DIY Natural Cleaning Supplies

Today I’m excited to introduce Tabbie Stark from homeyou.com. Tabbie has written an article for us on the healthy and budget-wise alternatives to cleaning solutions for our home. We’re all concerned with eating healthy but do we give enough thought about what’s going into our homes and surroundings? These things have a big impact on us as well and today we’ve got some great information on how to save money as well as keeping those chemicals out of our environment. I learned a lot today and my cleaning cupboard is getting a big makeover!

DIY Natural Cleaning Supplies

When I was growing up I always wondered why my mom always bought gallons of vinegar instead of Clorox, boxes of baking soda instead of Scrubbing Bubbles, lemons and cinnamon instead of air fresheners, and borax for literally everything. I always thought she was just being cheap and not buying the stuff that “really works”. And when I moved out, I bought my first pack of cleaning wipes and was hooked. I kept trying to get my mom to convert and save herself of energy. But as many things my mom taught me that I didn’t listen to as a child, the joke’s on me. I got more concerned about what was around me and my family and what chemicals I was exposing us to and that’s when it all clicked. If you are also worried about cleaning your kitchen and home with these harsh chemicals, these are some options for you and your home that are more natural and just as effective, you can visit this page for more info.

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Oven Cleaner

This is by far one of the most harsh chemicals a lot of people keep in their home but when it comes to an oven with burnt on stains, it feels necessary. But luckily there is a much better solution for your oven.

2 Cups of hot water

1 Tablespoon for liquid dish soap

1 Teaspoon of borax

To clean the oven, mix the ingredients in a spray bottle and let sit for 20 mins. Then use a soft towel or recycled flannel material to clean it off. This should be able to help you get even the most baked on spots out of your oven without all the chemicals.

Disinfectant All-Purpose Cleaner

This cleaner is great for all over the house including bathrooms and kitchen. It works on tough countertop stains and kills germs all over the bathroom and doesn’t have the same skin damaging chemicals as most store bought brands that can be dangerous to families and pets.

2 Teaspoons of borax

4 Tablespoons of vinegar

3 Cups of hot water

¼ Teaspoon of pure castile soap

5-6 Drops of lemon and lavender essential oil (optional)

While this isn’t an antibacterial spray, most bathrooms and kitchens aren’t in need of them except in extreme cases. This all purpose cleaner should be a perfect option for all your cleaning needs.

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Window/Glass Cleaner

Window cleaners are great when it comes to making sure your glass surfaces look beautiful but for families with asthma or allergies, they can be a big problem. Luckily there is an option that will cost you less than 25 cents a bottle.

1/4 of Vinegar

2 Cups of Water

Mix these in the bottle and use it as you would any other glass cleaner.

Pro Tip: skip paper towels or fabrics that leave specs on your glass and instead opt for coffee filters to clean your windows. They leave your glass clean and clear.

Drain Cleaner

Drain cleaner is one of the most dangerous chemicals we keep in our homes, but as a woman with long curly hair, it’s almost a necessity for my bathroom. But I was tired of locking away the drain cleaner like it was a nuclear bomb from the kids and pets, I looked for a natural solution and it’s as simple as your 5th grade science project. For those in North London suffering from a particularly severe blockage, you could get in touch with FSDrainage to unblock your drain. For our friends down under in need of plumbing services, you may want to contact an eastern suburbs plumber to help you with your plumbing woes.

1/2 Cup of baking soda

1/2 Cup of vinegar

First pour the baking soda down the drain and then the vinegar. The chemical reaction will break down the blockage and cause it to drain correctly. After 15 minutes, pour boiling water down the drain to clear it. This method should only be used if you have metal pipes as plastic pipes will melt if too much boiling water is used.

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While sometimes buying cleaning supplies from the store can feel easier but a little bit of time and a change of habits could save your family from health risks and save you money. Many other recipes for cleaning supplies can be found online but if you are just getting started your best bets would be to invest in vinegar, baking soda, borax, lemon juice, a pure castile liquid soap and a couple of essential oils of your choosing. With these supplies you can clean almost everything in your home!

Article written by Tabbie Stark, also a writer for homeyou.com, a company that connects homeowners to reliable, affordable and professional contractors for their home improvement projects. Check more on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter.