Introduction
Cleaning with plant-based ingredients is an age-old practice that has seen a major resurgence in recent years. As more people grow concerned about the health and environmental impacts of synthetic cleaners, they are turning to nature’s cleaning solutions found in common backyard weeds, kitchen spices, and other plants.
The benefits of botanical cleaners are numerous. Not only are they gentler on the environment, they are also gentler for our health. Many conventional cleaners contain harsh chemicals and emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can aggravate asthma and have been linked to other health issues. Botanical cleaners made from plants, on the other hand, contain natural compounds that break down quickly and often emit pleasant aromas.
Beyond health and environmental benefits, plant-based cleaners can also be simple and cost-effective to make at home. With just a few simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, essential oils, and soap nuts, you can make powerful cleaners that tackle all sorts of household messes.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the versatile cleaning powers found in the plant kingdom. We’ll uncover which common plants make the best natural cleaning ingredients and provide recipes so you can harness their cleaning magic in your own home.
Powerful Plant-Based Ingredients for Cleaning
Many common plants contain beneficial compounds that enable them to break up grime, disinfect surfaces, deodorize, and more. Let’s explore some of the top botanical cleaning helpers:
Vinegar
Made from fermented plants like apples or grapes, distilled white vinegar is a potent plant-based cleaner and disinfectant. Its low pH makes it effective at killing bacteria and breaking up residue. Mix with water and use as an all-purpose cleaner, shower spray, window and mirror cleaner, and more.
Lemon
Lemon juice, like vinegar, has disinfectant properties thanks to its acidic pH. Lemon oil in the rind contains d-limonene, a powerful solvent and degreaser. Extract lemon oil by boiling rinds or use fresh lemon juice on its own to cut grease, polish metal, and sanitize kitchen surfaces.
Tea tree & eucalyptus oil
Tea tree and eucalyptus oil contain antibacterial and antifungal compounds called terpenes. Their aromas repel insects. Add a few drops to cleaners or diffuse in the air to disinfect surfaces and freshen indoor air.
Baking soda
A natural mineral made from soda ash, baking soda cuts grease and residue, deodorizes, softens water, and gently scrubs away dirt. Combine with vinegar or lemon juice for an effervescent cleaner, or sprinkle on a damp cloth to scrub appliances, sinks, bathtubs, and more.
Soapnuts
Soapnuts are dried fruits that contain saponins, natural surfactants that break up oils and lift dirt. Add soapnuts to water to make a plant-based, biodegradable soap ideal for mopping floors and washing delicate fabrics. The nuts can be composted after use.
There are so many more plants that lend their cleaning powers – citrus peels, essential oils, castile soap made from olive oil, and more. Experiment to find your favorites!
Botanical Cleaning Recipes
Let’s look at some recipes that harness the cleaning superpowers of plants:
All-Purpose Cleaner
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon liquid soap (castile or other plant-based soap)
- 2 cups water
- 10-15 drops essential oil (lemon, lavender, tea tree)
Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake well before use. Mist on surfaces and wipe clean with a cloth. The vinegar disinfects while the soap lifts dirt. Essential oil provides antibacterial action and aroma.
Foaming Bathroom Scrub
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- liquid castile soap
- 3-5 drops tea tree or eucalyptus oil
- 5 drops lemon essential oil
- spray bottle
Add baking soda to spray bottle. Add 1 teaspoon liquid soap and fill bottle with hot water. Shake vigorously to combine. Add essential oils. Spray on bathroom surfaces, let sit briefly, then scrub with a damp cloth or brush. Rinse. The baking soda scrubs while plant oils disinfect.
Citrus Vinegar Shower Spray
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup distilled white vinegar
- 15 drops lemon essential oil
Combine ingredients in a spray bottle. Spray onto shower walls, curtain, doors each time after showering and wipe down with a squeegee or cloth. The vinegar prevents soap scum and mildew while the lemon oil deodorizes.
The Benefits of Botanical Cleaning Solutions
Cleaning with plants offers tremendous benefits:
Non-toxic
Plants contain compounds that effectively clean and disinfect yet are far gentler than harsh chemicals. Vinegar, soapnuts, and essential oils get the job done without toxic fumes.
Cost-effective
Simple plant-based ingredients like vinegar, lemons, and baking soda are very affordable. Making your own cleaners costs just pennies per bottle.
Ease on lungs
Commercial cleaners emit VOCs that can aggravate asthma and allergies. Natural cleaners like vinegar have no toxic fumes.
Better for environment
Synthetic cleaners contain chemicals that can harm ecosystems and pollute groundwater. Soapnuts, vinegar, and lemon juice break down quickly and naturally.
Pleasant aromas
Botanical oils like lemon, lavender, and pine smell lovely compared to harsh chemical fumes. They naturally purify air while they clean.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning with plants is an age-old practice that offers a safe, economical, eco-friendly way to efficiently clean our homes. Vinegar, baking soda, soapnuts, and essential oils all contain compounds that break up messes, disinfect, deodorize, and clean without toxic chemicals. Make your own botanical cleaners at home using these natural plant-based ingredients.
