Ditch the Store: Making Household Cleaners from Common Ingredients

Ditch the Store: Making Household Cleaners from Common Ingredients

Written by Alexis Griffin for PureAudacity.com

Absolutely! Making household cleaners from common ingredients is not only economical but also environmentally friendly. Many store-bought cleaning products contain chemicals that can be harmful to both the environment and human health. By making your own, you have control over the ingredients and can opt for natural solutions. Here are some recipes to get you started:

1. All-Purpose Cleaner

• Ingredients:
• 1 cup distilled white vinegar
• 1 cup water
• 10-15 drops essential oil (like lavender or lemon for a pleasant scent)
• Directions:
• Mix ingredients in a spray bottle. Use as needed for countertops, sinks, and more.
1. Window and Glass Cleaner

• Ingredients:
• 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 teaspoon dish detergent (optional, for extra cleaning power)
• Directions:
• Mix ingredients in a spray bottle. Spray on glass or windows and wipe away with a clean cloth or newspaper.
1. Scouring Powder

• Ingredients:
• Baking soda
• Directions:
• Sprinkle baking soda on surfaces like sinks and tubs. Scrub with a wet brush or cloth.
1. Floor Cleaner

• Ingredients:
• 1 cup distilled white vinegar
• 1 gallon warm water
• Directions:
• Mix together in a bucket. Mop the floor with the solution. No need to rinse.
1. Toilet Bowl Cleaner

• Ingredients:
• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 10 drops tea tree oil
• 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar
• Directions:
• Sprinkle baking soda into the toilet bowl, followed by the tea tree oil. Lastly, add the vinegar. Scrub with a toilet brush.
1. Furniture Polish

• Ingredients:
• 2 parts olive oil (or another vegetable oil)
• 1 part lemon juice
• Directions:
• Mix ingredients in a bottle. Apply to a cloth and rub onto wooden furniture.
1. Carpet Freshener

• Ingredients:
• 1 cup baking soda
• 10-20 drops essential oil (like lavender or eucalyptus)
• Directions:
• Mix the baking soda and essential oil together. Sprinkle lightly over carpet. Let sit for 15-30 minutes, then vacuum up.
1. Mold and Mildew Remover

• Ingredients:
• 1 part hydrogen peroxide (3% solution)
• 2 parts water
• Directions:
• Mix in a spray bottle. Spray onto mold or mildew, let sit for at least an hour, then rinse.

Remember to always label your homemade cleaners, especially if you're storing them in used food containers. You should also store them out of the reach of children and pets. Also, when introducing a new cleaning product, always spot-test in an inconspicuous place to make sure it doesn’t cause damage or discoloration.