You Can Make Your Own Safe Cleaning Products
Have you ever wondered if "green" household cleaners on the market today are really necessary? They are definitely more expensive.
But since most of our 'non-green' store-bought household cleaners are toxic, they are hard on our health; containing harmful chemicals studies show are known to cause everything from cancer to birth defects.
Disinfectants are also a threat; they are dangerous to inhale and have been proven to
create super-bugs: stronger bacteria resistant to disinfectants. They
can also weaken your immune system by creating a too-sterile
environment, which inhibits your body from building immunity to common
germs.
Most of your natural cleaning products can actually be made from natural ingredients you probably already stock in your cupboard.
(The following from www.sustainablebabysteps.com)
1) White vinegar inhibits the growth of bacteria by creating an
unfriendly, acidic environment. It's preferred over apple cider vinegar
since it won't stain, is completely non-toxic and it's easy to use.
(Lemon oil or juice is a common alternative to white vinegar.)
2) Baking soda acts as a natural abrasive/scouring agent, deodorizer and cleanser and is gentle enough to use on nearly every surface.
3) Olive or jojoba oil will polish furniture and oil wood without harmful additives. They are also less likely to go rancid.
4) Hydrogen peroxide will help remove stains naturally and easily. Always be sure to check for color-fastness before use.
5) Soap nuts
are a berry-like fruit harvested from a tree. They contain saponins,
which clean anything from clothing to dishes, even hair! Where soap nuts
are not available, try grated handmade soaps (often found at a farmer's
market or online) or natural, biodegradable dish soap, if necessary.
6) Essential oils are a nice, complementary addition to any natural household cleaner but not necessary.
Using the ingredients listed above you can make all of the following natural household cleaners:
All-Purpose Natural Household Cleaners
In a spray bottle, mix 9 parts water and 1 part white vinegar. You can a
few drops of dish soap, as well. Add essential oils if you'd like to
minimize the strong smell of the vinegar. Tea tree oil or lavender can
be used as an anti-bacterial, anti-viral, or anti-fungal if necessary.
Natural Scouring Alternative
Simply sprinkle baking soda over the area to be cleaned or onto a rag and begin scrubbing.
Natural Furniture Polish
Mix 1/4 cup white vinegar or lemon juice with 1 tablespoon of oil. You
can use this in a spray bottle or a small amount on a cotton rag.
Natural Oil or Wax for Wood
For wood surfaces that require regular oiling/waxing, switch the ratios
to 1/4 cup oil and 1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice. Allow it
to soak in for at least 12 hours before wiping off any excess with a dry
cloth.
Natural Soap from Soap Nuts
Soap nuts can be added whole to your washing machine or boiled to create
a liquid soap nut concentrate: Add two soap nuts per cup of water and
boil for approximately 30 minutes, mashing them periodically. Strain,
add essential oils and store in a sealed container.
How to Clean Your Home Naturally
Below is an alphabetical list of how to clean anything in your home without using harsh chemicals or commercial products.
Carpet Cleaning
Use several tablespoons of liquid soap nuts per gallon of water. You can
add in several tablespoons of baking soda and a half cup of white
vinegar for deodorizing or additional cleansing. Spot treating with soap
nuts, baking soda and/or vinegar may be necessary for tough spots.
Counters*
Spray the surface with the all-purpose natural household cleaner recipe above, and wipe clean.
Dishwashers
Use liquid or whole soap nuts in your dishwasher by filling the soap
dispensers. Add white vinegar to the rinse-aid compartment. Every month
or two, run a gallon of white vinegar through an empty dishwasher cycle.
(For really bad build-up, dishwasher cleaners of 100% citric acid can
be used on occasion.) Baking soda can be added to help soften water,
deodorize plastics or assist in cleaning, but only in small amounts (1/8
to 1/4 cup per load) to prevent residue.
Dishwashing by Hand
A teaspoon of liquid soap nuts will suffice for a sink full of dirty
dishes. A bit of white vinegar can be added to soften the water.
Drains
Use a "snake" (a long cable that goes down the drain to remove debris or
buildup) to empty slow drains of buildup or debris. Pour baking soda
followed by 100% undiluted white vinegar down the drain. This may be
necessary several times as it works through the drain.
Dusting Electronics and Non-Wood Surfaces
Use the all-purpose natural household cleaner recipe above and
spray the rag (never spray electronics directly).
Dusting and Oiling Wood
Apply the natural wood oil recipe above liberally to dry wood. Allow it
to soak in for several hours before wiping off any excess. Repeat
monthly or as needed.
Flooring - Hard Surfaces
For hardwood, tile, linoleum, or concrete flooring add one cup of
vinegar and 2-3 tablespoons liquid soap nuts for every 2 gallons of warm
water.
Garbage Disposals
Avoid using them whenever possible by scraping food into a compost bin
or trash. For deodorizing, sprinkle with baking soda regularly and send
lemon slices down the shredder.
Glass and Mirrors
Use 50% vinegar and 50% water to lightly spray the surface, then wipe clean with a dry cloth.
Laundry
Place between 2-7 soap nuts in your washing machine (exact number
depends on water hardness, temperature of water and the size of the load
- experiment for best results). Or use 1-4 to 1-2 cup of liquid soap
nuts for one full load of laundry. Use one cup of white vinegar as a
fabric softener in the rinse cycle.
Microwave
Fill a bowl with water and place it in the microwave for 5 minutes on
high. The steam from the water will loosen any food particles. Spray
with the all-purpose cleaner and wipe down. For deodorizing, mix 1/4 cup
of baking soda in a bottle of water, shake well until dissolved, and
spray the entire surface allowing it to sit for several minutes before
wiping clean.
Pet Kennels, Cages and Beds
Use the all-purpose natural household cleaners recipe for hard surfaces
and launder as described above. All these ingredients are safe to use
around animals.
Pet Stains, Odors, and Areas
For a dog run use 100% white vinegar, usually a gallon or more depending
on the size of the area to be washed, scrub with a push broom or
similar and hose the area off. (Vinegar will kill plants and weeds so
use it wisely outdoors.) For pet stains, wash the surface as you
normally would but double the vinegar to remove any odor and discourage
them from using the area again.
Shower and Tub
Use the natural household cleaner recipe above after showers or baths to
spray a light mist over the walls and tub and prevent soap scum
buildup. Use more of the same solution to clean. If scouring is needed,
sprinkle with baking soda.
Sinks
For general cleaning, use the all-purpose recipe above. For stubborn
stains or grime, sprinkle on baking soda and scrub with an old
toothbrush. Or spray the vinegar solution over the baking soda to create
a fizzing reaction.
Stains on Fabric
Soak the stained area in water (temperature depends on fabric type) with
1 teaspoon of liquid soap nuts. Depending on the fabric, you can also
try to gently scrub the area with a baking soda paste.
Stove and Oven
Sprinkle baking soda over charred food and scrub with a wet rag. For
stubborn areas, spray the all-purpose natural household cleaner over the
baking soda and allow it to sit for several minutes before resuming
scouring.
Toilets
The seat and outside of the toilet can be cleaned with the all-purpose
spray recipe. Pour a half cup of baking soda in the toilet bowl, allow
it to sit for 20-30 minutes, then spray with the all-purpose vinegar
solution above and scrub with a toilet brush. For really dirty toilets,
use up to 100% white vinegar.
Toys and Play Areas
Use the all-purpose natural household cleaners for all toys, desks,
tables, etc. None of the ingredients will harm children and the strong
odor from the vinegar dissipates quickly.
Walls, Doors, etc
Use the all-purpose natural household cleaner recipe from above for
light cleaning. To prep wall for painting, fill a medium-sized bowl of
warm or hot water with 1/4 of baking soda and 1 cup of vinegar and
scrub with a soft cloth.
If you ever encounter something that you feel needs a harsh chemical
cleaner, it is important to consider the true necessity. If the item and
its cleaning agent are truly necessary and you cannot find a natural
commercial product for it, be sure to use the harsher product safely:
eye goggles, a respiratory mask, and gloves should all be considered.
Also, be sure to use it according to its directions, protect against cross-contamination and dispose of it safely.
And always keep it out of reach of children or pets.
