Organic Cleaning Products
DIY Cleaners to Use Around the House.
Making Your Own DIY Organic Cleaning Products
Organic cleaning products come in two forms; store bought and homemade cleaning products. Store bought organic cleaners are starting to make a place for themselves on store shelves but in some areas they may be hard to find.
If they are available to you, give them a try as an alternative to the normal chemical cleaners you use and see how they work for you.
If they aren’t available or you feel they are too expensive, you can make your own organic cleaning products out of items that are already in your home.
Commercial Organic Cleaners
The good news about store bought organic cleaners is they are improving all the time. Make sure to read the label very carefully when you are buying these products and make sure they say they are made from organic materials and not just labeled environmentally friendly.
In many cases, organic products are not going to be as immediately effective as their non-organic cleaning counterparts. After all strong acids for removing soap scum and phosphates to boost the power of detergents are not environmentally friendly.
As long as you are willing to take a little extra time when cleaning, you should be able to get the same level of clean as the harsher non organic products. It just takes a little bit more elbow grease.
There are a handful of names that are coming on the scene as major producers of organic cleaners and cleaning supplies. The most prevalent of these is Seventh Generation; they provide everything from organic laundry detergent, toilet bowl cleaner, personal care items, diapers and much more.
Homemade Cleaners
Homemade cleaners can be made with everyday items that you normally keep in the house. Products you don’t have to worry about getting on your skin or contaminating the water supply. Just about everything you need for cleaning can be made from organic household materials.
White Vinegar
Vinegar is about as organic as it comes. Vinegar is used by many professional cleaning companies and used for many purposes.
Vinegar and water can be used to clean hard floors such as wood, linoleum and Pergo flooring. Straight white vinegar can be used to clean a number of different things. It is a natural deodorizer, leaves no residue and contains mild antibacterial and antiviral properties.
Did you know that vinegar can be used to polish and clean stainless steel? I know – it’s great! More uses for vinegar include:
- Making glass cleaner for windows and mirrors.
- Using in the dishwasher to keep glassware from getting cloudy.
- Can be used in the laundry to help soften items.
- Can remove hard water and limescale buildup from shower heads.
- Make cleaning products for kitchen and bathrooms.
Vinegar can be used for so much more. It truly is a wonderful cleaning agent.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a great cleaning agent as well. Its non toxic and a multipurpose cleaner and baking soda is really inexpensive.
Baking soda is a natural deodorizer, and a very effective water softener and detergent booster (who needs phosphates anyway!)
A box of baking soda in the refrigerator absorbs unpleasant odors and it can also be used in the garbage can to reduce odors. It can be used to put out a grease fire and to clean, sanitize and remove stains.
What are some other things you can use baking soda for?
- You can use it when brushing your teeth.
- You can make a deodorant with baking soda.
- Baking soda is slightly abrasive and can help scrub pots and pans.
- Unclog drains.
- Remove greasy oil stains from spills in the kitchen.
- Deodorize the dishwasher.
Because baking soda is slightly abrasive there are certain surfaces it could scratch like ceramic stove tops so know how to use your cleaning agents and how to mix them.
That being said, baking soda is a power house cleaner in an unassuming package. So don’t feel like you’re doing without, when using baking soda, it’s a great organic cleaner!
Organic Window Cleaning Recipe
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon or less of liquid dishwashing soap
Mix all ingredients together and put in a labeled spray container.
DIY All Purpose Cleanser
- 2 cups warm water
- 2 tablespoons baking soda
Add ingredients in a spray bottle, mix and use wherever you would normally use a commercial cleanser. You can even add about five drops essential oil for a nice scent.
More Cleaning Recipes for Use Around the House
Toilet Bowl Cleaner
For regular cleaning, spritz vinegar inside the toilet bowl. Let sit 10 to 15 minutes. While you’re waiting spray and clean the rest of toilet (sides and tank, etc). When you’re done cleaning the outside of the toilet, sprinkle some baking soda inside the bowl, scrub and flush.
