Unlock the power of natural cleaning solutions and homemade cleaners without draining your wallet! Dive into these simple yet effective tips for a cleaner, greener home. From all-purpose cleaners to carpet stain removers, discover how to clean your home naturally without harsh chemicals. It’s time to embrace a cleaner, healthier lifestyle on a budget.
Keeping our homes clean is crucial for a healthy and cozy living space. Unfortunately, many commercial cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful to both our health and the environment, not to mention the dent they put in our wallets.
Cleaning your home naturally and economically is simpler than you might imagine and doesn’t require nearly as many different products. In fact, you can make all the cleaners you need with only a handful of things.
What’s the Best Natural Thing to Clean With?
As I just mentioned, you can clean a home naturally with only a handful of products. These would be white vinegar, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, table salt and your favorite essential oils.
Most homemade cleaners can be made with those five ingredients believe it or not and once you make them; you’ll find that your home is cleaner than its ever been. And you didn’t need a single store bought toxin based cleaner to do it.
Does White Vinegar Actually Disinfect?
Yes! White vinegar works amazingly well as a disinfectant! After all, there is a reason that it is a favorite when you ask people what their favorite natural cleaning products are. So much so that it has been shown in multiple studies to have disinfecting properties that are on par with chlorine bleach.
DIY All-Purpose Cleaner
Homemade all-purpose cleaner is extremely simple to make. All you need to do is combine equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle, and add a few drops of essential oil such as tea tree oil or lemon and lavender oil for a delightful scent. This solution effectively degreases, sanitizes and cleans countertops, sinks, and even glass surfaces.
If you would prefer to make it without essential oil, you can also make this cleaner with orange or lemon juice using their peels. HERE is a great how-to that shows you how to do just that.
DIY Baking Soda Scrub
Baking soda is another powerhouse when it comes to cleaning. Create a paste by mixing baking soda with water, and use it on a sponge to scrub away stubborn stains on sinks, tubs, and tiles. Its gentle abrasiveness makes it perfect for tackling grime without causing scratches. Rinse with hot water and you’re good to go!
If you do need a bit of abrasiveness to your cleaner, add a bit of salt to the paste. This will create the grit you need to really scrub such as when you’re cleaning the bottom of copper pans.
DIY Lemon Cleaner
Lemons are not only for making lemonade; they’re also fantastic natural cleaners. Cut a lemon in half and sprinkle salt on the cut side. Use it to scrub cutting boards, countertops, and faucets for a fresh and citrusy clean. Plus, the acidic properties of lemon help dissolve grease and disinfect surfaces.
It also makes a fantastic furniture polish. Simply add lemon essential oil or lemon juice to a bit of olive oil and polish away.
DIY Shower Spray:
Combat soap scum, mold and mildew buildup in your shower with a simple vinegar spray. Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle and use it to spritz your shower walls after each use. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing, and say hello to a sparkling clean shower without resorting to harsh chemicals.
You can add a great scent to your DIY shower spray by adding a few drops of essential oil to the mixture before you spray. I personally like to use geranium essential oil for this, but I am partial to floral scents.
DIY Air Freshener:
Commercial air fresheners such as Febreze often contain synthetic fragrances and chemicals that can irritate the respiratory system. Instead, create your own natural air freshener by creating a homemade simmer pot for your stove. Your home will be filled with a delightful aroma without any harmful additives.
Steam Cleaning:
Investing in a steam cleaner may seem like a splurge, but it’s a worthwhile investment for deep cleaning without chemicals. Steam effectively kills bacteria and sanitizes surfaces, making it ideal for cleaning floors, upholstery, and even mattresses. Plus, it uses only water, saving you money in the long run.
I personally own a portable steam cleaner for furniture and a steam mop for my floors. Both were fantastic investments and I have zero regrets. Like my other homemade cleaners, I like to add a few drops of essential oils, mainly lavender essential oil, when I am doing my furniture so I am not only cleaning the upholstery but also freshening it up a bit.
Homemade Laundry Detergent:
Commercial laundry detergents can be pricey and filled with harsh chemicals. Luckily, you can make your own laundry detergent using just a few simple ingredients. For homemade powdered laundry detergent, mix washing soda, borax, and grated castile soap, and use it as you would a regular detergent.
I have been making homemade laundry soap for over twenty years with zero issues. These days, I don’t make powdered though. I make THIS DIY liquid laundry detergent recipe. I love how well it cleans and it smells great!
Natural Carpet Cleaner:
Spills and stains are inevitable, but you don’t need chemical-laden carpet cleaners to tackle them. Instead, sprinkle baking soda liberally over the stained area, let it sit for a few hours, then vacuum it up. For tougher stains, mix vinegar and water in a spray bottle, spray the stain, and blot with a clean cloth.
Microfiber Magic:
Microfiber cloths are a game-changer when it comes to cleaning. Their fine fibers trap dust and dirt without the need for chemical cleaners. Use them dry for dusting and wet for wiping down surfaces. Plus, they’re reusable and can be washed and reused multiple times, saving you money on paper towels or cleaning wipes (unless you’re making homemade cleaning wipes like THESE.)
DIY Dish Soap:
Dish soap is another household essential that can be made at home using natural ingredients. Mix liquid castile soap with water and a few drops of essential oil for fragrance. Pour it into a reusable soap dispenser, and you’re ready to tackle dirty dishes without worrying about harsh chemicals.
If you have a dishwasher, THIS is a fantastic DIY dishwasher soap recipe. Or, if you prefer tablets, THESE homemade dishwasher tablets work just as great as the store-bought ones and clean your dishwasher at the same time.
DIY Window Cleaner:
Say goodbye to streaks and smudges on your windows with this easy DIY window cleaner. Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. If you’re dealing with particularly stubborn grime, add a teaspoon of dish soap to the mixture. Spray the solution onto your windows and wipe with a microfiber cloth or newspaper for a sparkling finish.
I personally don’t use just vinegar and water. THIS is my homemade glass cleaner recipe. It leaves my mirrors and windows streak free!
DIY Grout Cleaner:
Grout can attract dirt and grime, but you don’t need harsh chemicals to get it clean. Make THIS DIY grout cleaner instead. It works amazingly!
Apply the paste to the grout lines and let it sit for a few minutes to loosen dirt and stains. Then, scrub the grout with a grout brush. Rinse with water, and marvel at how bright and clean your grout looks without expensive cleaners.
DIY Mopping Solution:
Keep your floors clean and fresh with THIS simple DIY mopping solution. For a pleasant scent, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Use this solution to mop tile, laminate, and hardwood floors.
The vinegar in the recipe helps to cut through dirt and grime, while the essential oil leaves behind a subtle fragrance. Plus, it’s safe for pets and kids, so you can clean with peace of mind.
DIY Toilet Bowl Cleaner:
For those tough toilet bowl stains, we’ve got just the solution: a DIY toilet bowl cleaner that’s gentle on the wallet and tough on grime. Combine baking soda, white vinegar, and a touch of essential oil for a refreshing aroma. Apply the mixture with a sponge or brush, let it work its magic for a few minutes, then scrub away for a sparkling clean bowl.
This natural alternative not only gets the job done effectively but also keeps your bathroom smelling fresh, all without the need for harsh chemicals. Embrace natural cleaning solutions and achieve a cleaner, greener home today!
Cleaning your home naturally and affordably is not only better for your health and the environment but also for your wallet. By using simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon, you can achieve a clean and fresh home without breaking the bank. So why wait? Start cleaning the natural way today!
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