Introduction
Going green when deep cleaning your home might sound difficult, but it’s easier than you think! There are many simple swaps and DIY solutions that get your home sparkling clean without exposing you or the environment to harsh chemicals. As a busy homeowner trying to juggle a career, family, and more, I’ve experimented with hundreds of recipes and techniques to find the most effective eco-friendly deep cleaning solutions. In this article, I’ll share everything I’ve learned – from green ingredients to tackle even the toughest messes to rooms in your home you may not even think to deep clean. With a little planning and commitment to sustainability, you can have a fresh, toxin-free home!
Kitchen
The kitchen poses some of the biggest deep cleaning challenges, from greasy countertops to stained appliances. Fortunately, you can tackle them without harsh chemicals!
Counters and Surfaces
For stone and granite countertops, make a paste of baking soda and water and scrub with a soft cloth or brush. Rinse thoroughly. The baking soda is a gentle abrasive that lifts away grime.
For laminate, wood, and other delicate surfaces, mix together 1 cup water, 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar, and 10-15 drops of lemon essential oil. The acidity in the vinegar cuts through grease, while the lemon oil naturally disinfects.
For stainless steel appliances, combine 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 1 cup water. Dip a microfiber cloth into the solution and rub onto appliances in the direction of the grain. Buff dry. The cornstarch polish eliminates streaks and fingerprints.
Floors
Mopping kitchen floors with a natural solution prevents grimy buildup. Mix 1/4 cup liquid soap like Castile soap with 2 gallons of warm water. For a citrus-fresh scent, add 10 drops lemon essential oil. The soap cuts grease, while the water washes it away.
For tile flooring, add 1/2 cup baking soda to the soap and water mixture. Let it sit on grout lines for 5 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing. The baking soda scours away stains.
Cabinets and Drawers
Over time, kitchen cabinets and drawers collect dust, crumbs, and spills. Make your own green cleaning solution by combining:
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 1-2 tsp baking soda
- 5-10 drops essential oil in your favorite scent
Put the solution in a spray bottle. Spritz directly onto cabinets and drawers and wipe clean with a soft cloth. The baking soda gently scours, while the vinegar and essential oils cut grease and disinfect.
Bathrooms
Bathrooms require heavy-duty cleaning to combat soap scum, mold, mildew and more. With these DIY recipes, you can disinfect thoroughly without harsh fumes.
Toilets
For scrubbing the toilet bowl, skip chemical-laden pucks and tablets. Make your own toilet cleaner by mixing:
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 1 cup vinegar
- 10 drops lemon essential oil
Pour the mixture into the toilet bowl, let it fizz and work its magic for 5-10 minutes, then scrub thoroughly and flush. The acidity in the vinegar breaks up mineral deposits while the baking soda scrubbing action lifts away stains.
Shower and Tub
Remove soap scum and mildew from showers and tubs with a handy DIY paste. Combine 1 part baking soda and 1 part liquid Castile soap until you achieve a thick, spreadable consistency. Spread the paste onto surfaces, let sit 5-10 minutes, and scrub clean.
You can also spray shower walls and tiles after cleaning with a 50/50 vinegar and water solution to prevent mold and mildew growth. The vinegar naturally kills germs and bacteria.
Sinks
For bathroom sink cleaning, combine:
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1/4 cup liquid soap
- 15-20 drops essential oil of your choice
Sprinkle some of the powder mixture into the sink basin and use a damp sponge to scrub. Rinse thoroughly. The baking soda is a non-abrasive cleanser that lifts away grime.
Living Spaces
From playrooms to living rooms, these solutions help deep clean carpets, furniture, and everyday clutter accumulation.
Carpets
Naturally deodorize and deep clean carpets by sprinkling liberally with baking soda. Let sit for 15-20 minutes then vacuum up. The baking soda absorbs odors, lifts dirt, and neutralizes stains without chemicals. For an added cleaning boost, add several drops of essential oil to the baking soda before sprinkling.
Upholstery
Deep clean upholstered furniture like couches by mixing:
- 1/4 cup soap flakes or Castile soap
- Water
Whip with an electric mixer until frothy. Use a soft cloth to work the soap mixture into the fabric. Let it sit 5 minutes before wiping away. Repeat as needed for heavy stains. Allow to fully dry before using furniture again.
Bookshelves and Cabinets
Wood bookshelves and cabinets collect dust and fingerprints over time. Mix:
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup vinegar
- 5 drops essential oil
Spray the solution onto shelves and cabinets and wipe clean with a soft cloth. The vinegar cuts through grease buildup.
Conclusion
With a little creativity and green ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and Castile soap, you can deep clean your entire home room by room without exposing yourself or your family to toxic chemicals. What are your favorite DIY deep cleaning solutions? Let me know in the comments! I’m always looking for new eco-friendly methods. Going green takes a bit more effort but the payoff for your health and the environment makes it worthwhile.
