Make your home sparkle and shine without harming the Earth with these natural, homemade cleaning hacks and homemade eco-friendly cleaning products.
Before spending money on the latest “enhanced” cleaning solution at the supermarket, take a look inside your own cupboards.
Many common household items are not only effective for cleaning, but they are also environmentally friendly.
Chelsea Smith, founder of The Organizing Platform, says that while “we have all had bad experiences where those natural products just don’t work,” using natural cleaning products correctly is worth persisting with and can save you money, while produce a sparklingly-clean home.
What is eco-friendly cleaning?
It is worth noting that everything—from the water we drink to the air we breathe—is composed of chemicals.
When discussing “eco-friendly,” “green,” or “natural” cleaning, however, it generally refers to utilizing products that contain few or no synthetic chemicals.
There are financial, environmental, and medical reasons why someone might prefer to use natural cleaning supplies. You can purchase the ingredients for these cleaners in bulk for a lower price than individual retail items, and these components can be used for a variety of cleaning tasks.
Homemade, eco-friendly cleaning solutions often generate less waste than store-bought alternatives, as you can mix them at home using reusable bottles or jars.
Finally, while conventional cleaning products are safe to use if you follow the instructions, some individuals may be more sensitive to their chemical components—such as chlorine found in bleach, artificial fragrances, and disinfectants. Others may have small children or pets and feel more comfortable using natural alternatives.
Common eco-friendly cleaning ingredients
Vinegar is more than just a tasty condiment for chips. It is also excellent for cleaning because it is a form of acetic acid, which helps dissolve mineral buildup, cut through grease, and eliminate odors.
Bicarb soda, also known as baking soda, is a common pantry staple. It is pure sodium bicarbonate, an alkaline chemical compound well known for the fizzing reaction that occurs when it is combined with an acid, such as vinegar or lemon juice.
Lemon juice has been used as a traditional remedy for lightening hair for years. This is because it acts as a mild bleach, making it useful for light bleaching tasks around the house. It also provides a pleasant scent.
These oils capture the aroma of plants, including orange, lemon, eucalyptus, and tea tree. They are used to deodorize or add fragrance to homemade cleaning solutions, though some people may experience allergic reactions to them. Citrus oils are also effective at removing grease from stoves and range hoods.
Homemade eco-cleaning products
Here are some of Smith’s favourite homemade cleaning remedies:
Combine water and vinegar in a spray bottle, then add your tea tree oil (you can use another essential oil if you prefer). Shake to combine.
Pour salt onto a plate or bowl. Cut the lemon in half and dip each half, cut side down, in the salt. Use the salt-covered lemon halves to scrub your bathroom’s shower doors, basins and taps. Reapply salt to the lemon for best results. Rinse off residue with water and wipe dry with the microfibre cloth.
Combine water and dishwashing liquid in a bucket or spray bottle. Spray or apply the mixture to the glass surface and wipe down with a microfibre cloth.
Combine equal amounts of baking soda and water to form a paste. Apply this paste to grout lines around your home. Pour vinegar into a spray bottle and spray it onto the paste-covered grout lines. Once the paste stops fizzing, scrub with a rag or toothbrush. Rinse with water and wipe clean with the rag.
Don’t forget!
Some people enjoy mixing store-bought and homemade ingredients, but this should be done with caution.
For example, mixing bleach and vinegar might seem like a good way to get your bathroom sparkling, but combining these ingredients will create poisonous chlorine gas.
Always check the label and follow all manufacturer’s directions.
