With the awareness of toxicity in conventional household cleaners, an array of “natural” alternatives have made their way to the supermarket shelves. Even the most popular brands are touting eco-friendly versions. As I look through the choices on the shelf, I see products selling for $5 or more! I’d much rather spend that money on something other than cleaning products. So, I just make my own. With a few basic ingredients you can keep your home clean and fresh… and lower your weekly grocery bill!

SOME BASIC INGREDIENTS:

white vinegar - This could be the ONLY cleaning product in your home if need be.
A multitude of uses from medicinal to anti bacterial, vinegar should be kept in the home at all times. How does it work? you may ask…The acid in vinegar cuts through grease and germs. Healthy bacteria naturally found in vinegar goes to war with the bad bacteria. One of nature’s many disinfectants! I usually buy the least expensive white distilled for cleaning.

Borax - A natural occurring mineral composed of sodium, boron, oxygen, and water. It can be used as a laundry booster, deodorizer, or stain remover. It’s a great alternative to toxic scrubbing powders. The most common brand is Mule Team. It’s located on the laundry detergent isle in the grocery store. Although it’s not acutely toxic, be sure to read the manufacturer’s safety info on the box.

Baking Soda - Another natural occurring mineral, sodium bicarbonate. Used similarly to borax but non toxic. A safer choice when children are in the house. Plus, it’s a must for perfect chocolate chip cookies!

Lemon - Yep. Regular ole lemons. Naturally antibacterial and acidic. Here’s a good tip: Rub lemon on your chopping board to neutralize onion smell. Leave it for 10 min. Rinse with water.

Castille Soap - Dr. Bronner’s… It’s not homemade but a little goes a long way. Non toxic,too. I like to add a squirt in my cleaning mixture for extra dirty jobs. The natural surfactants get under the dirt and lift it off.
Also, you can choose one of the scented ones if you like essential oils but don’t have any on hand. My favorite is the eucalyptus!

Essential oils - Essential oils have natural anti-microbial properties. Here’s where you can customize your cleaners. Or just use them straight up. Essential oils are very concentrated so use sparingly. Keep it simple. Only use up to 3 different types in a mixture. You can refer to my aromatherapy page for more details on essential oils. (coming soon!)

A FEW RECIPES:

all-purpose household cleaner
In a 2 liter spray bottle, pour
1/2 c. white vinegar
1/4 c.baking soda (or 2t. borax)
fill to the top with water
Add 5 drops oil of lavender and 5 drops oil of tea tree. Shake it up.
Great for the kitchen and bathroom!

furniture polish
Using a recycled squirt bottle, like the one agave syrup comes in, or a jelly jar, pour equal parts olive oil and white vinegar. Add a couple drops of essential oil to freshen the smell.

no wax floor cleaner
1/2c. white vinegar
1/2 gallon warm water
10 drops desired essential oil or…
the juice of half a lemon!

wood floor cleaner
1 squirt castille soap
1/2 c. white vinegar
1/2 gallon water

RANDOM TIPS:

As far as dishwashing soap goes, I stick to 7th generation free and clear. In the past, I experimented with Dr. Bronner’s but found that it left a residue on the dishes. Maybe I didn’t dilute it enough.

Laundry detergent: I’ve seen recipes for homemade laundry detergent using plain bar soap, washing soda , and borax. I have not attempted to make it. I usually get whatever “free and clear” is on sale.

Garbage disposal deodorizer: Although I don’t have one, I read about this and thought it was really interesting… Freeze white vinegar in an ice tray. Drop a few vinegar cubes down the disposal and let it chop ‘em up. Intriguing…

Stinky dog remedy: Wet the hound down with fresh water. Use a mixture of 1c. vinegar, 2 gallons water and saturate yer dog’s coat. Dry off and the smell is gone!

To help with fleas- Put a teaspoon of vinegar in your pet’s water. For this I would use apple cider vinegar because of it’s health benefits.

Windows and mirrors: Use the all-purpose cleaner and your old newspapers to clean the windows. Less streaking and saves on paper towels!

Well, that’s all for today folks. I have a sudden urge to mop the floor…

Oh yeah, and feel free to share your own natural concoctions right over there in the comment section…