Introduction
Having access to effective yet environmentally-friendly cleaning supplies can be challenging. However, there are many common plants that contain natural properties that make them great alternatives to harsh chemical cleaners. Growing your own natural cleaning supplies is easy, affordable, and better for your health and the environment.
Plants That Make Great Natural Cleaners
Mint
- Mint is an antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial plant. Its oils contain menthol, which gives it a refreshing aroma and cleaning capabilities.
- To make an all-purpose cleaner, boil mint leaves in water and mix the mint water with vinegar. The solution helps clean and disinfect surfaces.
- Spearmint, peppermint, and catmint are some mint varieties that work well as natural cleaners. Grow them in partially shaded areas.
Lavender
- Lavender has antiseptic and antibacterial properties that make it ideal for cleaning.
- Boil dried lavender buds in water to extract the oils and mix with baking soda to scrub surfaces. It cleans and deodorizes.
- Plant English lavender in well-drained soil and full sun. The fragrant flowers are also great for repelling insects.
Lemon balm
- Lemon balm has antibacterial properties. Its lemony flavor comes from citral and citronellal oils.
- Boil lemon balm leaves and soak cleaning rags in the cooled mint water. It cleans and deodorizes surfaces.
- Grow it in partial shade and harvest leaves as needed. It spreads quickly, so plant where spreading is contained.
Sage
- Sage has antifungal, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties. Its oils help clean and disinfect surfaces.
- For an all-purpose cleaner, boil sage leaves in water, mix the sage water with baking soda and vinegar, and use to clean surfaces.
- Common garden sage grows well in full sun and well-drained soil. For easy harvesting, keep it in a pot near your kitchen.
Thyme
- Thyme contains thymol, a natural antimicrobial and antiseptic. This helps sanitize surfaces.
- Boil fresh thyme with water and mix with vinegar to make a strong antibacterial surface spray.
- Lemon thyme and creeping thyme offer good flavor and cleaning power. Plant thyme in well-drained soil.
How To Make Natural Cleaning Supplies
Making your own natural cleaning products with plants is simple:
- Harvest leaves, buds, and stems from established plants as needed. Try to avoid damaging the plant.
- Boil the plant matter in a pot of water to extract the beneficial oils.
- Let it cool and then strain out the plant material.
- Mix the plant “tea” with other natural ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, etc. to make your cleaning solution.
- Transfer to reusable spray bottles or glass jars. Clearly label each one.
- When cleaning, use rags, sponges, or brushes to scrub surfaces.
- Rinse cleaned surfaces with water afterward.
Sample mixtures:
- All-purpose cleaner: 2 cups water, 1/4 cup vinegar, 1/4 cup plant tea
- Disinfectant: 1 cup water, 1 tbsp baking soda, 1/4 cup plant tea
- Glass cleaner: 2 cups water, 1/4 cup vinegar, 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol, 1/4 cup plant tea
Benefits of Plant-Based Cleaning Supplies
Growing your own plants for natural cleaning offers many advantages:
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Non-toxic – No dangerous chemicals that can irritate eyes and skin. Safer for kids and pets.
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** Eco-friendly** – Breaks down safely without harming the environment. Avoid plastic waste from commercial cleaners.
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Affordable – Ingredients like plants, vinegar, baking soda are low-cost and reusable. Saves money.
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Effective – Antibacterial properties get surfaces clean and germ-free. Leaves a refreshingly clean scent.
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Convenient – DIY cleaners are customizable and easy to make. Use fresh plants from your garden as needed.
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Sustainable – Grow renewable resources year after year. Plants are resilient and regrow after harvesting.
Conclusion
Creating DIY natural cleaning products with ingredients from your own garden is a smart, eco-friendly solution. Herbs like mint, lavender, lemon balm, sage, and thyme have powerful cleaning properties and wonderful scents. Harness the antibacterial, antifungal power of plants for an affordable, non-toxic way to keep your home fresh and clean. Get started growing the plants you need – both your home and the planet will benefit.
