SAFETY TIP: Never combine ammonia-based cleaners with chlorine bleach or products containing bleach, such as powdered dishwasher detergent. The fumes they’ll create are extremely dangerous. Before doing any mixing, read the product labels first. Always label any bottles of DIY cleaners with all the ingredients inside. In case a child or animal consumes it, it’s important to know the ingredients.
In the past, I have experienced allergic reactions to many commercial cleansers. All contain chemicals that can cause asthma attacks and skin reaction. I have researched and tried many alternative, healthier ways of cleaning. Making your own natural organic (organic meaning made in nature) cleaning supplies is better than buying them because you can control what is used, protect your family, and save money. Most of the ingredients are right in your pantry.
All of us want to live in a clean and sanitized atmosphere. In the effort to ensure a high level of cleanliness in every room of our homes, we often use all kinds of cleaning materials. Maybe you don’t know that you can keep your house clean and disinfected with organic products like salt, vinegar, and baking soda. There are many advantages of cleaning with them, but the most important is that you and the other members of your family won’t be exposed to the risk of health issues anymore. I’m amazed when I see how many bottles of cleansers some people have. Let’s start with a general cleaner for many surfaces.
1. General Cleaner Based on Vinegar
Ingredients
- One part water
- One part white vinegar
- Citrus peel: lemon rind, orange rind, or lime rind
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
Directions
- Fill clean glass jar with all ingredients
- Put the top on jar
- Put in a cupboard or pantry for about 2 weeks
- When done, it should have a nice citrusy rosemary smell
- Strain and put in spray bottle
- Shake and use on inside of refrigerator, hard water stains, trash cans, wall smudges, and much more
Caution: Do not use acidic cleaners on granite and other stones, as they will etch the stone and proceed cautiously on stainless steel. Some manufacturers recommend against using vinegar on their appliance surfaces. For stainless steel appliances see below.
2. Kitchen Deodorizer & Cleaner Based on Baking Soda
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons baking soda
- One quart warm water
Directions
- Add baking soda to one quart warm water
- Put the top on bottle
- Shake well and allow baking soda to dissolve
- Place in spray bottle
- Shake and use to clean counter tops, stainless steel appliances, stainless steel kitchen sinks, faucets
- Great deodorizer for inside of fridge and garbage disposal
3. Natural Stone Countertops Cleaner
Ingredients
- 2 drops mild dishwashing soap like Dawn
- 2 cups warm water
Directions
- Add dishwashing liquid to warm water and mix
- Dip clean sponge in soapy water
- Sponge down stone countertops like marble or granite to remove dirt
- Wash soapy water out of sponge
- Sponge down countertops with clean water
- Use soft, clean cloth to wipe countertop dry and buff to shine
- Do not let countertop air dry
- REMEMBER: Never use vinegar, lemon, or any other acidic cleaner on stone like marble or granite
4. Polish Stainless Steel
To shine and remove spots from stainless steel, make a paste of baking soda and water. Apply it with a damp cloth and rub gently in the direction of the metal’s grain. Rinse with clean water and dry. This works on appliances and sinks.
To deodorize drains use baking soda.
- Pour hot water before applying baking soda.
- Place one cup of baking soda and then pour more boiling water.
Remember to pour hot water if you have drains. Run cold water if you have a garbage disposal. Pouring hot water after each time you use the drains can ‘melt’ grease, oils, and scum that are sticking down the pipes. You need to do things differently if you have a garbage disposal. It’s highly recommended to run cold water for your disposal unit since this causes grease and oils to harden. Solidified oils are easier for the garbage disposal to process. Run cold water while you run the disposal.
Use baking soda for drain maintenance. It’s effective on some small clogs, and adding baking soda to drains is appropriate as a form of drain upkeep.
When I have squeezed lemon slices for food, I put the used slice in the garbage disposal and run with cold water. The disposal now smells like lemon.
The preparation of these organic cleaning products takes just a couple of minutes. Supply yourself with the necessary ingredients and make your home organically clean.
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…vinegar is a great cleaner.
I am trying to just use washing soda (not baking soda) and acid to clean the bathroom and kitchen…
washing soda is a great old-fashioned household aid. Sounds good to me
What a great reminder that we don’t need to have so many expensive and often toxic cleaners for home cleaning. Thanks for all the tips! I don’t think the younger generation has a clue that you can make your own effective and safe products.
a lot of the younger generation doesn’t know how to take care of themselves I’m afraid
I’m saving this one — these look very good, Carol!
Thanks for the save – hope you have some sunlight this week.
I use vinegar and baking soda for cleaning a lot. Did you know that baking soda can take bug stains off of your windshield? Another thing that works on the windshield is diet Coke!
Yes I remember my father pouring Coke on the windshield and then follow with water to get rid of the bugs.
Another one I am going to bookmark Carol. I am always looking for green alternatives and stay away harsh chemicals. I am allergic to something though not sure which it is used in a produce, and I just start gagging. Also very interesting in Linda’s comment about baking soda on the windshield. Thanks for another great post and have a wonderful day!
It sounds like a chemical causes your throat to close to me. Most commercial cleaners start closing my lungs. Not fun. Happy Wednesday my friend!
Gracias por los consejos. Te mando un beso.
I love all these tips! I stay away from chemicals ever since I nearly passed out because of toxic fumes when I was cleaning the shower with an”amazing” new cleaner!