Homemade Non-Toxic Cleaners

 

As a money saving expert, I’ve always watched the weekly sales and timed my shopping when I can save the most.  That includes everything from food to cleaning products.  But, the one thing I noticed was that the types of cleaning items I wanted were either never on sale — or those that were ended up being laced with the chemicals I did not like.

I suffer from sinus-induced migraines. That means certain smells trigger an aura followed by excruciating pain.  If you suffer from these, you get what I mean.

That has forced me to try to use as many natural products as possible around our home. I’ve tried Seventh Generation and Mrs. Meyers items, but they really aren’t always very budget friendly.  That lead me to do a lot of research to find ways to make my own cleaners.

Not only do these cleaners make me feel better, they are a lot easier on the budget too!

If you want to get started doing this yourself, start by stocking up on four key ingredients:

White Distilled Vinegar
Baking Soda
Water
Essential Oils (if you like them)

These items are the key to nearly creating several different cleaning products, right at home!

**NEVER MIX BLEACH AND VINEGAR AS IT CREATES TOXIC GAS**

GROUT CLEANER

After time, you may see a buildup of grime in your grout. You can make this and clean the up!  Mix 1/2 cup of baking soda to about 1/4 cup of vinegar.  You may need to add a bit more soda or vinegar until you have a bit of a paste.  Place this onto the grout lines and scrub with a brush (I usually also scrub the entire tile too).

Allow to sit for at least 15 – 20 minutes.  Then, scrub a second time.  Use a sponge and clean brush and remove the paste from the grout.  Allow to dry and then you may need to wipe additional residue.

This is the result from a tile floor I recently cleaned:

 

TUB & SHOWER

To clean your tub and shower, you will use baking soda and water.  There is not actually a formula use do make a solution.  I just use what is needed to clean the soap scum and dirt off the walls, sides and floor.  If I have a tough spot, I will make a small paste by mixing a little water to the baking soda and allow it to sit.

 

DRAIN CLEANER

Even if your drain is not clogged, it can emit some pretty bad odors. I use this in my garbage disposal each week.  To start, I pour a pot of boiling water down the drain.  Then, I dump in about 1/2 cup of baking soda and let that sit for about 3 – 4 minutes.

Next, pour 1 cup of vinegar mixed with 1 cup of very hot water into the drain.  Cover with the drain plug instantly (or it will bubble up and out of the drain).

Let this sit for about 5 – 10 minutes and then add another pot of boiling water.

 

KITCHEN SINK

Rinse any food particles off of the sink.  Then, sprinkle on baking soda.  Work that into a paste and scrub the entire sink.  Rinse it off.

Next, line the sink with paper towels that have been soaked in vinegar (you can also use flour sack cloths instead, to cut down on more waste).  Allow to sit for 20 minutes and then rinse with warm, soap water.

Use that same warm soapy water to wipe down the handle and faucets.

 

STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES & KITCHEN COUNTERS

Create a mixture of 2/3 water to 1/3 vinegar in a spray bottle. If the smell of vinegar is too much for you, add a few drops of essential oils.

Spray liberally onto the appliance and use a clean, dry, lint-free cloth and scrub clean. I recommend flour sack towels  (do not use microfiber as that does not work well).

Buff out any finger prints and other spots as needed.

 

KITCHEN COUNTERS

Create a solution of 1/2 cup of vinegar for 1/2 gallon of water (add essential oils as wanted) in your sink or a bucket.  Use your regular mop to clean your floors (and deep clean the grout as needed – see above).

 

MIRRORS

I don’t even use any solution to clean my mirrors – just hot water and a cloth.  Well, a microfiber cloth to be exact. I wipe the smudges and spots off with warm water (you can use your vinegar spray if you want).  Wipe off the excess water and then buff any other smudges and marks off with a microfiber cleaning cloth.

 

TOILET

Create a mixture of 1/2 vinegar with 1/2 water and put into a spray bottle (add essential oils as you may desire).  Liberally spray the underside rim of the toilet and allow it to sit for a few minutes. If you can’t get the spray to work, pour some vinegar directly onto a sponge and use that to wipe the underside rim.

Next, pour 1/2 – 1 cup vinegar into the toilet.  Scrub the entire inside of the bowl (including the rim) with your toilet brush.

Finally, Use the spray and a cloth to clean the rest of the toilet.  Wipe clean and you’ll be done!