Keeping your home clean and tidy is important, but the chemicals in many commercial cleaning products can be harsh and toxic. But with a few simple ingredients, you can make your own non-toxic cleaning products that are just as effective, but much safer for you and your family. In this guide, we'll show you how to make your own non-toxic cleaning products using affordable and easy-to-find ingredients. And we'll be sourcing the best products from Amazon to make the job even easier.
Contents
Gather Ingredients and Tools
The first step in making your own non-toxic cleaning products is to gather the ingredients and tools you'll need. This includes things like baking soda, white vinegar, lemon juice, and essential oils. You'll also need some basic cleaning tools such as a spray bottle, a scrub brush, and a mop.
We recommend using a set of essential oils like this one from Amazon, they are a great natural ingredient that can be used to add a pleasant scent to your cleaning products.
Basic All-Purpose Cleaner
Making your own non-toxic all-purpose cleaner is a simple and effective way to keep your home clean without relying on harsh chemicals. Not only is it better for your health, but it's also eco-friendly and budget-friendly. Below, we’ll walk you through a basic recipe, its benefits, and how to use it in various areas of your home.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup white vinegar – Vinegar is a powerful natural disinfectant and deodorizer. It effectively kills bacteria, molds, and germs.
- 1 cup water – Acts as a solvent to dilute the vinegar and reduce its acidity, making it safe for most surfaces.
- 1 tablespoon baking soda – Baking soda is a mild abrasive that helps to scrub and remove stains, while also neutralizing odors.
- 10-20 drops essential oil (optional) – Essential oils like lemon, lavender, or tea tree oil add a pleasant fragrance and have additional antibacterial properties. Lemon is especially good for cutting grease, while tea tree oil is known for its antiseptic qualities.
Instructions:
- Mix Vinegar and Water: Start by combining the white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Use a 1:1 ratio to create the base solution. This mixture is safe for most surfaces, including countertops, glass, and tiles.
- Add Baking Soda: Slowly add the tablespoon of baking soda to the bottle. Be cautious, as the baking soda may fizz when it reacts with the vinegar. Shake the bottle gently to mix the ingredients well.
- Add Essential Oils (Optional): For a refreshing scent and additional cleaning benefits, add 10-20 drops of your preferred essential oil. Lemon, lavender, and eucalyptus are popular choices. Shake again to ensure the oils mix well with the solution.
- Shake Before Use: As with most homemade cleaners, give the bottle a quick shake before each use to mix the ingredients properly.
Benefits of a Basic All-Purpose Cleaner:
- Non-toxic & Safe for Kids and Pets: Unlike many store-bought cleaners, this solution contains no harmful chemicals, making it safe for households with children and pets.
- Eco-friendly: This DIY cleaner is made from natural ingredients, reducing your carbon footprint and avoiding the release of toxic chemicals into the environment.
- Affordable: Making your own cleaner is cost-effective, as the ingredients are inexpensive and can be used for multiple batches.
- Versatile: This all-purpose cleaner can be used on a variety of surfaces, including countertops, bathroom sinks, glass, mirrors, tiles, and more.
- Deodorizes & Disinfects: The combination of vinegar and baking soda eliminates odors while also disinfecting surfaces. Essential oils add a pleasant fragrance, making your home smell fresh.
How to Use Your Homemade Cleaner:
- Kitchen: Spray on countertops, stoves, and appliances to cut through grease and grime. It works especially well on stainless steel when used with a microfiber cloth.
- Bathroom: Use the cleaner on sinks, faucets, and tiles to remove soap scum and disinfect the area. The vinegar helps remove hard water stains.
- Windows and Glass: Spray directly on windows and mirrors and wipe with a clean cloth or newspaper for streak-free shine.
- Floors: Mix the cleaner with extra water and use it to mop floors, particularly ceramic or tile floors.
Tips for Best Results:
- Test on Surfaces First: Although this cleaner is safe for most surfaces, it's always a good idea to test it on an inconspicuous spot first.
- Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Keep your homemade cleaner in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight to maintain its effectiveness.
- Use a Microfiber Cloth: Microfiber cloths are ideal for cleaning with this solution as they pick up dust and grime better than regular cloths.
By making your own basic all-purpose cleaner, you’re not only cutting down on waste but also ensuring that your home stays safe and free from harmful chemicals. It's a small change that makes a big impact!
We recommend using a spray bottle like this one from Amazon, it is perfect for storing and using your all-purpose cleaner.
Scrub Cleaner
Scrub Cleaner
A non-toxic scrub cleaner is essential for tackling tough stains and grime in areas like your bathroom, kitchen, and even on floors or countertops. Store-bought scrubs often contain harsh chemicals, but making your own at home is easy, effective, and safe for both your health and the environment. Below is a simple recipe for a DIY scrub cleaner that will leave your surfaces sparkling clean.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup baking soda – Baking soda is an excellent natural abrasive that helps to scrub away tough stains and grime without scratching most surfaces. It also neutralizes odors.
- ½ cup castile soap – Castile soap is a plant-based soap that’s gentle yet powerful, making it perfect for cleaning without harsh chemicals. It helps to break down grease and grime.
- ¼ cup white vinegar – White vinegar is a powerful disinfectant and helps to cut through tough grease and soap scum. It also aids in breaking down grime when combined with baking soda.
- 10-15 drops essential oil (optional) – Essential oils like tea tree, lavender, or lemon are great additions. Tea tree oil has natural antibacterial properties, while lemon helps to remove grease and leaves a fresh scent.
Instructions:
- Mix the Baking Soda and Castile Soap: In a bowl, combine the 1 cup of baking soda with the ½ cup of castile soap. Stir them together to create a thick, paste-like texture. Baking soda will act as the abrasive scrub, while castile soap provides the cleaning power.
- Add Vinegar: Slowly add the ¼ cup of white vinegar to the paste. You may notice some fizzing when the baking soda and vinegar react. Stir the mixture well to ensure the ingredients are fully combined. The vinegar helps to activate the cleaning power of the baking soda and soap.
- Add Essential Oils (Optional): If you want to add a refreshing scent and extra cleaning power, drop in your choice of essential oils. Lemon, eucalyptus, or tea tree oil are excellent choices due to their disinfectant properties. Stir to evenly distribute the oils.
- Store in an Airtight Container: Transfer the scrub cleaner into a glass jar or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. Store it in a cool, dry place for easy access.
Benefits of a Homemade Scrub Cleaner:
- Non-toxic & Safe for Your Family: Unlike commercial scrubs, which often contain harsh chemicals like chlorine or bleach, this homemade scrub cleaner is free of toxins and safe to use around children and pets.
- Eco-friendly: All the ingredients in this scrub are natural and biodegradable, so you won’t be adding harmful chemicals to the environment. The packaging is also minimal, reducing plastic waste.
- Cost-effective: Ingredients like baking soda and castile soap are affordable and can be used for multiple batches of scrub cleaner, making this a budget-friendly option for your cleaning needs.
- Effective on Tough Stains: The baking soda’s abrasive properties and the vinegar’s degreasing abilities make this scrub perfect for cleaning stubborn stains, soap scum, hard water buildup, and grease.
- Customizable: You can adjust the recipe to make a thicker or thinner paste depending on your cleaning needs. You can also experiment with different essential oils to tailor the fragrance to your liking.
How to Use Your Homemade Scrub Cleaner:
- Kitchen: Use this scrub on stovetops, countertops, and sinks to remove grease and grime. Apply the paste with a sponge, scrub in circular motions, and rinse off with warm water.
- Bathroom: It works wonders on tiles, tubs, and sinks to remove soap scum, water stains, and other bathroom grime. Focus on grout lines for a deep clean.
- Oven and Microwave: Apply the scrub to the interior of your oven or microwave to break down baked-on food and grease. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes before wiping it away with a damp cloth.
- Shower Doors: If you have hard water stains or soap scum on your glass shower doors, apply this scrub cleaner and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing away the buildup.
- Floors: You can also use this scrub for tough stains on tile or ceramic floors. Apply it directly on stains and scrub away.
Tips for Best Results:
- Let It Sit: For really stubborn stains, let the scrub sit on the surface for a few minutes before scrubbing. This allows the ingredients to penetrate and loosen grime more effectively.
- Use a Sponge or Brush: For maximum scrubbing power, use a cleaning sponge or a brush with stiff bristles. This will help you get into corners and grout lines for a deeper clean.
- Test on Surfaces First: Although this scrub is safe for most surfaces, always test it on a small, inconspicuous area first, especially on delicate materials like marble or granite.
A homemade scrub cleaner is a must-have for every eco-conscious home. With simple, natural ingredients, this DIY cleaner is safe, effective, and versatile. From greasy kitchen messes to bathroom soap scum, this scrub cleaner can tackle a variety of tough jobs. It's a great way to reduce your chemical exposure, minimize waste, and save money, all while keeping your home sparkling clean.
We recommend using a scrub brush like this one from Amazon, it is perfect for using with your scrub cleaner and will help you to remove tough stains and grime.
Floor Cleaner
Floor Cleaner
A natural, non-toxic floor cleaner is an essential part of any eco-friendly cleaning routine. Commercial floor cleaners often contain chemicals that can be harmful to both your health and the environment. By making your own floor cleaner, you not only ensure a safer home for your family and pets, but you also help reduce your carbon footprint. Here’s a simple, effective recipe for a non-toxic floor cleaner that works on a variety of floor types.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup white vinegar – White vinegar is an excellent natural cleaner and disinfectant. It helps to remove dirt, grime, and odors from floors while leaving them streak-free. It's safe to use on most types of flooring, including tile, laminate, and hardwood.
- 1 cup water – Water helps to dilute the vinegar and make it easier to spread across your floor.
- 1 tablespoon baking soda – Baking soda adds an extra cleaning boost. It’s slightly abrasive, so it helps lift dirt and stains without scratching delicate surfaces.
- 10-15 drops essential oils (optional) – Essential oils are a great way to add a natural fragrance to your floor cleaner. Lavender, eucalyptus, or lemon essential oil are good choices because of their antibacterial and fresh-scented properties.
Instructions:
- Mix the Vinegar and Water: In a bucket or large container, mix 1 cup of white vinegar with 1 cup of water. This solution will clean your floors without leaving behind harsh chemical fumes.
- Add Baking Soda: Add 1 tablespoon of baking soda to the vinegar and water mixture. Stir it well to dissolve the baking soda. The mild abrasive nature of the baking soda will help break down dirt and stains without damaging the surface of your floor.
- Add Essential Oils (Optional): For a pleasant scent, add 10-15 drops of essential oil. Not only will this leave your floors smelling great, but the essential oils also offer additional benefits like antibacterial properties (tea tree oil) or natural grease-cutting abilities (lemon oil).
- Stir Well: Mix everything together thoroughly. If you’re using a large bucket, make sure the solution is evenly distributed.
- Mop Your Floors: Use a mop or a microfiber cloth to apply the floor cleaner solution to your floors. Make sure the mop is damp, not soaking wet, to avoid over-wetting wooden floors. Start at one corner of the room and work your way to the exit to avoid walking on freshly cleaned areas.
Benefits of Using a Homemade Floor Cleaner:
- Non-Toxic & Safe for Families: Unlike commercial floor cleaners that often contain harmful chemicals, this homemade solution is non-toxic and safe for children and pets. You won’t have to worry about residue or fumes lingering on your floors.
- Eco-Friendly: The ingredients in this floor cleaner are all natural and biodegradable, making it an environmentally friendly option. Plus, by using reusable cleaning cloths and a mop, you reduce the need for disposable cleaning products.
- Affordable: All the ingredients for this cleaner are inexpensive and easy to find, making it a cost-effective way to keep your floors sparkling clean.
- Versatile: This homemade cleaner works on a variety of floors, including hardwood, tile, laminate, and vinyl. Just be sure to test it on a small, inconspicuous area first, especially if you have more delicate floors.
- Effective: The combination of vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils makes this cleaner effective at removing dirt, grease, and stains from floors while leaving them streak-free.
How to Use Your Homemade Floor Cleaner:
- For Tile and Vinyl Floors: This cleaner works wonders on tile and vinyl floors. Simply mop as usual to remove dirt and grime. The vinegar and baking soda solution will lift stains while disinfecting the surface.
- For Hardwood Floors: When cleaning hardwood floors, ensure that your mop is damp, not soaking wet. Excess moisture can damage hardwood flooring. The vinegar and water solution will break down dirt and grime while preventing streaks.
- For Laminate Floors: Laminate floors can be difficult to clean without leaving streaks, but this non-toxic solution works perfectly. The baking soda helps to lift dirt, while the vinegar cleans and disinfects without leaving a residue.
- For Stone Floors (e.g., Granite or Marble): If you have stone floors, avoid using too much vinegar as it may damage the surface over time. You can dilute the solution even further by adding more water. Test the solution on a small area before applying it to the entire floor.
Tips for Best Results:
- Dry the Floors: After mopping, you can wipe the floor with a dry microfiber cloth or towel to remove excess moisture, especially on hardwood or laminate floors. This also helps to remove any remaining streaks.
- Avoid Harsh Scrubbing: This cleaner should be effective enough without the need for excessive scrubbing. If you have stubborn spots, let the cleaner sit on the stain for a few minutes before wiping it up.
- Store in a Safe Place: If you have leftover solution, store it in a safe, cool, and dry place. Make sure to label the container, especially if you’ve used essential oils, to avoid any confusion.
Making your own floor cleaner is an easy and cost-effective way to maintain a clean, fresh home without relying on harsh chemicals. This simple, non-toxic cleaner uses natural ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils to clean and disinfect your floors. Whether you’re cleaning tile, hardwood, laminate, or vinyl, this DIY floor cleaner will get the job done safely and effectively. Plus, it’s eco-friendly, budget-friendly, and safe for your whole family.
We recommend using a microfiber mop like this one from Amazon, it is perfect for cleaning your floors with your non-toxic cleaner, and will help you to remove tough stains and grime.
Additional Tips and Tricks
- Use Essential Oils for a Fresh Scent
Essential oils like lavender, lemon, or eucalyptus are great additions to your homemade cleaners. Not only do they leave your space smelling fresh, but they also offer natural antibacterial and antifungal properties. Experiment with different combinations to create your own signature scent. - Make a Batch for Every Room
For convenience, create a specific cleaning solution for each room. For example, a citrus-based cleaner works well in the kitchen, while a lavender-scented solution can add a calming touch to the bathroom or bedroom. Having ready-to-use cleaners tailored to each space can make your cleaning routine more efficient. - Repurpose Old Containers
Instead of buying new spray bottles, repurpose old cleaning product containers or glass jars. This helps reduce waste and saves money. Just be sure to label them clearly so you know what’s inside. - Test on a Small Area First
Before using any homemade cleaner on a large surface, always test it on a small, inconspicuous area. This ensures that it won’t damage or discolor your furniture or flooring. Although natural ingredients are generally safe, it's always a good idea to check. - Create a Cleaning Schedule
Having a regular cleaning schedule can make using homemade products even easier. You can dedicate certain days to deep cleaning with your non-toxic products, keeping your home fresh and safe without the need for harsh chemicals. - Use Baking Soda for Tough Spots
Baking soda is a fantastic abrasive that’s gentle on surfaces but tough on grime. It can be sprinkled directly on areas like sinks, tubs, or stovetops and scrubbed with a damp cloth for a deep clean. It also works wonders on removing odors from carpets and upholstery. - Stay Organized with a Cleaning Caddy
Keep your DIY cleaning supplies organized in a caddy or basket. Having everything in one place makes cleaning easier and faster. It also ensures you have all the necessary tools (like microfiber cloths, sponges, and brushes) alongside your non-toxic products. - Try Homemade Disinfecting Wipes
If you prefer wipes, you can easily make your own disinfecting wipes. Simply cut some cloth or old t-shirts into small squares, add a mixture of water, vinegar, and essential oils, and store in an airtight container. This way, you can use them for quick spot cleaning when needed. - Store Your Cleaners Properly
Homemade cleaning products don’t have the long shelf life of commercial products, so make sure to use them within a few weeks. Keep them in cool, dark places to preserve their potency and to prevent them from losing their effectiveness over time. - Educate Yourself on the Ingredients
While natural ingredients are often safer, it’s still important to understand what each ingredient does. For example, vinegar is great for cutting grease but not ideal for stone surfaces like granite. By learning the properties of different ingredients, you can tailor your cleaning products for maximum efficiency and safety.
By applying these additional tips and tricks, you can make your non-toxic cleaning routine even more effective and enjoyable. These small adjustments will not only help you maintain a clean and healthy home but also contribute to the environment in a positive way. Happy green cleaning!
We recommend using a set of cleaning towels like these ones from Amazon, they are perfect for cleaning with your non-toxic cleaners and will help you to remove tough stains and grime.
Conclusion
Incorporating non-toxic, homemade cleaning products into your daily routine is an empowering and sustainable choice. Not only do you reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals, but you also contribute to a healthier home environment for your family, pets, and the planet. From all-purpose cleaners to specialized scrubs and floor solutions, the simple ingredients you use can make a world of difference. By embracing DIY cleaning, you're not only saving money but also reducing your ecological footprint. Remember, every small step towards natural, non-toxic cleaning practices counts towards a cleaner, greener future. Happy cleaning!
