When scrutinizing the contents of my household cleaning products, I adopt a similar mindset as when evaluating the food on my plate. If an ingredient wouldn’t be familiar to my great-grandmother, it’s not making its way onto my shelf. The harsh chemicals in many cleaning products can be inhaled or absorbed through our skin, ultimately wreaking havoc within our bodies. Why expose ourselves and our loved ones to these toxins?
Instead, I opt for natural alternatives that won’t compromise the well-being of those around me. It’s surprisingly straightforward to concoct your own cleaning sprays, floor cleaners, and laundry detergent using a mere handful of common household ingredients.
The Benefits of DIY Cleaning Products vs Store-Bought Ones
The advantages of making your own cleaning products mirror those of cooking at home versus relying on instant or frozen meals. One major benefit is the significant cost savings. DIY cleaning products typically cost about 1/8 as much as their commercial counterparts. Moreover, when you take matters into your own hands, you’ll have complete control over the ingredients that go into your cleaning solutions.
This transparency is particularly important in light of the toxic chemicals commonly found in standard cleaning formulas, which can pose long-term health risks if used regularly.
Ethanolamines
In many common cleaning products, you might come across TEA (triethanolamine), MEA (monoethanolamine), or DEA (diethanolamine). These ingredients are typically used as emulsifiers in all-purpose cleaners, oven cleaners, floor washes, dish soap, and other liquid detergents. Their primary function is to create a rich foam and lather that makes cleaning more effective. However, these chemicals have been linked to some concerning health effects.
When inhaled, they can trigger asthma and other respiratory issues. Moreover, they are suspected carcinogens [1] and have been found to contribute to tumor development.
Nonylphenol ethoxylate (NPEs)
When it comes to household cleaning products like spray air fresheners, degreasers, and liquid toilet bowl cleaners, you may have encountered NPEs (nonylphenol ethoxylates) before. These chemicals are classified as endocrine disruptors [2], meaning they can interfere with hormonal function and regulation. What’s more concerning is that they’re also considered carcinogens and have been linked to breast cancer development.
Research has further revealed connections between these chemicals and reproductive system dysfunction in marine life, underscoring the importance of carefully considering their use in our daily lives.
Coal Tar Dyes
When it comes to coloring cleaning products, such as laundry detergents and glass cleaners, a common practice is to use synthetic dyes like P-phenylenediamine, coal tar solutions, benzoin B70, naphtha, or ester. However, these chemicals have been classified as known carcinogens, posing a potential risk of causing cancer. As you explore the ingredients lists of commercial cleaners, it’s not hard to find these substances listed.
In stark contrast, homemade cleaning products can be free from such harmful additives. Not only are they safer for use in your home, but many of the necessary ingredients can even be safely consumed or applied to the skin without adverse effects.
What You’ll Need:
When crafting your own DIY cleaning products, you’ll rely on a core set of ingredients that can be combined in various proportions to tackle different tasks. These staples include white vinegar, baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), borax (also known as sodium borate, sodium tetraborate, or disodium tetraborate), castile soap (such as Dr.
Bronner’s) in either bar or liquid form, lemon juice (either bottled or fresh from a squeeze), washing soda (sodium carbonate), and rubbing alcohol (90% isopropyl). Meanwhile, essential oils can add a personal touch to your cleaning products, allowing you to infuse them with your favorite scents.
For instance, citrus fragrances like lemon, sweet orange, grapefruit, and bergamot are often well-suited for use in the kitchen and living areas, while scents like eucalyptus, sage, tea tree, and mint can be particularly effective in bathrooms.
All-Purpose Surface Cleaner
To create this effective cleaning solution, combine 2 cups of white vinegar with 1 cup of water in a standard spray bottle. If you’d like to enhance its disinfecting abilities, consider adding 20 drops of your preferred essential oil (such as thyme or tea tree). After mixing the ingredients, shake the bottle well before each use to ensure the solution remains effective. This concoction is remarkably adept at cutting through grease and leaving surfaces sanitized.
Scouring Cleaner
Combine 2 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of borax. Cut a fresh lemon in half and add it to the mixture. Sprinkle this potent blend on your sink, bathtub, or stained surfaces, then use the lemon’s natural acidity and the abrasive powder to scrub away stubborn stains. This dynamic duo works wonders as a soap scum remover in showers, effectively tackling tile walls and glass doors alike.
Standard Floor Cleaner
To create an effective cleaning solution for linoleum, ceramic, stone, or laminate floors, combine 1/2 cup of borax, 1/4 cup of liquid Castile soap, and 10-12 cups of hot water. Additionally, add 10-20 drops of your preferred essential oil (EO) to the mixture. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Use this solution to clean your floors by applying it with a mop or cloth, then wiping dry with a clean towel.
Real Wood Floor Cleaner
Blend together 1/2 cup of olive oil, 1/3 cup of bottled lemon juice, and approximately 10-12 cups of hot water in a large container. Then, utilize a mop or floor squeegee to meticulously clean and sanitize your wooden floor surfaces. However, it is crucial to note that this mixture should only be used on genuine wood floors, as applying it to laminate flooring may result in a hazardous situation, causing you to slip and potentially injure yourself for an extended period.
Glass Cleaner
To create an effective cleaning solution for glass surfaces, combine 1 cup of rubbing alcohol, 2 tablespoons of white vinegar, and 1 cup of water in a clean spray bottle. Shake the mixture well to ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated. This solution is ideal for cleaning windows, mirrors, and other glass surfaces. For an added touch of sparkle, use used newspapers to dry the surface after cleaning.
Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Who wouldn’t recall the thrill of creating a mini-volcanic eruption in science class? Little do we know, the same combination of vinegar and baking soda that brought joy to our childhood can be harnessed for some impressive cleaning feats. Take toilet bowls, for instance. To give them a sparkling makeover, start by pouring 1/2 cup of baking soda into the bowl, adding a few drops of your preferred essential oil to give it a pleasant aroma.
Next, introduce 1 cup of vinegar and quickly close the lid – then, literally, step back and let the mixture work its magic for 15-20 minutes. After that, simply scrub away with your toilet brush and flush with renewed enthusiasm. And if you’re looking for an added bonus, this same formula can be used to unclog sink or bathtub drains!
Here’s how: pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by heated vinegar – quickly stopper it up and let it sit for 20-30 minutes as it breaks down any stubborn blockages. Finally, run hot water through the drain to wash away any remaining debris.
Laundry Detergent
Your skin is your body’s largest organ, making it susceptible to absorbing chemicals that come into contact with it. As such, it’s essential to be mindful of the chemicals you introduce onto your clothing. To create a natural detergent, combine the following ingredients: 1 bar of Castile soap, grated finely; 1 cup baking soda; 1/2 cup borax; and 30-40 drops of your preferred essential oil (optional). Store the mixture in an airtight glass or plastic container.
When it’s time to do laundry, add 1/4 cup directly into the washing machine or dissolve it in warm water first before adding it. Washing soda, also known as sodium carbonate, plays a crucial role by softening water, allowing soap to penetrate fabric fibers and lift dirt and grease away from them. The suspended particles can then be rinsed away with the wash water. This natural detergent is one of the simplest DIY cleaning products to prepare.
Additionally, you have the freedom to customize its scent or omit it altogether, if desired. I personally prefer unscented detergent to avoid any potential conflicts with my perfume. However, when washing only my personal items, I do enjoy adding a few drops of jasmine essential oil for an added touch.
Switch Things Up!
Get creative with your cleaning products and make them a reflection of the season or holiday! For instance, combine cinnamon, orange, and either pine or spruce essential oils for a cozy winter cleaning experience. In contrast, scents like mint, lemon, neroli, or clary sage work wonderfully for spring and summer spritzing. I’ve even prepared a special blend of tangerine, cinnamon, clove, and frankincense for my Halloween cleaning sprees!
Not only can you tailor the scent to your liking, but you’ll also be opting for healthier alternatives by making your own DIY cleaners. So go ahead, get scrubbing and enjoy the fruits of your labor!
