How to make non-toxic cleaning products: 7 diy recipes that actually work
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There are many exciting things about moving into a new apartment. For me, it was the idea of slowly building my own low-waste, chemical-free space filled with lots of plants – am I 27 going on 50?
The first area I started building low-waste habits in were the kitchen and bathroom. There are so many easy and cheap zero-waste swaps in these two areas, especially when it comes to using non-toxic cleaning products.
Over the past few weeks I’ve experimented with different ‘recipes’ and products and found seven homemade cleaners that actually work.
Want to know how to make non-toxic household cleaners and protect your family from harmful chemicals? Keep reading!
Homemade natural cleaning essentials
What are the best non-toxic cleaning products? From my research, you can make most of them with only a handful of ingredients.
What you’ll need:
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Lemon/other citrus peels
- Essential oils
- Castile oil (I recommend Dr Bronner’s)
- Glass or upcycled spray/regular bottles
non-toxic homemade cleaning recipes
natural all-purpose cleaners
- 1/4 cup Dr Bronner’s castile soap (I love the lavender scent!) to 1 litre water in a spray bottle
- Fill glass jar 2/3 full with white vinegar, add citrus peels and let infuse for at least a week. Fill spray bottle with one part citrus-infused vinegar and one part water.
Glass cleaner
Inspired by Wellness Mama
- 2 cups of water (distilled or filtered is best so it doesn’t leave residue)
- 2 tablespoons vinegar
- 1 tbs cornstarch (helps eliminate streaking)
- 10 drops of essential oil of choice (lemon helps eliminate the vinegar smell)
If you have always used commercial window cleaner in the past, mix a couple drops of liquid castile soap or liquid dish soap to the mixture the first time to remove detergent residue.
Chopping board cleaner
Chop a lemon in half and rub over the surface of your chopping board, then wipe clean. If you have any tough stains, you can squeeze some lemon juice onto the chopping board and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it off.
All natural surface scrub
Inspired by Silo and Sage
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1/4-1/3 cup liquid castille soap
- 20 drops citrus fresh essential oil
- 10 drops lemon essential oil
Combine all ingredients in a bowl – it should have a pasty consistency. Start with 1/4 cup castille soap, and add more if needed. Will make between 6-8oz (170-225 grams).
AIR FRESHENER
Fill a spray botte of water. and add 10 drops of your favourite essential oil. Spray and smell as you go, and add more as desired. When it comes to essential oils, start slow! When you’re happy with the scent, use the spray to freshen up your bedroom, furniture like couches, or linen.
CHOPPING BOARD CLEANER
To disinfect your chopping boards, chop a lemon in half and rub over the surface of your chopping board, then wipe clean. If you have any tough stains, then you can squeeze some of the lemon juice onto the chopping board and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it off.
Laundry detergent
Replace conventional laundry detergent with soap berries. Soap berries are one of the easiest zero-waste swaps for beginners. They are long-lasting, odour-free and compostable.
natural cleaning is easier than you think
I must admit, I was hesitant to try some of these – do non-toxic cleaning products really work as well as their store-bought counterparts? Safe to say I was pleasantly surprised! Not only are these natural cleaning recipes kinder on the environment, they are better for your health and will leave your house smelling amazing at the same time.
Have you tried any chemical-free DIY cleaning products? Share your favourites in the comments!
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