DIY Eco Friendly Cleaning Supplies
by Chantel DaCosta Jun 28, 2017
The cost of commercial cleaners can not only eat into a large chunk of your weekly budget, but there are also health and environmental impacts of the synthetic manufactured cleaning products. However, there are affordable alternatives to commercial cleaners. These are easy to find, inexpensive common household products that can be used to clean your home.
- Baking Soda: cleans, deodorises, softens water, scours.
- Soap: unscented soap in liquid form, powders or bars is biodegradable. Soap can clean just about anything. Avoid using soaps which contain petroleum distillates.
- Lemon: one of the strongest food-acids, effective against most household bacteria.
- Borax (sodium borate): cleans, deodorises, disinfects, softens water, and, cleans wallpaper, painted walls and floors.
- White Vinegar: cuts grease, removes mildew, odours, and, wax build-up.
- Cornstarch: can be used as polish furniture, shampoo carpets and rugs.
- Citrus Solvent: cleans paint brushes, oil and grease, some stains.
Simple DIY Cleaning Solutions
All-Purpose Cleaner: Mix ½ cup vinegar and ¼ cup baking soda with two litres of water. Store and use for cleaning the shower, windows and mirrors.
Dishwashing Liquid: A detergent substitution is to use liquid soap. Add 2 or 3 tablespoons of vinegar to the warm, soapy water for tough jobs. Lemon or lime extracts can be added for extra cleaning and a fresh scent.
Disinfectant: Mix 2 teaspoons borax, 4 tablespoons vinegar and 3 cups hot water. For stronger cleaning power add ¼ teaspoon liquid castile soap. Wipe on with dampened cloth or use a spray bottle.
Drain Cleaner: Mix ½ cup salt in 4 litres water, heat (but not to a boil) and pour down the drain. For stronger cleaning, pour ½ cup baking soda down the drain, then ½ cup vinegar. After 15 minutes, pour in boiling water to clear residue. Please be careful and only use this method with metal plumbing.
Furniture Polish: Mix ½ teaspoon oil, olive oil or jojoba with ¼ cup vinegar. Add a little lemon juice. Mix the ingredients in a glass jar. Use this solution to wipe and polish wood surfaces.
These alternative homemade cleaning solutions will help you close that budget gap and help our environment.
Sources: Earth Easy, Greatist, and Care 2 Health Living.