Make DIY Natural Cleaning Products

Making your own natural cleaning products is easy, affordable, and better for your health and the environment. Here are some tips for creating effective homemade cleaners.

Why Make Your Own Cleaning Products

There are several benefits to making your own DIY natural cleaning products:

Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Store-bought cleaners often contain chemicals like ammonia, chlorine, and formaldehyde that can irritate eyes, skin, and lungs. Making your own with natural ingredients lets you control what goes into the cleaners.

Cost Savings

Homemade cleaners are significantly cheaper than buying pre-made cleaners. Simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and Castile soap cost just pennies per use.

Reduce Waste

Making your own cleaners allows you to avoid disposable plastic bottles and skip excess packaging. You can reuse glass spray bottles and only mix up what you need.

Customizable

Tailor homemade cleaners to your specific needs and preferences. Adjust the scent with essential oils and make cleaners safe for kids or pets.

Supplies for DIY Cleaners

You likely already have most of what you need to make effective natural cleaners. Here are some basic supplies:

• Distilled white vinegar – cuts grease, removes hard water stains
• Baking soda – deodorizes, scours, polishes
• Liquid Castile soap – lifts dirt, cuts grease, adds suds
• Essential oils – add natural fragrance
• Borax – disinfects and deodorizes
• Washing soda – removes stains, cuts grease
• Lemon juice – cuts grease, whitens
• Hydrogen peroxide – disinfects
• Spray bottles – reuse empty cleaner bottles
• Microfiber cloths – remove dirt without chemicals

All-Purpose Cleaner

An all-purpose DIY cleaner can be used to clean most hard surfaces in your home. Here is a simple recipe:

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 cup white vinegar
• 1⁄4 cup baking soda
• 1⁄2 teaspoon Castile soap
• 20 drops essential oil (optional)

Instructions

1. Combine vinegar, baking soda, and Castile soap in a spray bottle.
2. Add water, leaving a couple inches of space at the top.
3. Shake vigorously to dissolve baking soda.
4. Add essential oil if desired. Shake before each use.

Spray directly onto surfaces and wipe clean with a cloth or sponge. The vinegar cuts grease, the baking soda scours, and the soap helps lift dirt. Tailor the recipe by adding lemon juice to boost grease-cutting power or tea tree oil for its anti-bacterial properties.

Disinfecting Cleaner

For a natural disinfectant, look no further than hydrogen peroxide!

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 1⁄4 cup hydrogen peroxide
• 15-20 drops essential oil (optional)

Instructions

1. Combine water and hydrogen peroxide in a spray bottle.
2. Add several drops of essential oil for scent if desired. Lavender, lemon, and tea tree oil work well.
3. Shake before each use.

Hydrogen peroxide is effective at killing bacteria, viruses, and mold naturally. Spray directly on surfaces and allow to sit for several minutes before wiping clean.

DIY Glass Cleaner

Streak-free windows and mirrors are easy with this simple glass cleaner.

Ingredients

• 2 cups water
• 1⁄4 cup vinegar or lemon juice
• 1-2 drops dish soap

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle.
2. Shake well before each use.
3. Spray directly onto glass and wipe clean with a microfiber cloth or newspaper for a streak-free shine.

The dish soap helps cut through grease and grime. Vinegar or lemon juice helps dissolve hard water deposits and mineral streaks. For super shiny mirrors and windows, follow with a dry microfiber cloth.

Scouring Cleanser

For tough cleaning jobs, this scouring powder uses the natural abrasiveness of baking soda.

Ingredients

• 1 cup baking soda
• 1⁄4 cup liquid Castile soap
• 3-5 drops essential oil (optional)

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, mix baking soda and Castile soap until it forms a paste. Add essential oil for scent if desired.
2. Scoop some onto a damp sponge or cloth and scrub surfaces.
3. Rinse thoroughly.

The baking soda is gentle yet effective at removing grease, grime, and stains from surfaces. Tailor the recipe by adding lemon zest for more cleaning power or corn starch to reduce abrasiveness.

Conclusion

Creating your own natural DIY cleaners is simple, affordable, and better for you and your home. Avoid exposure to harsh chemicals and enjoy the cost savings of homemade cleaners. Customize the ingredients and scents to meet your specific cleaning needs. With just a few basic supplies, you can make effective, non-toxic cleaners for an eco-friendly home.