Clean 'Green' This Spring With Simple Homemade Cleaners
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Clean 'Green' This Spring With Simple Homemade Cleaners

Making your own home cleaners using everyday items is easier than you may think

March 20, 2024

Spring is here and it’s the perfect time to freshen up your home with eco-friendly cleaners you can make yourself. Store-bought products often contain harsh chemicals and generate extra plastic waste. With a few common pantry staples you can clean every room safely and sustainably.

Simple Everyday Ingredients

Gather these basic items to start your green cleaning routine:

  • Distilled white vinegar
  • Baking soda
  • Olive oil
  • Borax
  • Liquid castile soap
  • Essential oils (optional for fragrance)
  • Microfiber cloths
  • Recycled newspaper or lint-free rags

DIY Cleaner Recipes

Glass cleaner: Combine ¼ cup vinegar with 1 quart water in a spray bottle. Spray on glass surfaces and wipe clean with newspaper or a lint-free cloth.

Countertops & tile: Mix 2 parts vinegar, 1 part baking soda, and 4 parts water. Apply with a sponge, scrub gently, and wipe away residue.

Floor wash: Stir 4 cups vinegar into a gallon of hot water. Add 5–10 drops of lemon or peppermint essential oil if you like. Mop floors and let them air-dry; the vinegar scent evaporates quickly.

Furniture polish: Blend equal parts lemon juice and olive oil. Massage a small amount into wood with a soft cloth, then buff to a shine.

Toilet bowl: Sprinkle baking soda inside the bowl, scrub with a brush, then flush. For deeper cleaning, use borax instead. Wipe the exterior with plain vinegar.

All-purpose disinfectant: Dissolve 2 teaspoons borax in 3 cups hot water, stir in 4 tablespoons vinegar and ¼ teaspoon castile soap. Pour into a spray bottle, mist surfaces, then wipe clean.

Tips for Best Results

  • Label homemade solutions with contents and date; use within one month.
  • Test delicate surfaces in an inconspicuous spot first.
  • Keep spray bottles and cloths clean and dry between uses.
  • Store ingredients in airtight containers to maintain potency.
  • Wear gloves if you have sensitive skin or use stronger borax mixes.

Swapping harsh cleaners for these DIY alternatives reduces toxins in your home and cuts down on plastic waste. Happy green cleaning!