Cleaning a house doesn’t have to involve using chemicals that can potentially harm one’s household or the environment. In addition to making energy-efficient home upgrades, people can also use natural cleaning products to further care for the environment.
Plenty of environmentally friendly cleaning products can be made at home using ingredients that people already have in their kitchen, including baking soda, white vinegar, lemon, and castile soap. These environmentally friendly cleaning products can be just as effective in getting the job done. Plus, homemade cleaning products are a lot more affordable, saving people money in the long run. Keep reading to discover six environmentally friendly cleaning products you can make right at home.
DIY Bleach Alternative
One of the most common cleaning products on the market is bleach. Despite its effectiveness in getting rid of dirt and stains, it can release chemicals into the air upon using it. Most commercial bleaches also contain many chemicals that can irritate skin or cause an allergic reaction for those with skin sensitivities. Therefore, many people have turned to making a bleach alternative at home.
How to Make Bleach Alternative
To make this solution, combine two cups of 3% hydrogen peroxide, 2/3 cup of washing soda, four cups of warm water, and an optional 10 drops of lemon essential oil.
To use it, spray it on any surface that needs cleaning and wipe it away with a cloth or sponge once cleaning is complete.
DIY All-Purpose Counter Cleaner
Another standard household cleaning product is an all-purpose counter cleaner. However, these cleaners typically contain chemicals that can cause skin irritation for those who use them frequently.
How to Make All-Purpose Counter Cleaner
To make this natural counter cleaner, mix 1/2 cup white vinegar, 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol, and two cups water in a spray bottle. Shake the solution well before each use.
To clean counters or any other surfaces, spray the solution on the desired area and wipe it away with a cloth or sponge.
DIY Hand Soap
Many commercial hand soaps contain chemicals that can damage or dry out skin over time. Luckily, it’s easy to make a natural, environmentally friendly hand soap using some common household ingredients at home.
How to Make Hand Soap
To make environmentally friendly hand soap, mix 1/4 cup liquid castile soap, two tablespoons honey, and an optional 10 drops of essential oil in a small bowl. Stir the ingredients until they’re well combined. Store the soap in a bottle or jar with a dispenser pump.
To use this natural hand soap, rub it onto wet hands, rinse thoroughly with warm water, and dry hands with a clean towel or air dryer.
DIY Grease Cleaner
Grease and cooking oil stains can be tough to remove, even if dishes are cleaned in dishwashers using hot water. However, people can eliminate grease and cooking oil stains with the right cleaners and supplies. Commercial grease cleaners contain ingredients that may cause skin or eye irritation. Because of this, many people have turned to making just-as-effective grease-fighting solutions.
How to Make Grease Cleaner
To make an environmentally friendly grease cleaner, mix three parts baking soda with one part castile soap in a bowl.
Use a damp cloth or sponge to apply the cleaning solution to the greasy surface. Let it soak for about five minutes, then scrub away with another cloth or sponge. Rinse thoroughly and wipe dry as needed.
DIY Laundry Detergent
Commercial laundry detergents contain chemicals that can harm the environment, skin, and respiratory systems. Many people have turned to making natural laundry detergent at home to avoid those risks.
How to Make Laundry Detergent
While many people may still be unsure if using vinegar in their laundry machine is a good idea, a mixture of one cup of washing soda, one cup of baking soda, a bar of soap, and ½ cup powdered citric acid can do the trick. Add 10 to 20 drops of essential oil if desired.
To use, add 1/4 cup to one load of laundry. Add one to two tablespoons of Epsom salt to each load if desired. This amount can be increased or decreased as needed depending on the size of the load and how dirty the clothes are.
DIY Cutting Board Cleaning Solution
Did you know that all that’s needed to clean and sanitize a cutting board, whether it’s wooden or plastic, is a lemon? Just rub a cut lemon over the cutting board’s surface! After the lemon juice has sat on the board for at least 10 minutes, rinse away with hot water. Those who need more powerful scrubbing can add some Kosher salt to their boards before rubbing half a lemon over the cutting board.
Clean Your Home With These Environmentally Friendly Cleaning Products
With the help of these environmentally friendly cleaning products, it’s easy to keep your home clean and healthy without worrying about damaging household surfaces or harming the environment. Choose from these recipes or use them as inspiration to create homemade cleaning solutions.
