Green Cleaning: How to Make Your Own Non-Toxic Cleaning Products

As climate change spurs organisations to switch to sustainable policies, the emergence of 'green' products become more and more common. We have now 'green' cosmetics, 'green' skincare, 'green' toiletries, 'green' shopping bags, coffee cups and even drinking straws that help to lessen our carbon impact on the planet. The latest addition? 'Green' cleaning products including everything from detergents to window cleaners to disinfectants. But sustainable, eco-friendly cleaning has gained significant popularity not just because of the green movement. More parents are also starting to look for non-toxic, hypoallergenic, and organic products that are safe to use with children in the house. By making your own non-toxic cleaning products, you can keep your home sparkling clean while minimising you and your child’s exposure to harsh chemicals. While 'green' cleaning products do exist in the market, they can often be expensive. But with a little help and some ingenuity, you too can easily create effective and eco-friendly cleaning solutions using simple ingredients found in your pantry. 6 'Green' Cleaning Products You Can Make at Home All-Purpose Cleaner For an all-purpose cleaner that tackles dirt and grime, look no further than vinegar and citrus. Combine equal parts distilled white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Add a few drops of your favourite citrus essential oil for a pleasant scent. Vinegar's acidic properties help dissolve grease and disinfect surfaces, while citrus adds a fresh aroma. This natural cleaning solution is suitable for countertops, glass surfaces, and even floors. Remember to avoid using vinegar on stone surfaces, as it can potentially damage them. Window and Glass Cleaner Achieving streak-free windows and shiny glass surfaces is a breeze with lemon juice and water. Mix equal parts freshly squeezed lemon juice and water in a spray bottle. The acidity in lemons acts as a natural degreaser and helps remove grime from windows and mirrors. Simply spray the mixture onto the surface and wipe clean with a lint-free cloth or newspaper for a streak-free shine. Say goodbye to commercial glass cleaners laden with harmful chemicals and embrace this eco-friendly alternative. DIY Laundry Detergent This soap-free detergent is gentle on fabrics while effectively removing dirt and odours from your laundry. It's particularly suitable for individuals with sensitive skin or allergies to traditional soaps. The washing soda and baking soda help to lift stains and brighten fabrics, while the citric acid aids in breaking down grime and neutralising odours. The coarse salt acts as a natural water softener, enhancing the cleaning power of the detergent. To make simply mix 2 cups of washing soda (sodium carbonate), 1 cup of baking soda, 1 cup of citric acid, 1 cup of coarse salt, and a few drops of essential oil of your choice (such as lavender or lemon) Combine well and store an airtight container or jar sand tore the detergent in a cool, dry place. Use about 2-3 tablespoons of the detergent per load of laundry, depending on the size and dirtiness of the load. Natural Disinfectant When it comes to disinfecting surfaces, hydrogen peroxide and tea tree oil make an excellent duo. Combine one part hydrogen peroxide with ten parts water in a spray bottle. Add a few drops of tea tree essential oil for its antimicrobial properties and refreshing scent. Hydrogen peroxide acts as a powerful disinfectant, effectively killing bacteria and viruses. Tea tree oil provides additional antibacterial and antifungal benefits. Use this natural disinfectant on kitchen countertops, bathroom surfaces, and other areas that require sanitisation. Grease-Cutting Kitchen Cleaner Tackling stubborn grease and grime in the kitchen becomes effortless with the dynamic combination of baking soda and vinegar. Sprinkle baking soda on the surface you wish to clean, then spray it with vinegar. The resulting fizzy reaction helps loosen dirt and grease. Use a sponge or scrub brush to gently scrub the surface, then rinse with water. This potent duo is perfect for cleaning stovetops, ovens, and kitchen appliances. The mild abrasiveness of baking soda coupled with vinegar's grease-cutting properties will leave your kitchen shining. Freshening Carpet Deodoriser Revitalise your carpets and remove unpleasant odours naturally with baking soda and essential oils. Combine baking soda with a few drops of your preferred essential oil in a jar. Shake well to distribute the oil evenly throughout the baking soda. Sprinkle the mixture liberally over your carpets, leave it to sit for a while, and then vacuum it up. Baking soda acts as a natural deodoriser, while essential oils add a fresh fragrance. Enjoy clean, fresh-smelling carpets without the use of synthetic fragrances or harmful chemicals. Keep Your House Clean and Green The best tip for DIY green products is to always make them when you need them. They don’t store very well and it will also prevent kids from accidentally drinking the cleaning liquids. While they may still be unsafe if accidentally ingested by, say, a child, the effects would still be less harmful than if it was the commercial version. But the benefits far outweigh the risks. And by harnessing the power of everyday ingredients, you can create your own non-toxic cleaning products that are effective, affordable, and environmentally friendly. Embrace green cleaning practices, and enjoy a healthier home while reducing your ecological footprint with green cleaning products today. For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!

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