Green Cleaning 101: How to Make & Use Natural Cleaning Solutions

We often hear about the importance of eco-friendly cleaning, but do we really understand it? Both small and large-scale chemical cleaning operations negatively impact the environment and our health. It’s time to reconsider the cleaning products we use at home to reduce toxic chemicals.

While many have switched to organic cleaning solutions, others doubt their effectiveness or don’t know how to make and use them properly. That’s why we’re here to guide you through the process of creating and using non-toxic, super-effective natural cleaners for your home.

Non-Toxic Ingredients for Cleaning Your Home

Switching to green cleaning means replacing chemical cleaners with eco-friendly alternatives. You can either purchase green cleaning products or stock up on ingredients to make your own DIY natural cleaners. We recommend making your own, as some store-bought 'green' cleaners are not completely eco-friendly. DIY solutions made with the right natural ingredients are a better option.

Essential Non-Toxic Ingredients

Keep these ingredients in stock to make a variety of natural cleaners:

• Baking Soda

• White Vinegar

• Lemons or Lemon Extract

• Hydrogen Peroxide

• Isopropyl Alcohol

• Castile Soap

• Salt

• Essential Oils

For cleaning tools, invest in spray bottles and microfiber cloths—at least a couple of each.

How to Make Natural Household Cleaners

Replace your chemical-based cleaning products with DIY natural cleaners. Here are some tried and tested recipes:

DIY Multi-Purpose Cleaner

• Ingredients: 1 cup white vinegar, 1 ½ cups hydrogen peroxide, 4 cups water, 1 tablespoon liquid castile soap, lavender essential oil (optional)

• Instructions: Mix ingredients in a spray bottle.

DIY Mirror & Glass Cleaner

• Ingredients: 1 cup isopropyl alcohol (70%), 1 cup water, ¼ cup white vinegar

• Instructions: Mix ingredients in a spray bottle.

DIY Toilet Bowl Cleaner

• Ingredients: 1 cup distilled water, ½ cup white vinegar, ¼ cup hydrogen peroxide, ½ cup liquid castile soap, essential oil (optional)

• Instructions: Mix ingredients in a bottle.

DIY Floor Cleaner

• Ingredients: 7 cups water, ½ cup white vinegar, ¼ cup baking soda, 2-3 tablespoons liquid castile soap

• Instructions: Mix ingredients in a bucket. This cleaner is suitable for tile, laminate, and vinyl floors.

By keeping these natural ingredients on hand and using these recipes, you can ensure a cleaner, greener home.

How to Use Natural Cleaners to Clean Your Home

Using DIY natural cleaners effectively is essential for maintaining a clean and healthy home. Here's how to make the most of your homemade solutions across different areas and surfaces.

General Surface Cleaning

Use your DIY all-purpose cleaner to clean furniture, countertops, cabinet exteriors, and bathroom surfaces. Spray the solution directly onto the surface or onto a microfiber cloth, then wipe clean.

Mirrors & Glass

1. Wipe with a clean dust cloth to remove loose dirt.

2. Clean corners and edges with a brush.

3. Spray your DIY glass cleaner on the surface.

4. Wipe with a microfiber cloth in an ‘S’ pattern to avoid streaks.

   Tip: Clean windows on a cloudy day to avoid quick drying that causes streaks.

Tile Grout

1. Make a paste with baking soda and water.

2. Apply to grout lines and let sit for 10 minutes.

3. Scrub with a grout brush or soft toothbrush.

4. Rinse with plain water.

Flooring

1. Sweep or vacuum first.

2. Mix the DIY floor cleaner.

3. Warm the cleaner for stubborn grime.

4. Mop using the solution, ensuring it’s suitable for tile, laminate, and vinyl floors.

Microwave

1. Mix 1 cup white vinegar, 1 cup water, and 3 tablespoons lemon extract in a microwavable bowl.

2. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes until it steams.

3. When cool, wipe the interior with a non-abrasive scrubber or microfiber cloth.

Toilet Bowl

1. Pour DIY toilet bowl cleaner around the bowl.

2. Let it sit overnight or for a couple of hours.

3. Scrub away loosened grime and flush.

Cookware

1. For plastic/melamine: Use a baking soda and water paste.

2. For steel: Mix 2 tablespoons of sea salt with enough lemon juice to make a paste.

3. Scrub with a sponge or scrubber, rinse thoroughly, and dry.

White Laundry

Add 1 cup of baking soda to a full load of laundry to brighten whites. This can also be used for colored fabrics but is more effective on whites.

Carpet Stains

1. Spray the stain with isopropyl alcohol (70%) and let soak for 5 minutes.

2. Rub a bar of castile soap over the stain for 30 seconds.

3. Dab the area with a clean, white cotton cloth until the stain is lifted.

4. Allow the carpet to dry and repeat if necessary.

Conclusion

Chemical cleaners don't always mean better results. Embrace eco-friendly cleaning with these natural, non-toxic ingredients and recipes. Enjoy a clean, chemical-free home and contribute to a healthier environment.

Related

• Benefits of Eco-Friendly Industrial Cleaning Products
• How to Clean Glass Vases: Inside and Out
• Why Choosing Baby-Safe Cleaning Products Is Important
• Dangerous Elements in Your Cleaning Products
• Hydrogen Peroxide Cleaning Applications

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