Making my own cleaners was spurred not only by my desire to treat the earth right but also to treat my family right. We take great care to eat well and take care of our bodies. It only makes sense that I clean our home well too. The chemicals that are used in commercial cleaners are often toxic and nearly always detrimental to our bodies natural workings. Ever heard the term hormone interrupter? Um . . . ya, we try to avoid those. Why do you think I started making soap after all?
Here are my favorite basic recipes.
Glass Cleaner
2 parts vinegar to 1 part distilled water. Sometimes I add some antiseptic essential oil such as lemon, lavender or tea tree. Oh, three or four drops.
All Purpose Cleaner
2 teaspoons Borax
20 oz of distilled water
10 oz vinegar
2 drops of your favorite dish soap
A few drops of essential oils if you wish
Scrubby stuff
A box of Borax
A box of baking soda
A few drops of essential oil -- here my favorite is lemon and rosemary
Let me know if you try any of these.
-dana
25 comments:
i want to try these, i try not to use chemicals in our home If i can help it, but there are times when I really need more than just water...so anyway, I was wondering, does the all purpose cleaner last in a spray bottle or do you have to make it up wach time you use it?
I can't wait to try these, thank you so much for sharing - you're the best!
PSSST: Sweet Dana, take a peek on my lemon drop studio blog and find the giveaway on there. It ends on Friday, but there's a chance you can win a set of 6 cards for free!
http://lemondropstudio.blogspot.com
Thanks!!
Shauna
You continue to amaze me!!!
I have worried about all the chemicals that we are exposed too. I have going to give your cleaners a try. I will let you know how they work.
oh hey thanks for these! I have been considering the green clean way to go but haven't done anything about it yet.
I use to make the first one you mentioned-back when I was first married. I think you've inspired me to try them. Besides being green-I bet they are cheaper. Cleaning on a discount and being green would be hard to beat!
I recently started to make my own cleaning wipes and it's been great. I still ahve a lot more recipe's to try so these will be great. It's so easy to wip these up and tey can only benefit us right!?
Ohhhh....thanks for the recipes! I love Borax, and I've heard it's "mined" right here in AZ...which doesn't explain why it's so hard to find, but I've always got a box.
I've been making my own cleaners for years, very similar to the ones you make. I feel like it's safer for my family, and in the long run, its a lot cheaper!
I LOVE the idea of making cleaners. Could I reference your post on my blog? And/or include your recipes? The more natural cleaners are used, the fewer chemicals in our water systems. I'd love to spread the word. You have a beautiful blog, by the way!
Thanks! I will try them both.
Sounds great, Dana. And yummy, too.. well, yummy smelling.
I have really been thinking of making my own cleaning products but I didn't want to just pick some recipes off the internet and mix away. Thanks for these-I'm off to mix some up.
Thanks so much for the potions!
I buy Green not only for the obvious reasons but to eliminate migraines when I clean. These recipes might be the better choice and easier on my wallet.
Thanksyou for your comment on my blog, and for answering my question about the cleaners! Will give them a go...
I'm off to Google Borax, as I have no idea what that is....or if I can get it here! I'm definately trying these, and trying the glass cleaner asap, as we have windows in all our doors ;-) And I am allergic to perfume, so finding a good cleaning product does not happen every day.
I would love to try these...where do you find the essential oils? I have really sensitive skin and I make my own cleaner with dish soap and water but your version sounds much better.
I like using vinegar and such - a couple of years ago I purchased a steamer for most general cleaning. It's great no chemicals and totally sanitized!
Good girl! Hanging all of my laundry this summer is one of my "summer resolutions". And I do love the green cleaning solutions.
I'm so crunchy...
dana -
i have a question. it's my desire to become more "green," but i feel like it costs more to do so. my husband and i are on a very tight budget and can't spend as much on items such as organic foods and eco-friendly items for cleaning. we do buy organic foods occasionally [mainly because it tastes better]
so...how much does it cost for you to make some of your home-made cleaners [if you don't mind me asking]?
thanks!
[sarah]
Great Post! I kirtsy'ed it after seeing it over at Blue Yonder's place!
Stefani at Blue Yonder sent me! Interesting post--you both got me thinking here....
OMGosh!! I have used that all purpose recipe for years (at least 10 since my child is 10) because I can't stand the fragrances they put in everything!!!! Have you made a laundry detergent yet?? I just bought the stuff to make it...found it by blinking around in blogland...thanks for sharing!!! I use equal parts sea salt and baking soda for scrubbers...
I have tried your home cleaning recipies and absolutely love them- thanks for such an easy and safe alternative for my family and my home.
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