄2 tsp essential oil (optional for scent)
– 2 cups hot water
Instructions:
1. Mix baking soda, soap, and vinegar first. Then add water and essential oil.
2. Apply directly onto surface to be cleaned. Allow to sit for 5 minutes.
3. Scrub with a sponge or scrub brush. Rinse thoroughly.
4. Wood Polish
Brings out the natural shine in wood surfaces around the home.
Ingredients:
– 1⁄4 cup olive oil
– 1⁄4 cup lemon juice
– Optional: few drops essential oil for scent
Instructions:
1. Mix ingredients in a glass spray bottle.
2. Lightly mist wood surface and wipe thoroughly with a clean cloth.
5. DIY Lysol Spray
Sanitizes surfaces and gives your home a fresh, clean scent.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups hot water
– 1⁄4 cup hydrogen peroxide
– 1 tsp liquid castile soap
– 10 drops essential oil (such as lemon, lavender, thyme)
Instructions:
1. Combine hot water, peroxide, and soap in a spray bottle.
2. Add essential oil(s).
3. Shake well before each use. Spray on surfaces and let sit for 5 minutes before wiping.
Tips for Making Your Own Green Cleaners
Follow these tips when formulating and using your homemade cleaners:
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Clearly label each spray bottle so everyone knows what’s inside.
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Store cleaners out of direct sunlight to preserve the ingredients.
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Give citrus-based cleaners a good shake before each use as the oils and water can separate.
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Don’t mix vinegar with hydrogen peroxide, bleach or ammonia – dangerous fumes can result!
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Wear gloves and ventilation when working with strong acids like vinegar or hydrogen peroxide.
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Use microfiber cloths to maximize cleaning power.
With just a few basic ingredients and supplies, you can make safe, eco-friendly cleaners tailored to your home’s needs. Give these DIY green cleaner recipes a try for a healthier home!
