Everything I hear happening these days is that we are finding out more and more about how harmful our everyday household items are for our health. From the food we eat to what we are using to wash our clothes. EVERYTHING has some chemical trace that is not good for our bodies. This also includes what we use to clean our houses with. I’m here to share with you the all natural cleaning products that I use in my home. NO HARSH CHEMICALS! Which means a much healthier you and a much healthier home.
Why Should I Make My Own All Natural Cleaning Products?
The BIGGEST benefit to making your own natural cleaning products is NO HARSH CHEMICALS! As I stated in the beginning of this post, we are finding out more and more each day about everything that has all of these chemicals in them and how bad they are not only for our health but the health of the environment as well. I know it is easy to go to the store or schedule a pickup or delivery order and grab whatever cleaning product is on the shelf. I get it! But by doing this, not only are you bringing more chemicals into your home, but using it puts those chemicals into the air, as well as lingers on your surfaces that you cook and eat on.
Another benefit is how much money you save in the long run. The basic supplies needed to make homemade cleaners is pennies compared to a store-bought products. And I bet you probably do not have to buy anything because everything you need is in your home right now!
WAY MORE ECO-FRIENDLY! Most of the cleaning products we tend to buy at the store are one use plastic bottles. Meaning that once they are all gone, we just throw the bottle away and go buy a new one. That is creating A TON of plastic waste that is causing major harm to our planet. Even though some products used to make homemade cleaners also comes in plastic bottles (unfortunately), reducing the amount of plastic is a great segway into becoming more eco-friendly. This can go further if you buy your supplies in bulk.
How Can I Make My Own Natural Cleaners?
Not much is needed to make these homemade cleaning products. Most of the items needed are items that you more than likely have hanging out in your kitchen cabinet. It really is that simple!
What Do You Need to Make All Natural Cleaning Products?
Vinegar- helps to break down dirt, oils, films, stains, bacteria and can deodorize. This ingredient is used as a cleaning agent and not a disinfectant. Add a little to the washing machine to deodorize your clothing. You can also use in DIY Dryer Sheets and get rid of those wasteful store-bought dryer sheets once and for all! Don’t worry about the vinegar smell, it doesn’t last long and if using it in your laundry, I promise your laundry will not come out smelling like vinegar.
Baking Soda- a natural deodorizer that is gently abrasive and can be combined with water to make a cleaning paste.
Dish Soap- designed to cut through grease, tackle soap scum and is safe to use on almost all surfaces. It does not contain acidic or alkaline properties that would cause damage to some surfaces. If you wish to go more natural, castile soap is a natural liquid soap that does not have any harsh detergents or fragrance.
Essential Oils- a plants ‘essence’ that is extracted from the plant. Although not all essential oils should be used in cleaning products, there are some that have amazing cleaning benefits. It is also important to note, how the oils are made is important. Essential oils that were obtained through a chemical process is not considered natural. Be sure to do your research when looking to purchase essential oils.
Rubbing Alcohol- disinfects and cleans surfaces. Drys really fast and is perfect for cleaning electronics without damaging them. Make sure the rubbing alcohol is 70% or higher.
Hydrogen Peroxide- an inexpensive multipurpose disinfectant.
Tools You May Need
Rags- these do not need to be fancy by any means. You do not have to spend a ton of money on rags. Instead, cut up old t-shirts or use socks, old towels or washcloths. Just make sure that your rags are absorbent.
Spray Bottle- the vessel in which you put your homemade natural cleaner into. What your spray bottle is made of does not matter. Although, if you wish to have an eco-friendlier option, glass would be the best route. But if that’s not something you are interested in, a simple plastic spray bottle from the dollar store will work just as well.
Funnel- this is not a necessary item but can be helpful when pouring ingredients into your spray bottle.
What Are the Best Natural Products for Cleaning?
Everything that I had listed above I would say are the best natural products for cleaning. But if I had to choose only one on that list, it would be vinegar. This wonderful liquid may not have the most pleasant smell, but when it comes to cleaning, it sure can get the job done.
What Cleaning Products Can I Make at Home?
You can make almost any type of cleaner at home with no chemical usage. Here is a list of a few that are the most commonly used when cleaning the home.
- All Purpose Spray
- Glass Cleaner
- Disinfecting Spray
- Tub Scrub
- Toilet Bowl Cleaner
- Electronics Spray
- Air Freshener
I know there are more natural homemade cleaner recipes out there, but I wanted to bring focus to these seven cleaners. Why? You may ask. Because these are really the only cleaners you may need when cleaning your home. However, you don’t even need all of these. But you can decide which ones work best for you. Do not feel like you have to use all of these products. Instead, only use the ones you like and work best for you and how you clean.
Marketing has led us to believe that we need all of these different products to do different things in order for our homes to be clean. But the truth is, we really don’t need that much. Majority of the areas in our homes can be cleaned with just a rag and a multipurpose cleaner. That’s it! I use my homemade all-purpose spray for everything in my home. From every surface in my kitchen, to my bathroom, and throughout the rest of the home. This makes cleaning so quick and so easy.
What Is the Shelf Life for Homemade Cleaners?
While most can last a couple of months, there are some that should be discarded after being used. Some ingredients do not last as long as others. Some recipes I have seen have used lemon juice. It is recommended to discard after use because the lemon juice will turn rancid.
All Purpose Spray Recipe
Add to a spray bottle:
- one part vinegar
- one part water
- 1tsp. of dish soap
- 10-15 drops of essential oils (I like using tea tree (a disinfectant) and peppermint (anti-viral) in the winter time)
- Shake well before using
Another way you can make this cleaner is by adding the water and vinegar to a jar and then adding in citrus fruit peels, pine needles, rosemary, etc. Let that steep for 2-3 weeks. Pour into your spray bottle and you are good to go. You can add the peels to your spray bottle if you choose, or you may discard them.
Do Not use on granite countertops. The acidic compound in the vinegar will ruin granite countertops.
Natural Glass Cleaner
Add to a spray bottle:
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup vinegar
- 2-3 drops of essential oil (for scent, not necessary)
- Shake well before using
Disinfecting Spray Recipe
Add to a travel size spray bottle:
- 3 parts water
- 1 part rubbing alcohol (70% or more)
- 3-4 drops of essential oil (tea tree is a great choice for this being a natural disinfectant)
- Shake well before using
Natural Tub Scrub Recipe
Discard after use or save in a glass jar for a day or two.
Add to a small bowl:
- 3/4 cup baking soda
- 3 tbsp. hydrogen peroxide
- 3 tbsp. dish soap
- 1-2 drops of essential oil (for scent)
- combine all of the ingredients together
- apply to your tub and clean
- rinse and wipe away the product
When using this product, apply to your tubs surface and scrub in a circular motion. Allow the product to sit before rinsing it away.
Natural Toilet Bowl Cleaner Recipe
In a squeeze bottle (easier to release the product):
- 1/2 cup of water
- 1/2 cup of baking soda
- 1/4 cup of dish soap
- 1/4 cup of hydrogen peroxide
- 10-15 drops of essential oils (be sure to use a disinfecting oil. Again, tea tree is my go to!)
- Shake well before using
- apply to the inside of your toilet just like you would with a store bought cleaner
Electronics Spray Recipe
Add to a travel size spray bottle:
- one part water
- one part rubbing alcohol (70% or higher)
When using this product, DO NOT spray directly on the electronic! Instead, spray directly on your rag a few times. Then take your hand and tap the rag where you just sprayed. You do not want too much moisture getting on your electronics for obvious reasons. Lucky for us, rubbing alcohol evaporates really quickly. So, there is no moisture build up left behind after you finish cleaning.
Natural Air Freshener Recipe
Add to a spray bottle:
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 cup of rubbing alcohol (70% or higher)
- 15 drops of essential oil (feel free to use which ever scent you wish. I like using citrus scents to give my home a nice fresh scent. Lemon is very energizing and can give your home an energy boost.)
- Shake well before using
There you have it, simple and quick all natural cleaning products. I really hope you enjoy making these products and making your home not only a cleaner environment but a healthier one too.