Spring time is here and there’s nothing I love more than opening the windows and letting the cool breeze swirl around my home. As we embrace the changes in temperature and complete the seasonal grooming routine of our pets, now is also a good time to think about deep cleaning our house. In an age where it is important to reconsider what we’re bringing into our homes, we’re looking for greener solutions. I have made a list of my favourite natural cleaners you can easily make at home, with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. So no more harsh chemical-based products that are unsafe for your family, your pets and that are harmful to the environment!
What you’ll need
Ingredients:
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Lavender essential oil
- Vodka (yes, rubbing alcohol will work too)
- Water
Materials:
- Sponge or cloth
- Brush (could be toothbrush)
- Spray bottle
- Newspaper
- Bucket
Natural home cleaners recipes
Quick all-purpose cleaners
A) This inexpensive and easy-to-make solution cuts through grease and grime on most surfaces. It can also be used to clean your dog’s plastic or rubber toys, grooming tools and other non-porous surfaces that may need a little freshening up. The mix can be stored between uses.
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- Water
- Spray bottle
Pour white vinegar into a spray bottle and fill with water. Spray away, and wipe clean when done.
B) If the smell of vinegar is too strong for your taste, try this easy-to-make all-purpose cleaner that uses lemon juice instead:
- 3 cups of very hot water
- 2 tbsp of baking soda
- 2 tbsp pure lemon juice
- Spray bottle
Add baking soda and pure lemon juice to the hot water. Add to a spray bottle and shake well. Spray on soiled surfaces and wipe with a clean, damp cloth. When you’re done cleaning, pour any remaining mixture down the drain. You can use this on most household surfaces and you can safely use it around pets.
Wood polish
- ¼ cup vinegar
- ½ tsp. olive oil
- ½ tsp. lemon juice
- Cloth
Pour olive oil, vinegar and lemon oil into a spray bottle. Shake well to emulsify. Spray directly onto the surface or the cloth and rub clean (also works on finished-wood furniture). Remove any excess polish with a clean cloth.
Carpet stain remover
- Half vinegar
- Half water
- Spray bottle
- Brush
- Cloth
Combine equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Saturate stain, scrub with brush then allow solution to work on the stain for 10 minutes. Blot stains with a wet cloth.
Carpet deodorizer
- 2 cups baking soda
- 3 drops of lavender essential oil
Mix baking soda with essential oil. Sprinkle on carpet and allow to sit for 20 minutes, vacuum as usual.
Mirror and glass cleaner
- Half water
- Half vinegar
- 3 drops of lemon juice
- Spray bottle
- Newspaper
Mix equal parts of vinegar and water and 3 drops of lemon juice in a spray bottle. Use newspapers instead of paper towels for streak-free cleaning.
Glass shower doors
- Lemon cut in half
- Salt
Dip half a lemon into salt and scrub away. The acid and salt combination is all-natural and packs cleaning power like no other. Rinse with water.
Toilet bowl
- ¼ cup baking soda
- 1 cup of vinegar
Sprinkle baking soda into your toilet bowl, followed by the vinegar. Let stand for 10 minutes, scrub with brush as usual.
Drain
- ½ cup salt
- 1 gallon of water
Mix salt and water. Heat mixture in large pot, just shy of boiling and pour down drain. The salt water mixture helps to pull particles off the side of your pipes and the hot water will push the clog through.
Cutting board
- Lemon
Cut the lemon in half. Run it over the surfaces, let sit for ten minutes and then rinse away. If you need a more serious scrubbing power, sprinkle some coarse salt over the board, and then rub with the half lemon.
Garbage disposal
- Half vinegar
- Half water
Pour 1 cup of vinegar into an ice cube tray and top off the slots with water. Once they’re frozen, toss a few down the disposal and let it run. This should remove any food stuck to the blades.
Microwave
- 2 tsp of lemon juice
- 1/2 cup of vinegar
- Cloth or sponge
Pour the vinegar into a small cup and mix in a little lemon juice. Put the cup in the microwave. Let the microwave run for 2 minutes, and leave the door closed for several more minutes. When this is done, open the door and wipe down all the sides with a warm cloth or sponge. Everything should come off easily!
Fridge cleaner
- ½ cup of baking soda
- Hot water
- Bucket
- Cloth or sponge
Add baking soda to a bucket of hot water. Dip a clean rag in the mixture and use it to wipe down the fridge’s interior.
Linen spray
- 3 oz vodka or rubbing alcohol
- 30 drops lavender oil
- 1 ½ cups of distilled water
- Spray bottle
Mix all ingredients. Using a funnel, pour the entire mixture into a spray bottle, give it a quick shake, and spray on!
Air freshener
- 3/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons vodka (or rubbing alcohol)
- 10-40 drops of essential oil of your choice (you can choose from a blend)
Combine in a spray bottle, shake well and spray as needed to keep your home smelling fresh!
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