Looking to switch to more environmentally-friendly, natural cleaners? Good news – there are plenty of eco-friendly cleaning options. But before you head to the store to buy a bunch of expensive, chemically-laden cleaning supplies, why not check your pantry first? You might be surprised to find that you already have everything you need to make eco-friendly, all-natural cleaning products right at your fingertips.
Here are 5 common household ingredients that can be used for cleaning: White vinegar, baking soda, olive oil, salt and citrus fruits are all great natural cleaning tools. You can use them to make everything from a heavy-duty oven cleaner to a gentle all-purpose cleaner. And the best part is that they’re usually very inexpensive – often cheaper than their chemical counterparts.
Vinegar: A natural disinfectant, vinegar can be used to clean surfaces, windows, and floors. To make an all-purpose cleaner, simply mix 1 part vinegar with 1 part water in a spray bottle. For extra dirty surfaces, you can use vinegar full strength.
Baking Soda: Baking soda is a mild abrasive that can be used to scrub surfaces like counters and sinks. It’s also great for absorbing odors and can be used in the refrigerator or freezer to keep things smelling fresh. To make a scrubbing paste, mix baking soda with just enough water to form a thick paste.
Lemons: Lemons are great for cutting through grease and grime and leave surfaces smelling fresh and clean. For an all-purpose cleaner, mix 1/2 cup lemon juice with 1/4 cup vinegar and 1/2 cup water in a spray bottle. For tougher jobs, use lemon juice full strength.
Salt: Salt is another mild abrasive that can be used for scrubbing surfaces like counters, sinks, and stoves. It’s also great for getting rid of tough stains like coffee and red wine. To make a scrubbing paste, mix salt with just enough water to form a thick paste.
Olive Oil: Olive oil can be used to polish wood furniture and stainless steel appliances. It’s also great for conditioning leather furniture. To polish wood furniture, mix 1/4 cup olive oil with 1/4 cup lemon juice in a bowl. Rub the mixture into the wood with a soft cloth until it’s evenly distributed. Then buff it until it shines!
To condition leather furniture, simply rub olive oil into the leather with a soft cloth until it’s evenly distributed. Let it soak in for at least 15 minutes before wiping away any excess oil.
For tough stains like coffee and red wine, simply sprinkle salt on the stain and let it sit for 15 minutes before vacuuming it up. The salt will absorb the stain and leave your carpets looking good as new!
If you want to go beyond the basics, you can also add hydrogen peroxide, cornstarch, castile soap, tea tree oil, and other essential oils to your Natural Cleaning Toolkit. These ingredients can be used to make a wide variety of cleaners, each with its own unique scent. So whether you’re looking for a Lemony Fresh All-Purpose Cleaner or a Lavender Disinfectant spray, you’re sure to find a recipe that’s perfect for you.
Next time you’re about to head to the store to buy some expensive, chemically-laden cleaning supplies, stop and check your pantry first! You might be surprised to find that you already have everything you need to make eco-friendly cleaning products right at your fingertips. And by using microfiber cloths or old cotton T-shirts instead of paper towels, you can further reduce your environmental impact. So save yourself some money and ditch the chemicals. Your wallet (and the environment) will thank you!
