Grow Your Own Cleaning Supplies: Herbs and Plants With Natural Cleaning Properties

Introduction

Cleaning our homes with harsh chemicals can be harmful to our health and the environment. An eco-friendly alternative is to make your own natural cleaning products using herbs, plants, and other natural ingredients. Not only are these homemade cleaners gentle and effective, but growing the plants yourself is easy, fun, and cost-effective.

Why Make Your Own Cleaning Supplies

There are several benefits to making your own natural cleaners rather than buying conventional cleaners:

Chemical Free

• Store bought cleaners contain harsh chemicals like ammonia, bleach, and formaldehyde that can irritate eyes, skin, and lungs. Herbal cleaners avoid these chemicals.

Environmentally Friendly

• Harsh chemicals get washed down drains and contaminate waterways. All-natural cleaners are biodegradable and much less harmful to the environment.

Cost Effective

• Purchasing ready-made cleaners adds up over time. Making your own costs a fraction of the price.

Tailor to Your Needs

• You can customize your cleaners with your favorite scents from essential oils. Store brands can’t be tailored.

Know Exactly What’s In It

• With homemade cleaners, you control what ingredients you use and avoid mystery chemicals.

Best Herbs and Plants for Natural Cleaning

Many common herbs, flowers, plants, and trees have natural cleaning, disinfecting, and deodorizing properties. Here are some of the best options for homemade cleaners:

Mint

• Peppermint, spearmint – Antibacterial and antimicrobial. Gives a fresh scent. Use in all-purpose cleaners.

Citrus Peels

• Orange, lemon, grapefruit – Disinfectant, deodorizing, and gives a fresh scent. Use in kitchen and bathroom cleaners.

Eucalyptus

• Eucalyptus leaves and oil – Antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial. Deodorizes and clears congestion. Use in air fresheners.

Rosemary

• Rosemary leaves and oil – Disinfectant properties. Energizing scent. Use in kitchen cleaners.

Tea Tree

• Tea tree leaves and oil – Powerful disinfectant, antibacterial, antimicrobial. Use in bathroom cleaners.

Thyme

• Thyme leaves and oil – Antibacterial, antiseptic. Eliminates mold and mildew. Use in bathroom cleaners.

Lavender

• Lavender buds and oil – Disinfectant and antibacterial properties. Calming floral scent. Use in fabric fresheners.

White Vinegar

• High acidity breaks up dirt, grease, and grime. Use as base for cleaners.

Baking Soda

• Abrasive for scrubbing. Deodorizes and neutralizes odors. Use in scouring powders.

How To Grow Herbs and Plants for DIY Cleaners

Many of these plants are easy to grow right in your own backyard or even indoors. Here are some simple tips for growing herbs for homemade cleaners:

Choose the Right Spot

• Most herbs like at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. Choose a sunny spot in the garden, a windowsill that gets lots of light, or under a grow light.

Plant from Seed or Started Plants

• Starting from seed takes longer but costs less. Buying starter plants gets herbs growing faster.

Pay Attention to Soil

• Most herbs like well-draining soil. Add compost or manure to enrich soil. Mint spreads aggressively – plant it in a pot.

Water When Soil is Dry

• Don’t overwater herbs. Wait for soil to dry out between waterings. Mint and eucalyptus like moist soil.

Fertilize Occasionally

• Use organic fertilizer once or twice during growing season for a nutrient boost.

Harvest Often

• Snip off leaves and stems frequently to encourage more growth. Air dry or freeze herbs for later use.

Recipes for Homemade Natural Cleaners

Once you have herbs and plants growing, it’s easy and inexpensive to make your own cleaners. Here are a few simple recipes to try:

All-Purpose Herbal Cleaner

Ingredients:

• 2 cups water
• 1/4 cup vinegar
• 15 drops lemon essential oil
• 10 drops lavender oil
• 5 drops peppermint oil

Instructions:

1. Boil water, remove from heat and add vinegar and essential oils.
2. Mix well and store in a glass spray bottle.
3. Shake before each use and spray directly on surfaces.

Fresh Citrus Scrub

Ingredients:

• 1 cup baking soda
• 1/2 cup liquid castile soap
• 10 drops grapefruit essential oil
• 2 tbsp coarse salt
• 2 lemons, orange, or grapefruit peels

Instructions:

1. Grate the citrus peels into a bowl to release oils.
2. Add baking soda, castile soap, salt and essential oil.
3. Mix into a paste and use to scrub sinks, counters, bathtubs.

Herbal Disinfectant Spray

Ingredients:

• 2 cups water
• 1/4 cup vodka
• 15 drops tea tree oil
• 10 drops lavender oil

Instructions:

1. Bring water to a boil, remove from heat and add vodka and essential oils.
2. Pour into a spray bottle and shake before each use.
3. Spritz directly onto surfaces and let sit 10 minutes before wiping clean.

Conclusion

Growing your own herbs and making homemade cleaners is an easy way to keep your home sparkling clean without using harsh chemicals. Not only are they better for your health, but they save money and customize your home’s scent. With just a little gardening effort and a few simple recipes, you’ll have an abundant supply of natural cleaners.