Did you know 10 pantry staples can create 10 awesome homemade cleaners? Get the recipes for these easy, natural DIY cleaning products.
Hopefully all this de-cluttering is getting you all excited for the deep, deep cleaning that is going to happen soon! I don’t know how it is for you, but with every box of stuff I get rid of I feel like another little load has been lifted off my shoulders. We are still going to take some time in the next week for more weeding and purging, but in the meantime I thought it would be a good idea to also start gathering some of the necessary tools you’ll need to get your space spic & span.
I have always had a bad habit of thinking that more cleaning supplies would result in a cleaner house. At one point we had so many mops and brooms in our broom closet that my husband finally exploded in exasperation: “You do realize that none of them actually clean the floor for you, right?” he snapped.
The thing is, until he said that, I actually thought they might.
As hard as it was to finally accept the sad reality that there are no magic mops, I am happy to report that we are now down to one broom, one dustpan, and one mop in our broom closet, and that is just exactly enough.
A key component of The Big Spring Clean is to STOP bringing in more things, so I am going to challenge you to use the supplies you have on hand as you complete this challenge. If you–like me–have accumulated mass quantities of cleaning supplies, use those up before you run out and buy something new. Using what you already have is about as green & thrifty as you can get.
For anything you do still need, you might be surprised to discover that you probably already have the right ingredients right in your own kitchen or laundry cabinet. I have been amazed to find that a combination of just a few common household products that can tackle almost every cleaning task. In fact I’ve discovered that just 10 different products–most of which I already have on hand–can be combined in 10 different ways to make 10 different awesome, green, & super thrifty cleaners. 10x10x10….how cool is that?
Mix all ingredients together in a medium bowl to make a paste; use scrub brush or sponge to apply to tub, shower walls, & sinks. (Be sure to test a small area to make sure paste does not scuff tub surface; if so, eliminate the salt from the mixture! Rinse well with water and a wet rag, then dry with a clean rag or old towel.
Turn off flow valve to toilet & flush 1 or 2 times until water is drained. Pour in baking soda, then slowly pour in vinegar, being sure to get vinegar to cover as much of the bowl surface as possible, then add essential oil. The baking soda will react with the vinegar–this is normal! Use your toilet brush to scrub surface & remove any rings or stains. Turn water back on and flush.
Dampen rag & squeeze out excess water. Dip damp rag into furniture polish, the wipe on surface of furniture. Buff off with an old dry towel. Can also be used to polish stainless steel!
Mix vinegar, water, & essential oil together in spray bottle. Spray on glass & use squeegee, crumpled newspaper (Tip: use newspapers that are at least 2 weeks old to avoid black fingers!), or a lint-free rag to get a streak-free shine. Also works well to shine chrome and countertops after you’ve disinfected them.
Whisk all ingredients together well in large bowl, then pour into spray bottle. Spray on, then wipe surface clean with a damp cloth. Can be used to clean and disinfect almost any surface!
Mix ingredients in spray bottle. Mixture will foam up; when it stops bubbling, put on cap and spray stainless steel surface, then wipe clean & dry with lint-free rag. To add extra shine, use furniture polish above.
Mix first three ingredients well & store in airtight container. To use, add 1 tablespoon to each of the 2 compartments in your dishwasher and 2 tablespoons of vinegar to your rinse compartment.
Mix vinegar & baking soda together in bucket; add hot water, Borax, washing soda, & essential oil and mix until all powder is dissolved. Use mop or sponge to wipe down floor; wipe dry with clean dry towel.
This homemade laundry detergent is so cheap and easy to make that you will kick yourself for not trying it until now. Place Ivory soap in a large microwave safe bowl. Heat in the microwave for 2 minutes, until soap turns to foam. Quickly stir foam until it becomes small soap chips, then mix well with borax and washing powder. Allow to cool completely, then store in airtight container. Use 1-2 tablespoons per load. (Tip: This detergent works best in warm or hot water; for cold water washing you may want to first dissolve in 1/4 c. of hot water.)
Add 1/4-1/2 cup vinegar with several drops of your favorite essential oil to the rinse cycle (or simply place in fabric softener compartment of your front load washer.)
So that’s it….10 ingredients mixed up 10 different ways to create 10 different cleaners. Are you psyched yet?
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Hi,
Love it when people make their own Cleaning products! I try and incorporate a lot off essential oils in my Cleaning it makes everything smell , but also has so many benefits such as clearing the air, several are antifungal, antiseptic, antibiotic etc. I do try and not use Borax, as it is proven to be very harsh for the skin and even toxic. In several european countries it is even banned, so I am surprised to find it in so many US recipies for natural cleaning products.
Hi Claudia,
You are right about the toxicity of Borax! We use Borax and peanut butter for pest control in the hard to see crevices after a pest control guy suggested it. Our problem was that we lived in an apartment, and pest services weren't normal. When somebody complained of roaches, the super would only spray that apartment, and the roaches would migrate. After this little recipe was put into effect, we didn't really have a problem. :D We do not have pets, so this works for us.
I love the simplicity of your list and chemical-free cleaning has long been my personal goal. The recipe that caught my attention was the stainless steel cleaner and I will try it today!
Do the essential oils serve a function other than the nice scent? I do 95% of my cleaning using only water and Norwex microfiber so anything with oils will have to be adapted. I'm curious whether the oils leave a film on furniture which will actually attract dirt.
(Candace: I can recommend a product to solve your dusting woes. Contact me or check my website.)
As the mom of three (!) severe asthmatics I will vouch for the importance of keeping chemicals out of our homes and the lungs of our little ones. Thank you for promoting a green lifestyle Ruth! I cannot wait to try the home made laundry detergent and fabric softener!
Although I use chemical free cleaning products I have considered using some of these homemade remedies. My concern is that the lavender oil (which I LOVE the scent) will leave spots. Has anyone experienced that before?
I have been making my own cleaners and soaps for a long time. I have found that if you add unsweetened lemonaide kool aid to the dishwashing soap you do not have to worry about white film. It is the cirtus acid that cuts that film. Thanks
Visiting from Money Saving Mom. Love your cheat sheet!!! I use the same laundry detergent, though I usually use a different bar soap. I wash mostly in cold water. Is there something that you noticed that made you decide to wash in warm/hot or dissolve the soap first?
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I have been wanting to make my own products forever, but there are SO many recipes! I have been having a difficult time figuring out where to start; this is perfect!
Do you think these cleaners really work as well? It is hard to believe it could be this simple!
I use rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle to disinfect and clean countertops, hard surfaces in kitchen and bathroom. Leave on a minute and wipe off. I use a tsp of bleach in 2 cups of water with white rag to remove stains on porcelain. Vinegar is also a disinfectant and an air freshener, smell goes away and takes the household odors with it. You will just be saving money. I have been scrubbing collars and spots with brown bar soap for 5 decades, throw them in the washer and don't add any detergent, leaves my hands soft too. I like, simple, easy and inexpensive.
What is brown bar soap? Sounds interesting.
I think she is referring to pine tar soap. its brown and works. its an old school soap for many different things like dandruff, irritated skin[ insect or rash like]. hope this helped. look for some more ideas on the net. take care.
This is so great, thank you!