These days, you shouldn’t be surprised by the number of people who are going back to basics and using more natural products. We see a large variety of organic foods, body products, cleaners and even clothing. Whether its just a trend or a true concern about the products we use on a daily basis, it looks like using more natural products is here to stay. One of the many benefits of using natural products is that they are often safer to have around children, because you aren’t using a lot of chemicals. Making your own cleaning products using natural ingredients is very cost effective and gives peace of mind when using around your family. If you want to see what this “natural” thing is all about, then check out some simple DIY cleaning products you’ll want to have on hand around the house.
Source: Mom4Real.com
1. Degreaser
Even if you don’t do a lot of frying on your stovetop, other types of cooking grease and grime can build up. A regular cleaning product mostly just smears around your grease, instead of sopping it up so a special product is needed to really get it all. Citrus fruits have inherent degreasing qualities about them, and that’s why so many store-bought products have orange or lemon in them. But you can make your own for a fraction of the cost and ensure all the ingredients are safe. Use this simple recipe and add to a spray bottle to rid your kitchen of grease:
1.5 Cups Water
1.5 Tsp. Dish Soap
20 drops of Orange Essential Oil
Check out Mom4Real.com for the more info on this recipe, some before and after photos and a free printable of making your own Orange Degreaser!
2. Disinfectant
If you don’t enjoy spraying down your house with a commercial spray like Lysol, then you may enjoy making your own disinfectant. It only takes 2-3 ingredients! This type of product is perfect for cleaning areas that have frequent contact and are hubs for germs, such as door knobs and light switches. Use this simple recipe to start de-germifying!
Mix 1 part water and 1 part rubbing alcohol in spray bottle. Then spray away!
You should note that this product is just to kill off germs. You should use it after regularly cleaning away dirt and grime, using a regular or all purpose cleaner.
3. Glass Cleaner
Many commercial glass cleaners have ammonia, a product that helps eliminate streaking. However the smell is awful and after all, it is a chemical. It’s also a product that is used very often and if you have even a medium sized home, you probably use it a lot to maintain your windows and mirrors. To make your own glass cleaner with products you probably already have hanging out in your pantry, check out this recipe:
1/4 Cup White Vinegar
1/4 Cup Isopropyl Alcohol
1 TBLS Cornstarch
2 Cups Warm Water
Mix all of these in a spray bottle, shaking well to disperse the cornstarch. You will most likely need to shake vigorously every time you set out to clean, since the ingredients will separate (they’re natural, after all!).
Check out FabulesslyFrugal.com for a step by step on this great recipe, along with other ways you can save money for your family.
4. All Purpose Cleaner
An all purpose cleaner is a must for your kitchen and bathrooms. You use it to wipe down counters, spills in the refrigerator and to quickly mop up sinks. Since you use it for everything, you probably use up it up quickly! Making your own is so simple and will save you money at the same time. This recipe is easy and practical:
1 Cup Water
2 TSP Castile Soap
20 Drops of Essential Oils
You can find more information on which essential oils you should add to your all purpose cleaners by visiting Mommypotomous.com!
5. Mold & Mildew Remover
Let’s just get one thing straight: mold is a serious health issue so if you think you have a real mold problem, talk to a professional right away. Don’t simply spray on this natural product and hope all is well. That being said if you’re combatting basic shower grossness, then the following recipe is a great way to keep the mold and mildew away!
2 Cups White Vinegar
1 Tsp Tea Tree Oil
10 Drops Orange Essential Oil
This is a great alternative to using a bleach product, which has been reported to actually release spores into the air!
Happy Cleaning!