How to Make a DIY Eco-Friendly Cleaning Kit

By using these eco-friendly cleaning solutions, not only will you be reducing toxic waste by avoiding harmful chemicals, but you'll also be saving some cash by using ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Don't worry, you won't need a chemistry degree for these simple recipes.

Stock up on Essential Ingredients

To create your green cleaning kit, you will need a few basic ingredients that you can easily find at your local supermarket or online. Here are some of the essentials to get you started:

White Vinegar

Vinegar is a versatile cleaner that can be used to clean and disinfect many surfaces around your home. It is a natural disinfectant that can kill mold, bacteria, and viruses. It also has powerful deodorizing abilities. If you find the smell of vinegar unbearable then you can simply add essential oils to your mixture.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is a gentle abrasive that can save the day when it comes to scrubbing and cleaning surfaces without scratching them. And don't underestimate its deodorizing power - it can neutralize even the toughest odors. Use baking soda to clean your sinks, tubs, toilets, and more.

Castile Soap

Made from natural vegetable oils, this biodegradable soap is a gentle surfactant that can be used to clean many surfaces around your home. A wide range of cleaning products can be made with castile soap, including all-purpose cleaners, dish soap, laundry detergent, and more.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful yet natural sanitizing agent that eliminates stains and disinfects surfaces. It's also non-toxic and biodegradable, making it a great alternative to harsh chemical cleaners. Just be careful not to mix it with vinegar or other acidic solutions, or it might become a dangerous fume factory. Be sure to wear some gloves before unleashing this ingredient.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is a great natural alternative to commercial furniture polish. It nourishes and moisturizes your wooden furniture giving it a gorgeous shine. Mix it with some white vinegar, and you've got a powerhouse furniture polish. It's like having a fancy spa treatment for your furniture.

Essential Oils

Essential oils can add a delightful scent to your cleaning products, and some of them even have antimicrobial and antifungal properties. Tea tree, lemon, lavender, peppermint, etc. - take your pick and add a few drops to your favorite cleaning solution.

Gather your Tools and Containers

You’re going to need a few basic tools and containers to store your cleaning products. Here are some of the things you will need:

Spray Bottles

Spray bottles are essential for your DIY cleaning kit. Look for bottles made of glass or high-quality plastic that can be reused many times.

Mason Jars

Mason jars are perfect for storing powdered cleaners like baking soda and scrubbing pastes. They are also useful for storing other things around the house in an earth-friendly way.

Measuring Cups and Spoons

You will need measuring cups and spoons to measure out your ingredients accurately.

Microfiber Cloths

Microfiber cloths are a durable and reusable alternative to paper towels.

Making the Cleaning Solutions

Now that you have your ingredients and tools, it's time to start creating your natural cleaning solutions. Here are some simple recipes to add to your arsenal:

All-Purpose Cleaner

An all-purpose cleaner is the Swiss Army knife of cleaning supplies. A staple in any cleaning kit, it can be used on a variety of surfaces. It is great for cleaning nearly anything in your home, from countertops to floors.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water

• 1 cup white vinegar

• 10-15 drops of essential oil (optional)

Instructions:

1. Combine one part water and one part vinegar in a spray bottle.

2. Add essential oils if desired.

3. Shake well to combine.

4. Use on surfaces like countertops, floors, and windows.

Natural Disinfectant

A disinfectant is crucial to have in your eco-friendly cleaning kit, especially during times of illness or when you need to sanitize certain surfaces. Many conventional disinfectants contain chemicals that can be damaging to the ecosystem and your health. Here’s a natural alternative:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water

• 1 cup hydrogen peroxide

Instructions:

1. Mix one part water with one part hydrogen peroxide in a reusable spray bottle.

You can also add a few drops of tea tree oil for added disinfectant properties. This solution is perfect for cleaning high-touch areas like doorknobs, countertops, and light switches; and it’s a must for disinfecting bathrooms.

Glass Cleaner

A glass cleaner is essential for keeping mirrors, windows, and other glass surfaces squeaky clean.

Commercial glass cleaners can contain ammonia and other harsh chemicals, which May pose health and environmental risks. But you can create your own glass cleaner easily using just water and vinegar.

If you dislike the smell of vinegar you can replace it with your favorite environmentally friendly dish soap.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water

• 1 cup white vinegar

Instructions:

1. Combine the water and vinegar in a spray bottle.

2. Shake well to mix.

Scrubbing Paste

This paste is perfect for tackling stubborn stains on countertops or that pesky grime in the bathroom.

Let it sit on the surface for a few minutes, and then scrub away with a cleaning cloth or brush. It's like a mini workout for your arms, but with the bonus of a sparkling clean surface.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup baking soda

• 1/4 cup liquid castile soap

• 5-10 drops of your favorite essential oil (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mix the baking soda and liquid castile soap in a bowl until a thick paste forms.

2. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil for fragrance, if desired.

Toilet Cleaner

With a little bit of elbow grease and some DIY toilet cleaner, you can keep your porcelain palace sparkling clean. Don’t forget to wear gloves and ventilate the area when using any cleaning products, even these non-toxic ones. And never try mixing different cleaners, this can create dangerous chemical reactions.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup baking soda

• 1/2 cup white vinegar

• 10 drops of essential oil (optional)

Instructions:

1. Sprinkle baking soda into the toilet bowl.

2. Pour vinegar into the bowl.

3. Add essential oils if desired.

Furniture Cleaner and Polish

This all-natural furniture polish will have your furniture looking brand new by using the ingredients from your favorite salmon dish. Believe it or not olive oil works great for polishing a variety of surfaces including wood, leather, and stainless steel.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup of olive oil

• 1/4 cup of white vinegar

• 10 drops of essential oil (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mix 1/4 cup of olive oil and 1/4 cup of white vinegar together in a small bowl.

2. You can also add a few drops of essential oils for a nice scent.

3. Drip or spray the mixture onto a clean cloth and use it to polish your furniture.

This mixture is great for polishing and conditioning wood furniture, floors, and even cutting boards.

This polish is also effective at removing dirt and stains from leather surfaces while also conditioning and protecting the material. The vinegar works to break down any dirt and grime, while the olive oil provides moisture to keep the leather nice and soft.

Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup of baking soda

• 1/4 cup of white vinegar

• 1 tablespoon of olive oil

• 1/2 teaspoon of your favorite essential oils (optional)

• Water

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the baking soda and white vinegar. The mixture will start to bubble and fizz.

2. Add the olive oil and essential oils to the mixture and stir until you get a thick paste.

3. Add water slowly to the mixture until it becomes a thin paste that is easy to spread.

4. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle.

5. Shake well and spray the solution onto the stainless steel surface you want to clean.

6. Use a microfiber cloth to gently scrub the surface, following the grain of the steel.

7. Once you have scrubbed the surface, rinse it with warm water and dry it with a clean microfiber cloth.

8. To polish the surface, apply a small amount of olive oil to a microfiber cloth and rub it onto the surface in circular motions.

This all-natural stainless steel cleaner will finally have your appliances shining and free of streaks. The baking soda removes any dirt or grease, and the vinegar will help to disinfect the surface. The olive oil and essential oils will give it a natural shine and pleasant smell. If you’re having trouble getting the shine you hoped for, take a look at our guide on how to polish stainless steel like a pro.

Air Freshener

Most air fresheners in supermarkets contain chemicals that can be consequential for your well-being and the environment. You can make your own air freshener using natural ingredients and essential oils.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of water

• 1 tablespoon of baking soda

• 10-15 drops of essential oil (such as lavender, peppermint, or lemon)

Instructions:

1. In a spray bottle, mix together 1 cup of water and 1 tablespoon of baking soda.

2. Add 10-15 drops of your favorite essential oil, and shake the bottle well.

3. Spray the solution around your home as needed to freshen the air.

Using all-natural cleaners is a great way to reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals while also helping to reduce the amount of pollutants that end up in the environment. Give these recipes a shot and thank me later!