Along with getting the toxins out of the food that our family eats we are also working on getting the toxins out of our home. I used to think that the smell of bleach and air fresheners was the smell of ’clean’, I now realize that was the smell of toxic chemicals! I know that we have saved a ton of money by making these simple household cleaners and I am positive that it has improved the air quality in our home.
You only need a few simple ingredients to make the cleaners!
White Vinegar, Borax, Baking Soda, Washing Soda, Lemon Juice, and Water
Counter Top Cleaner: Mix 1 part white vinegar 3 parts water in a spray bottle *I see many people use borax in this but it seems to leave a film on our dark granite countertops
All Purpose Cleaner: Mix 1/2 cup vinegar and 1/4 cup baking soda into 1/2 gallon water. This is great for water deposit stains in bathrooms!
Air Freshener: I have a little boy so the bathroom can get stale/stinky from time to time I have been placing a small dish of baking soda with lemon juice and it has worked wonders! I also recommend having houseplants to reduce odors and clean your indoor air.
Dishwasher Soap: Mix equal parts of borax and washing soda (located near laundry detergent in the store), increase the washing soda if your water is hard. I am still battling the spots and resort to using a rinse aid (Jet Dry) occasionally.
Disinfectant: Mix 2 teaspoons borax, 4 tablespoons vinegar and 3 cups hot water. For stronger cleaning power add 1/4 teaspoon liquid castile soap.
Marks on walls: I have lots of these and am scared of the good ‘ol magic eraser. I put some baking soda on a damp sponge. Rub the stain off and rinse.
Window Cleaner: Mix 2 teaspoons of white vinegar with 1 quart of warm water. I now use crumpled newspaper to clean. Works well but clean windows don’t last in my house!
Tub Cleaner: I wipe the tub with vinegar first then follow with baking soda and a damp sponge.
Toilet Cleaner: Mix 1/4 cup baking soda and 1 cup vinegar, pour into toilet and let it set a few minutes (this is when I clean the rest of the bathroom). Scrub with a brush and flush!
Laundry Detergent: I wrote a detailed account of this and you can find it here.
This is a super easy and cost saving change to make. I am sure that you will enjoy your clean home as much as we do!!
These are so great! I will definitely use some of these. I love the way you keep things simple. You should write a book about transitioning to a more natural lifestyle.
It is so easy and CHEAP!! I knew that you would like this one. Book huh? Maybe one day when I can find some time
I was cleaning with all-natural cleaners for a few months, and it was really tiresome ( dirty toilets after two days. . . and . . . well, stinky (the vinegar smell. . . )
Maybe I was doing something wrong? I was using baking soda and vinegar.
I think I’ll try out the orange-infused cleaner that you wrote about and see if that cuts down on the less-than-fresh smell of natural cleaners in our house. Because I really do want to go natural!
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It took me some time to get used to the vinegar smell too. Maybe cut back on the vinegar? Infusing it with citrus really helps…I use lemons & limes as well. Good luck & thank you for stopping by