As someone who’s always been conscious about the products I use in my home, I’ve been on a mission to find effective yet eco-friendly cleaning solutions. My journey into the world of green cleaning started years ago when some friends threw me a “pantry party” and gifted me a set of concentrated cleaning products that drastically cut down on materials and packaging. From there, I started experimenting with simple multi-purpose cleaners like the old standbys of white vinegar, baking soda, and Dawn dish soap.
Over time, I’ve dabbled in all sorts of DIY cleaning concoctions, from making all-purpose cleaner from citrus peels to crafting my own laundry and dishwasher pods. I even cloth diapered my third child, trying to minimize my household’s environmental impact. But as I’ve grown into my homekeeping style, I’ve found that not every green cleaning method is a perfect fit for my needs.
The Balancing Act of Cleaning Efficacy and Sustainability
Now, fifteen years into keeping my own home, I’ve given up on certain green cleaning methods entirely. For instance, I became a convert to commercial Stainless Steel Cleaner when I saw the mirror-like gleam it could achieve on my friend’s fridge. And homemade detergents of any kind are a thing of the past for me – I just don’t have the time or energy to make them, and to be honest, they didn’t work that well for my needs.
In many cases, the choice comes down to efficacy. I can and sometimes still do use a mist of oil to polish our stainless steel appliances, but I definitely have some old green standbys that retain a place in my cleaning arsenal. I still sprinkle baking soda in our bathroom sinks to scour them, and follow up with a vinegar rinse. Alvin Corn remains my favorite glass cleaner, and I still mix it up myself. And my go-to for cleaning soap scum off our glass shower enclosures is vinegar in a spray bottle followed by Dawn Powerwash.
So I feel like I straddle two worlds – the natural cleaning world and the chemical one – and it serves my household well. My personal philosophy is to use the simplest products unless there’s a reason to use something more manufactured or specific. Sometimes this reason is because I like the smell of something else. But even in the areas that routinely get the natural treatment, there’s a time and a place for the big guns.
The Power of Resetting and Maintaining with Gentler Methods
In fact, being open to whipping out the stronger stuff allows me to use more gentle products for maintenance. I call this practice “re-setting,” and it’s how I reconcile my cleaning identities (if there’s such a thing!). Here are some examples of how I re-set at home so I can use gentler methods for routine cleaning:
- If our stainless steel appliances start to look dull and streaky, I’ll break out the commercial cleaner to get them gleaming again. Then I can maintain that shine with a quick wipe-down using a cloth and some olive oil.
- When our shower glass starts to build up a nasty layer of soap scum, I’ll use the vinegar-and-Dawn combo to cut through it. Afterwards, I can keep it looking fresh with a weekly vinegar spray-down.
- If our bathroom sinks or tubs start to look dingy, I’ll give them a good scrubbing with baking soda before reverting to my usual light maintenance routine.
While I still endeavor to choose mild cleaners that are gentle enough for my kids to use, I’m also a bit more humble about using harsher cleaners when the situation calls for it. After all, it pays to be open to trying new things in order to keep the home you love looking its best.
The Advantages of DIY Sustainable Cleaners
Now, don’t get me wrong – I’m definitely still a proponent of DIY sustainable cleaning. There are so many great reasons to make your own household cleaners, from the environmental benefits to the cost savings. Many cleaning services also encourage their clients to explore homemade options, as they can be just as effective as commercial products.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air pollution ranks among the top environmental dangers, much of which comes from everyday cleaning products. The EPA notes that health effects associated with indoor air pollutants include respiratory issues, eye and skin irritation, and even cancer. Yet the safety of cleaning products isn’t closely regulated or assessed.
Fortunately, homemade cleaners can pack an equally powerful cleaning punch to most commercially-made cleaners. Studies have shown that simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide can be effective at killing bacteria, viruses, and fungi. And the best part? You likely already have many of these natural cleaning superheroes in your pantry.
Stocking Up on DIY Cleaning Essentials
When it comes to stocking up on DIY cleaning supplies, here are some of the stars of the show:
- Baking soda: Works well on grease, proteins, and animal messes. It’s an excellent deodorizer and less expensive than store-bought scrubbing powders.
- Distilled white vinegar: Due to its acidic nature, vinegar works very well on alkaline substances. It’s more effective at higher concentrations.
- Hydrogen peroxide: A more eco-friendly alternative to bleach, hydrogen peroxide breaks down into harmless oxygen and water.
- Lemon juice: Cuts through grease, kills mildew and mold, and makes surfaces shine.
- Castile soap: Can act as a laundry detergent, floor cleaner, dish soap, and even a shampoo. It’s made with olive oil or a vegetable base.
With a few simple recipes and some reusable cleaning cloths, you’re well on your way to a healthier, thriftier, and more environmentally-friendly home. And the best part? You may already have many of the necessary ingredients in your pantry or bathroom cabinet.
DIY Cleaning Recipes to Try at Home
Ready to get started? Here are some of my favorite DIY cleaning recipes to try:
All-Purpose Citrus-Infused Vinegar Cleaner
Ingredients:
– 2 cups water
– 1 cup white vinegar
– Peels from 2-3 citrus fruits (lemon, orange, grapefruit, etc.)
Directions:
1. Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well.
2. Spray generously on surfaces and wipe clean with a cloth.
Non-Toxic Laundry Detergent
Ingredients:
– 1 cup grated bar soap (like castile or vegetable-based)
– 1/2 cup washing soda
– 1/2 cup borax (optional)
Directions:
1. Grate the bar soap and mix with the washing soda and borax (if using).
2. Use 1-2 tablespoons per load of laundry.
Disinfecting Cleaning Solution
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide
– 1/4 cup baking soda
– 1 teaspoon liquid castile soap
– 10 drops essential oil (optional)
Directions:
1. Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well.
2. Spray on surfaces and let sit for several minutes before wiping clean.
These are just a few examples of the many effective DIY cleaning recipes you can try at home. With a little experimentation, you can find the perfect blend of natural ingredients that work best for your specific cleaning needs.
The Importance of Responsible DIY Cleaning
Of course, it’s important to remember that natural doesn’t automatically mean harmless. All household cleaners, whether store-bought or homemade, should be used cautiously. Always wear gloves and ensure proper ventilation when working with any cleaning products.
Additionally, there are a few circumstances where you’ll want to avoid certain DIY ingredients. For example, vinegar is generally household-friendly, but its acidity can strip finishes or damage surfaces like granite, marble, and aluminum. And while mixing vinegar or lemon juice with castile soap can create an effective cleaner, the two ingredients will actually neutralize each other due to their opposite pH levels.
Before spraying any cleaner on a surface, it’s a good idea to test it on a hidden area first to ensure it won’t cause damage. With a little research and experimentation, you can find the perfect balance of effective, eco-friendly, and safe cleaning solutions for your home.
So there you have it – my journey into the world of green cleaning and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. It may take some trial and error, but incorporating more DIY sustainable cleaners is a fantastic way to reduce harsh chemicals, save money, and protect the environment. And who knows? You might even enjoy the process of creating your own custom cleaning concoctions. Happy cleaning!
