Homemade Cleaning Products

December 12, 2010

This isn’t exactly the time of year for spring cleaning, but as I’m preparing to move out of my apartment at the end of the month, making sure everything is spic and span has found it’s way higher on the to-do list.

But you won’t find Windex and Clorox Clean-up under my kitchen sink.

The toxic chemicals in your standard cleaning products are scary enough to make your hair stand on end. What’s worse is that the majority of them aren’t required to list their ingredients on the bottle because they are protected by trade secret regulations.

When I learned how all disease really only has 2 causes (deficiency and toxicity), I made the switch to more natural brands of cleaning products. And while there are certainly exceptions (like Seventh Generation and Shaklee), the majority of these ‘natural’ brands are just marketing claims on steroids.

And gosh they’re expensive.

So look behind curtain #3 for the most effective AND inexpensive way to clean!

I’m serious. It’s that simple.

And here’s why:

White vinegar kills most mold, bacteria, & germs.

Baking soda deodorizes, scours surfaces, & is a natural cleaning agent.

Tea tree oil is a natural antibacterial.

Other things you can use are lemon juice (has antibacterial & antiseptic properties, is a natural bleach, and just plain smells good), salt (scours, cleans, & deodorizes), hydrogen peroxide (kills bacteria & mold), or pure castile soap (like Dr. Bronner’s).

And you probably already have half the items on that list in your house. If not, they are super cheap (always a plus)!

Here are some of my favorite ‘recipes’ for homemade cleaning products:

All-Purpose Cleaner

Put equal parts white vinegar & water in a spray bottle. Add a few drops of lemon juice to make it smell pretty (but don’t worry, the vinegar smell dissipates as soon as it dries).

Carpet Stain Remover

Mix equal parts baking soda (or borax), salt, & white vinegar. Mix into a paste and apply to the stain. Let it dry, then vacuum it up.

Drain Cleaner

Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by half a cup of vinegar. Let it fizz, then flush with hot water.

Moldy Grout Remover

Mix half a cup of hydrogen peroxide with one cup of water. Spray it on the moldy tiles, let it sit for one hour, then rinse.

Shower Spray

Fill a spray bottle with water and add 5-10 drops of tea tree oil. Keep it in your shower. Shake it up and spray down the walls and curtain after each shower. Replace every other week.

Toilet Cleaner

Mix 1/4 c. baking soda with 1 c. vinegar and pour the mixture in the toilet basin. Let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub and flush.

Air Freshener

Throw a few cinnamon sticks or cloves in a pot of water and let it simmer on the stove. You could also use any scent of essential oil that you like.

*UPDATE* Visit my Resources Page to print a free PDF with all these recipes!

What is your favorite recipe for cleaning products? What have you found to work the best?

This post is linked to Simple Lives Thursday

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Thomas Hays
December 13, 2010 at 3:29 pm

I’ve thought of making my own cleaning products years ago but never actually went through with it. I’ve been using seventh gen stuff, but it’s NOT cheap. Perhaps we will give this a try.
1. Lori Winter
  December 13, 2010 at 4:08 pm
  
  I do like Seventh Generation, but you’re right, the price tags drove me to making my own–which I’ve found are just as effective (if not more so!) than what I buy ready made!
Allyn
December 14, 2010 at 11:28 am

I often use the drain cleaner. Some would say I have a lot of hair. It’s great for maintenance, though I found that it’s not strong enough for bigger clogs. Also, I do love the smell of Mrs. Meyer’s basil line. I can’t help it.
1. Lori Winter
  December 15, 2010 at 5:45 pm
  
  Good to know! Anyone who has ever lived with me can attest I have lots of hair too. And it tends to find its way into the shower drain in clumps.
  
  I’ve never tried the Mrs. Meyer’s line, but I certainly wouldn’t mind my apartment smelling like basil ;)
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July 7, 2011 at 6:14 pm

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Nicole A
July 4, 2012 at 5:17 pm

This is awesome! I’ve been wanting to start using all natural cleaning products but couldn’t find simple recipes – I kept finding all of this conflicting information. Thanks for putting this recipe post together. I can’t wait for all of my chemicals to run out so I can make my own. I’ve already started noticing a difference in my skin (oil cleansing method) and want to start going “no poo.” Now if only I could get myself to stop eating crap and chemicals…. one step at a time…
Sharon
August 4, 2012 at 6:30 pm

Thank you for the useful information, its way cheaper and better for the environment!! Baking soda is also good for teeth whitening…1 tbsp b.s. and 1 tbsp water, mix into a paste and brush on your teeth, leave one for a few minutes, do this once a day, every week and there you go…whiter teeth for 1/8 of the cost!! Notice the difference in 2 weeks.

Nicole A, what were you talking about with a difference in your skin (oil cleaning method) I read so much info via internet trying to find the fountain of youth both inside and out…I’m 39, non-smoker and NEED to feel and look better!! Take care ladies and Blessings to you and your families :)
1. Lori Winter
  August 4, 2012 at 6:36 pm
  
  Thanks for the tip Sharon! I’ve heard great things about the oil cleansing method as well. Personally, I wash my face with honey and I’ve seen amazing results! You might be interested in checking it out: https://www.laurelofleaves.com/2011/09/honey-face-mask-for-clear-glowing-skin/
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August 31, 2012 at 1:37 pm

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August 31, 2012 at 1:43 pm

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wellness blog
May 1, 2013 at 4:44 pm

You had me at the beginning, but I’m not sure I followed the connection to the examples you used.
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October 4, 2014 at 6:02 pm

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