Natural cleaning products are very popular these days as they have fewer chemicals and harsh components than most manufactured cleaning products. Since the start of COVID-19, there has been a shortage of products and you may not have had the chance to get some from the stores before they were wiped out. Not to worry, there are ways to make your own natural cleaners that are safe for you, your home, and your family.
Easy All-Purpose Cleaner:
- ¾ cup of hydrogen peroxide
- ½ cup of distilled white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon of unscented, liquid castile soap
- 10 drops of tea tree oil
- 20 drops of lavender essential oil
- 2 cups of water
Put everything in a 24-ounce spray bottle and shake. This is especially useful in the bathroom and kitchen.
Air Freshener:
- 3 cups of water
- 1 cup of vodka
- 10-20 drops of essential oil (orange, rosemary, or vanilla work well)
This one is fairly simple. Put everything in a 32-ounce spray bottle and spritz in the air or over particularly smelly areas like where the hamper is. Vodka contains ethyl alcohol, common alcohol in air freshener, so you do not need to choose a fancy kind, any brand will work.
Glass Cleaner:
- 2 cups of water
- ¼ cup distilled white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon of dish soap
Put it in a 24-ounce spray bottle and shake until it’s combined. Use it on windows, glass fronts to appliances, and mirrors.
Floor Cleaner:
- 1 gallon of distilled water
- ½ cup of vinegar
Mix in a bucket and use a mop to clean your floors. Do NOT use vinegar to clean stone floors!
Carpet Stain Remover:
- ¼ cup of table salt
- ¼ cup of white vinegar
- ¼ cup of borax powder
Mix everything into a paste and apply it to the stain (you may want to try this in an inconspicuous area first to make sure it does not leave a mark on certain rugs or carpets). Let it dry for 24 hours and vacuum it up. It will kill bacteria and deodorize while removing the stain. After you vacuum, clean the area with water. Pat the spot with a dry cloth.
Toilet Bowl Cleaner:
- 2 packets of lemonade Kool-aid
This may seem odd, but the acidity in the product is a great cleaner for toilet bowl rings and hard water stains. Flush the toilet, then sprinkle the packets into the toilet bowl and use a toilet brush to scrub. Let everything sit for a few hours, overnight works best, and flush it in the morning.
Best store-bought cleaners:
- Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds Biodegradable Cleaner: It is a liquid castile soap. It cleans dishes, floors, even your car; it is also gentle and does not irritate your skin. Dilute as needed.
- Mrs. Meyers Clean Day Basil Scent Multi-Surface Everyday Cleaner: It is made with plant-derived ingredients and essential oils. It smells amazing and it is gentle enough to not irritate the skin.
- Krud Kutter Original Concentrated Cleaner Degreaser: It will clean greasy stoves and countertops. It is also water-based and nontoxic meaning it is safe for kids, pets, and the environment in general.
- White House Foods Cleaning Vinegar: This cleaner is for your floors. Vinegar is the best for cleaning floors (unless they are stone!).
- Ecover Zero Dish Soap: This soap is natural. It is tough on the dirty dishes but gentle on the skin.
These were just some of the natural cleaners you can make and some you could purchase where available. Remember to stay safe when using any product and in case of accidental swallowing or getting something in the eyes, call the Poison Control Centers at (800) 222-1222
Blog Author: Bailey Aines, part-time NWWVT employee
