DIY Natural cleaning recipes are becoming more popular due to the harsh chemicals found in many major brand cleaning products. The FDA does not regulate ingredients used in cleaning products so it is impossible to know exactly what is in your disinfectants, laundry detergent, and much more. Many disinfectants are possible carcinogens and repeated use can be dangerous and even products labeled as “natural” may not necessarily be labeled truthfully. So, it is time to take matters into your own hands. Save money and avoid toxic chemical cleaners by taking a trip to your pantry and concocting your own diy natural cleaning recipes. Many basic kitchen ingredients can be used as effective, nontoxic, and all natural cleaners. Keep your home smelling fresh, sparkling, and safe with these recipes & tips!
DIY Natural cleaning recipes using Baking Soda
1. Declogging and deodorizing drains
To clean slow moving drains, try using a mixture of baking soda, vinegar, and boiling water. First, dump a pot of boiling water down the drain. Then pour 1/2 a cup of baking soda and let it sit for five minutes. Next, pour a mixture of vinegar and hot water down the drain on top of the baking soda. Cover drain with plug and let sit for 10 minutes. Flush the drain with another pot of hot water.
2. Baking Soda Toilet Cleaner
With a 1/2 cup of baking soda, tea-tree oil, and white vinegar, you can create an effective and all natural toilet cleaner to combat stains and smell. Pour baking soda directly into the toilet bowl, add 10 drops of tea-tree oil, and a generous amount of white vinegar. Let the solution sit for about 10 minutes until it begins to bubble. Then use a toilet brush to scrub. Flush away the excess and behold your sparkling commode.
3. Carpet Refresher & Stain Remover
For an overall cleaning of your carpets, simply sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda onto carpets and rugs and let it sit overnight. It will absorb moisture and sanitize your carpets. Vaccum your carpets the next day. To remove stains try sprinkling the stain with hot water and baking soda and let it sit overnight. Vacuum the next day and if the stain is not completely gone, try repeating the process.
DIY Castile Soap Recipes
1. All purpose surface cleaner
Castile soap is a vegetable based soap that is a great disinfectant and can be used to clean anything from your laundry, kitchen, body, and even your dog! Check out other DIY natural cleaning recipes using Castile soup by Live Simply. For this all purpose surface cleaner you will need two cups of distilled water, 1/4 cup of castile soap, 15 drops of lavender essential oil, and a 16 oz spray bottle. Add the ingredients to the spray bottle and shake!
2. Reusable kitchen wipes
These DIY natural cleaning wipes can help you save money and produce less waste with these easy to make reusable wipes. Start by cutting up an old t-shirt into rag sized pieces. Next, pour warm water, an ounce of castile soap, and 5-10 drops of your favorite essential oil into a jar. Place rags into the jar and turn upside down until all rags are soaked. After using rags, wash them and return them to jar to reuse over and over again!
3. Mopping floors
In order to avoid harsh chemicals on your floors and the scent it leaves behind, try mopping with castile soap instead. With only two ingredients and an easy to make solution, you will never want to switch back to your expensive brand named cleaner. Simply mix two tablespoons of castile soap and 1 gallon of hot water to mop your floors.
DIY natural Cleaning recipes with Vinegar
1. Disinfectant
Vinegar contains acetic acid which has antimicrobial properties. Mixing vinegar with salt or hydrogen peroxide can be used to inhibit the growth of some strains of E. Coli and kill mold. Vinegar is a better choice compared to bleach when it comes to your health and the health of the planet so try implementing it into your daily cleaning regimen!
2. Vinegar kitchen uses
Skip cleaning with toxins in your fridge and instead wipe surfaces with vinegar and water mix. For your microwave, place 1/2 cup of vinegar and 1/2 cup of water in a glass bowl. Next, microwave the combination for 2-3 minutes or until it is boiling and the microwave window begins to fog. Finally, remove bowl and easily wipe away unwanted build-up. You can also clean kitchen countertops by simply spraying vinegar onto the surfaces and wiping with a warm, wet rag. Avoid using vinegar on marble and granite surfaces. Mix essential oils for a better, less pungent scent.
3. Window Cleaner
Mixing equal parts of distilled white vinegar and water can be used as a natural window cleaner. Apply mixture to a sponge and lightly scrub windows. Wipe clean with a squeegee to avoid streaks.
Cleaning with Lemon
1. In the kitchen
When life gives you lemons you can do so much more than just make lemonade. Lemon is a natural and mild disinfectant that can be used to keep your home smelling fresh and germ-free. Throw some ice cubes, a pinch of kosher salt, and a few lemon peels into your garbage disposal. Grind it up and enjoy the immediate freshness. Keeping half a lemon in your fridge will remove unwanted fridge odors as well. There are many other ways to use lemon juice for cleaning and you can check them out here!
2. Remove hard water
The acidity in lemon can break down hard water deposits in your shower, tub, sinks, and more. It will also remove soap build-up to bring back shine. Try sprinkling baking soda or salt on the cut side of a lemon and then rub directly on trouble water spots.
Olive Oil for Shine
1. Shine stainless steel
Olive oil can be used to get your shine on. Pour some olive oil onto a cloth and buff your stainless steel appliances for a squeaky clean look. Lastly, wipe off any excess oil with a clean paper towel.
2. Polish wood furniture
Combine 2 cups of olive oil with 1 cup of lemon juice or vinegar polish your furniture with a soft cloth. For scratches light colored wood, rub them with a 50/50 mix of olive oil and lemon juice.
Essential Oils
Chemical free fragrance
Chemical free fragranceEssential oils are an effective way to add your favorite fragrances to DIY natural cleaning recipes. There may be harmful chemicals in many fragrant cleaners and air fresheners lining the aisles of the grocery store so essential oils are a healthier way to make your home smell good. Since essential oils are plant based they also contain antibacterial properties to fight germs. Also, they are also extremely potent and a little goes a long way. Just a few drops can do the trick to keep your home smelling great. You can find a multitude of essential oil air freshening recipes thanks to Organic Authority.
