Create a Non-Toxic Home: DIY Cleaning Solutions

Why Make Your Own Cleaning Products?

Commercial cleaning products often contain harsh chemicals like ammonia, chlorine, and formaldehyde that can irritate eyes and skin. Making your own cleaning solutions allows you to avoid these chemicals and use natural, non-toxic ingredients instead. Going the DIY route helps me create a healthier home environment for my family. Plus, it saves money and reduces plastic waste from all those cleaning product bottles.

Ingredients to Have on Hand

Here are some basic ingredients to keep stocked for making effective, eco-friendly cleaners:

• White vinegar – cuts grease, removes mildew, odors, and some stains.

• Baking soda – deodorizes, scours, and polishes without scratching.

• Lemon juice – cuts grease, removes stains, and freshens.

• Hydrogen peroxide – disinfects and whitens.

• Essential oils like lemon, lavender, peppermint – add natural fragrance.

• Castile soap – lifts dirt. Look for fragrance-free, unscented varieties.

• Washing soda – removes stubborn grease and stains.

• Borax – deodorizes and disinfects.

All-Purpose Cleaner

This homemade all-purpose cleaner tackles almost any cleaning task. It cuts grease, removes stains, and disinfects surfaces.

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 cup white vinegar
• 1⁄4 cup baking soda
• 1 tsp liquid castile soap
• 10 drops lemon essential oil
• 2 cups hot water

Instructions

1. Combine vinegar, baking soda, castile soap, and lemon oil in a spray bottle.
2. Add hot water to bottle. Shake gently to mix.
3. Spray directly onto surface and wipe clean with a damp cloth or sponge.

Shake bottle before each use to remix ingredients.

Glass and Window Cleaner

This vinegar-based cleaner helps windows and glass shine. The corn starch prevents streaking.

Ingredients

• 2 cups warm water
• 1⁄4 cup white vinegar
• 1 tbsp corn starch

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients to a spray bottle. Shake vigorously to dissolve cornstarch.
2. Spray a light mist onto glass surface and wipe clean with a microfiber cloth.

Avoid using this on TV screens or computer monitors which may be damaged by liquids.

Disinfecting Cleaner

When you need to sanitize surfaces like countertops and bathrooms, this cleaner with hydrogen peroxide gets the job done without harsh fumes.

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 1⁄2 cup hydrogen peroxide
• 1 tsp liquid castile soap
• 10 drops tea tree essential oil

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake gently to mix.
2. Spray directly onto surfaces. Let sit for 3-5 minutes.
3. Wipe clean with a damp cloth. No need to rinse.

Test on an inconspicuous area first to check for colorfastness.

Lemon Oven Cleaner

This paste cleans oven grease and burnt-on food. The salt acts as a gentle abrasive.

Ingredients

• 1⁄4 cup baking soda
• 1⁄4 cup salt
• 5 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

1. Mix ingredients into a paste.
2. Spread paste thickly over oven surfaces. Avoid bare metal and heating elements.
3. Let paste sit for at least 30 minutes. Reapply if needed.
4. Wipe away grease and food residue with a damp cloth. A scrub brush helps remove stubborn buildup.
5. Rinse clean.

Lavender Laundry Detergent

Cleaning clothes naturally is easy with this simple DIY detergent. It’s septic system safe too.

Ingredients

• 1 bar castile soap, grated
• 1 cup washing soda
• 15 drops lavender essential oil
• 5 cups hot water

Instructions

1. Grate bar of castile soap into a large pot. Add washing soda.
2. Pour in hot water and stir occasionally until soap dissolves.
3. Let cool completely. Stir in lavender oil.
4. Funnel into an empty detergent bottle. Use 1⁄4 cup per load.

Shake before each use to remix.

The Takeaway

With a few basic ingredients, I can make effective, non-toxic cleaners customized to my home’s needs. Doing it myself saves money, avoids harsh chemicals, and reduces plastic waste. My family and home feel so much fresher and healthier. What are your favorite homemade cleaning solutions? I’d love to hear any tips you have!