It is imperative to keep your house clean to help keep your family members healthy. Did you know that you can save money and improve indoor air quality by making homemade natural cleaning products? You can make these solutions with ingredients you probably already have around the house.
Why Should You Make Homemade Natural Cleaning Products?
Commercially-made cleaning products often contain chemicals called volatile organic compounds, which are unhealthy to breathe. VOCs can cause damage to the central nervous system and trigger unpleasant symptoms like nausea, difficulty breathing, and irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat. It is best to avoid introducing VOCs to your home by making your own cleaning supplies with simple ingredients. You’ll also save a lot of money by making your own.
All-Purpose Cleaner
The type of cleaner you probably use the most often is an all-purpose cleaner to wipe down surfaces anywhere in the home. Our all-purpose cleaner is simply a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and water. Add a lemon rind and some sprigs of rosemary to make it aromatic. Let it sit for a week before using, to allow the scent to infuse the liquid. Take note that a vinegar-based cleaner should not be used on granite countertops.
- 1 part water
- 1 part white vinegar
- 1 lemon rind
- Several sprigs of rosemary
Homemade Natural Cleaning Products for the Kitchen
Baking soda is an effective product for cleaning and deodorizing. This homemade kitchen cleaner only has two ingredients: baking soda and water. Make a paste of 4 tablespoons of baking soda and 1 quart of water. Use a wet cloth to rub metal kitchen appliances with this paste to remove stains and make them shine. Freshen your garbage disposal and drains by pouring baking soda down them, which will go to work removing odors.
- 1 quart of water
- 4 tablespoons of baking soda
Glass Cleaner
An all-natural glass cleaner is easy to make with common items you already have. Take 2 cups of water, ½ cup of white vinegar, and ¼ cup of 70% rubbing alcohol. Combine these in a spray bottle and add a few drops of your favorite essential oil.
- ½ cup white vinegar
- ¼ cup rubbing alcohol, up to 70%
- 2 cups of water
- A few drops of essential oil, like lemon or orange
Hand Sanitizer
While washing your hands is always preferable to using hand sanitizer, it’s a good idea to keep some with you for when you don’t have access to soap and water. Also, many stores have sold out of hand sanitizer because of high demand due to COVID-19. Our DIY hand sanitizer contains 99% rubbing alcohol and aloe vera gel, with the addition of any essential oil.
- 2 parts 99% rubbing alcohol
- 1 part aloe vera gel
- A few drops of essential oils
Protect your family’s health by switching to eco-friendly DIY household cleaners. You’ll save money and have peace of mind that you aren’t breathing harmful chemicals.
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