Many cleaners we use everyday contain toxic ingredients that can harm your family and the plant. There are many cleaners out there that claim to be green but still often have toxic ingredients. Even the ones that are truly green are often expensive. A good way to be sure your cleaners are truly green and save money is to make your own. Here are some recipes to get you started.
What you need:
Hydrogen Peroxide Tea Tree Essential Oil
Essential Oils in your choice of scents
Baking Soda
White Vinegar
Soap Nuts (click here to find more information about soap nuts)
Liquid Castile Soap (Dr. Bronner’s is a good brand)
Empty spray bottles and jugs
HE Liquid Laundry Soap
Front loading washers save on water and energy but require soaps that don’t make many suds, this soap is great for these washers. It also can help prevent mold build up in washers because it doesn’t leave a film like most soaps.
To make this soap, boil four cups of boiling water (preferably distilled water) and place six-eight soap nuts in the water, take off the heat. Let the soap sit overnight. In the morning strain the soap nuts from the water; these can be composted. Pour the soap into a bottle and store in the fridge for longer shelve life.
Color Safe Bleach
Take a clean plastic gallon jug (an old laundry soap bottle works well) and add two cups of hydrogen peroxide and fill with water (preferably distilled water). To use just soak your items for 10 to 30 minutes or add a half cup to your washer.
Mold Cleaner/ Disinfectant
Mix a few teaspoons of tea tree essential oil and two cups of water. Pour into a clean spray bottle, shake well before use. For mold spray on mold and let sit for two hours, wipe off. For disinfectant spray on surface and let sit for 15-30 minutes, wipe clean with damp cloth.
All Purpose Spray Mix two cups of water (preferably distilled water), two teaspoons of liquid castile soap in a spray bottle. To use spray on surface and wipe with damp cloth.
Liquid Dish Soap
(Not for use in the dishwasher!)
Fill a bottle with half water and half castile soap.
Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Spray vinegar in bowl. Let sit while you clean the rest of the bathroom. Add some baking soda and scrub.
Microwave Cleaner
Heat one cup of vinegar in a microwave safe bowl for one- two minutes. Wipe out with a cloth and warm soapy water.
Drain Cleaner
Pour a 1/4 cup of baking soda down the drain, follow with 1/2 cup of vinegar, cover drain tightly until it stops fizzing. Flush with about a gallon of hot water.
Carpet Freshener
Mix baking soda with a few drops of essential oils or add dried herbs or cinnamon. Mix well. Sprinkle on the carpet and let sit for about 15-30 minutes. Vacuum normally.
Making your own cleaners may seem time consuming at first but once it’s a habit you won’t even think about it. And you will enjoy skipping the cleaner aisle when at the store.
