5 Green Cleaners You Can Make Naturally At Home
One thing that I love about a greener lifestyle is that you can live a healthier life while still saving the planet. We can take the example of most cleaning products. The warning labels of household cleaning products have to clearly state things like “Corrosive. Harmful or fatal if swallowed”, “Keep out of reach of children”, and “Avoid contact with eyes, skin or clothing”. Not only are these products harmful to the environment, but also to our direct health. By living a greener lifestyle, you could eliminate these items in your home and use safer nontoxic ingredients that work just as well. Check out the top 5 essential cleaning recipes we suggest getting started living healthier.
All Purpose Cleaner
If you are looking to clean regular everyday surfaces in your home such as counters, tables, desks, and mirrors you can use this two-ingredient cleaner:
● Equal parts water and white vinegar
Mix and spray on surfaces. Wipe down surface with soft cloth or paper towel. You can substitute vinegar for rubbing alcohol if you are cleaning wood, granite, or stone to prevent damages.
Bathtub/ Sink
Vinegar is a great alternative to harsh chemicals, but nothing beats the smell of grapefruit. This recipe is simple, cheap, and with a little hard work can make your tub sparkle. Not to mention it will make your bathroom smell amazing.
● Coarse salt
● One grapefruit cut in half.
Dip grapefruit into salt and scrub on stains. Apply pressure to grapefruit to release juices on stains. Dip fruit in salt as needed.
Air Freshener
Instead of spraying scents in the air that only cover up smells and cause you to inhale harmful ingredients use this recipe instead.
● 12 – 15 drops of pure essential oil (grapefruit, lemon, orange, lavender are my favorites)
● 1/2 cup white vinegar
● 1/12 cups water
Combine in a spray bottle, shake, and spray to freshen the room! (Shake before each use).
You can experiment with higher ratios of vinegar to water and upping the essential oil if this is not strong enough.
Oven Cleaner
Oven grease is one of the hardest stains to get out but luckily there is a natural and effective way to combat it.
● 1/2 cup baking soda
● 2 – 3 Tbsp. water (more or less)
● White vinegar (1/2 cup or so)
In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup of baking soda and stir in 2 – 3 tablespoons of water, adjusting as needed to get a spreadable paste. Spread this all over the walls of your ovens, rubbing it in for a scrubbing effect. Let that mixture rest overnight. In the morning, put some vinegar in a spray bottle and spritz everywhere you see baking soda, which will create a foaming action. Wipe clean with a damp cloth, rinsing until clean.
Wood Polish
Because wood furniture is sensitive it is important to clean with a polish can give the wood a protective layer. Using this recipe will help clean and protect your furniture
● Juice from 1 Lemon
● 1 Tablespoon grapeseed or olive oil
● 1 Tablespoon water
Combine ingredients in a small jar. Seal jar tightly and shake vigorously until well emulsified. Dip a small cloth in mixture and apply to wooden furniture.
Sources:
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/20-diy-green-cleaning-recipes-141129
https://greatist.com/health/27-chemical-free-products-diy-spring-cleaning
https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/green-living/natural-cleaning-recipes
https://www.keeperofthehome.org/homemade-all-natural-cleaning-recipes