Many of today’s over-the-counter, store-bought cleaning agents contain high amounts of harmful chemicals and toxic solutions. Not only can these be dangerous to humans, pets, and wildlife, they can also damage your home’s plumbing systems, appliances, and more.
Various products on the market today fail to specify their dangerous chemicals on the ingredients label. So the best way to avoid contact with these types of dangerous products is to simply replace them with safer alternatives. There are several environmentally friendly cleaning products on the market that can be purchased at your local department store; however, many homeowners suggest creating your very own cleaning solutions! Making your own chemical-free household cleaning products is extremely rewarding. Best of all, it is a lot less expensive and easy to do!
How to Make Homemade Cleaners
Purchase quality spray bottles. Be sure to choose bottles with ounces measured on the outside of them. This will help you measure and mix solutions quicker and easier. Also, always label each bottle with the type of cleaning agents inside. For example, if the solution is for your kitchen, label it, “Kitchen Cleaner”, or something similar.
Here is a list of possible ingredients that can be used to create your own homemade cleaning solution:
- Distilled White Vinegar
- Baking Soda
- Borax or Washing Soda (Stronger than Standard Baking Soda-Optional)
- Olive Oil-Based Soap
- Coconut Oil-Based Soap
- Castile Soap
- Water
Safety Note: Although you are making eco-friendly and safe cleaning products, it is still suggested to keep these solutions locked up and out-of-reach from children, pets, and wildlife. No one wants to be responsible for a sick animal or child. If these solutions are ever ingested in large quantities, immediately contact emergency services for medical attention.
Cleaning Your Home
When it comes to cleaning your kitchen with eco-friendly solutions, use a mixture of baking soda, Borax, or washing soda with a little bit of vegetable soap and warm water. This solution can be applied on counters, floors, appliances, and other surfaces.
For ovens and appliances, mix baking soda and washing soda with a little bit of water to make a paste. Generously apply the paste and allow it to sit overnight. Then wash away in the morning for best results.
For countertop cleaning, gently scrub an even mixture of these same ingredients, and then rinse with clean water.
For cutting boards, use a mixture of vinegar and 3% hydrogen peroxide. Bottle each solution separately, spraying first with the vinegar and second with the hydrogen peroxide. Repeat these steps until you achieve a clean surface.
Drains, Sinks, Tubs, and More
Use the same solutions and recipes for bathroom tile, bathtubs, bathroom countertops, toilets, and sinks. For drains, use a combination of baking soda and vinegar. First poor half cup of baking soda down the drain, and then pour 1 cup of vinegar down the drain. Allow the drain to rest for a few minutes and then run hot water through the drain until it is unclogged.