Living in a clean and healthy environment is a priority, and what better way to do this than with homemade natural cleaning products? I have a whole other post on the broader ways to live a more non-toxic life here, but for this post we’ll stay within the realm of cleaning solutions.
Did you know that people who work as cleaners get as much damage to their lungs as someone who smokes a packet of cigarettes a day?(Click here to read the study). Fluoride and formaldehyde are some of the chemicals you’ll find in conventional cleaning products today that are known to harm your respiratory system. So I’ve said goodbye to harsh chemicals and welcomed the natural power of these homemade cleaners. With just these 7 solutions, I am able to have the whole house sparkling, and at a more cost efficient price!
All Purpose Cleaner
Castile soap is about to become a staple in your house because it is SO versatile, I use it for everything from cleaning to beauty and personal care products. It’s an all natural, oil based soap and is 3x more concentrated than most liquid soaps meaning a little goes a long way, saving you money! This simple all purpose cleaning spray recipe can be used almost everywhere, I say almost because I wouldn’t use it on windows or mirrors, the DIY glass cleaner below is better for that.
Ingredients
- 1 part castile soap
- 3 parts water
- 10-20 drops of essential oil
Glass Cleaner
Again this is super simple and requires just two common household ingredients (essential oil is optional to add a natural fragrance). One bottle of vinegar will go so much further than a conventional glass cleaner like Windowlene for the same price and is far less harmful on your respiratory system.
Ingredients
- 1 part white vinegar
- 2 parts water
- 10-20 drops of essential oil
Bathroom Scrub
Again this is simple, affordable and can be used on all of those tough bathroom areas from the bath, sink, shower, toilet. With a good scrub brush or sponge it removes soap scum, limescale and other surface buildups and is also good for your drains. For things like mould and that pink bacteria that can sometimes be found lining your shower corners and grout, use the mould cleaner recipe below after you’ve done a thorough scrub.
Ingredients
- 1 part baking soda
- 1 part castile soap
- 1 part water
Dish Soap
For this one all I would add is that while essential oils are optional as they just add a natural fragrance when cleaning your home, citrus oils like orange and lemon also have degreasing properties, so I like to add it especially to my dish soap for little extra help to remove grime from pots and pans etc.
Ingredients
- 1 part castile soap
- 2 parts water
- 10-20 drops of essential oil
Disinfectant
Isopropyl alcohol has antimicrobial properties that can kill many types of bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It also evaporates super fast so leaves minimal residue behind. It’s ability to denature proteins in microorganisms contributes to its disinfecting effectiveness. Just make sure to use it properly following guidelines and ensuring sufficient contact time for effective disinfection.
Ingredients
- 70% isopropyl alcohol
- 10 drops essential oil (optional)
Room Spray
It’s worth saying in this post that if you have pets or young children make sure you’re using essential oils that are safe. I’m not a medical professional or aromatherapist but I have a rough guide for essential oils here. The combination of the below ingredients not only leave a room smelling nice but can also have mild antimicrobial properties if you pick the right essential oils (My favourite are tea tree, eucalyptus & lavender). The water acts as a carrier for the essential oils and helps distribute the spray evenly.
Ingredients
- 20 drops of essential oils
- 1tbsp Isopropyl alcohol
- 1 cup of water
Mould Remover
Just one ingredient. When hydrogen peroxide breaks down it releases oxygen which helps to break down mould and organic matter. It can penetrate through porous materials which is good to lift mould from grout, wood and fabrics. It leaves no residue and is considered more environmentally friendly compared to other harsh chemicals like chlorine bleach. Just make sure to spray and leave on the area for 20 minutes to do its thing. Ensure proper ventilation and test a small area before use.
Ingredients
Hydrogen Peroxide 3%
A Special Shoutout To Castile Soap
I’ve already mentioned the versatility of castile soap, but I wanted to show you HOW versatile. I’ve listed just a few of the many ways this product can be used in everyday life, you can swap out so many unnatural, more expensive products with this one super affordable little miracle bottle like:
- Body Wash: Use it as a gentle and natural body wash.
- Hand Soap: Dilute it with water for an effective and mild hand soap.
- Shampoo: A diluted mixture can work as a natural shampoo.
- Face Wash: Create a gentle facial cleanser by mixing with water.
- Shaving Cream: Use it as a lathering alternative for shaving.
- Baby Wash: Mild enough for use on babies and children.
- Laundry Detergent: A small amount can be added to your laundry for a natural detergent.
- Dish Soap: Dilute and use as a hand dishwashing soap.
- All-Purpose Cleaner: Mix with water for a general cleaning solution.
- Floor Cleaner: Add to water for mopping floors.
- Vegetable Wash: Clean fruits and vegetables with a diluted solution.
- Pet Shampoo: Use a diluted mixture for bathing pets.
- Car Wash: Dilute for an eco-friendly car wash solution.
- Plant Pest Deterrent: Mix with water to create a natural pest repellent for plants.
- Body Soak/Bath: Add a few drops to your bath for a relaxing soak.
- Toilet Cleaner: Mix with water and use as a toilet bowl cleaner.
- Stain Remover: Apply directly to stains on clothing before washing.
- Dusting Solution: Dilute and use for dusting furniture.
- Foot Soak: Create a refreshing foot soak by adding to warm water.
Always check the specific instructions on the Castile soap product you have, as concentrations may vary. Additionally, perform patch tests on surfaces and skin to ensure compatibility.
