It’s spring, which means SPRING CLEANING! Aside from the season, it feels like many of us are cleaning more due to COVID-19. We not only have more time to focus on cleaning our spaces, but we’re probably hyper-aware of germs and bacteria at this time. But with stores running out of cleaning and sanitation supplies, we may feeling extra anxious at this time.
That’s where we can turn to Mother Nature for the answers. It may seem like another hippie soapbox speech, but nature IS healing. Many of today’s common household products, pharmaceutical medicines, and cosmetics are derived from compounds found in plants and minerals.
Studies have shown the effective power of natural items for disinfecting and killing bacteria. For example, basil oils have been shown to kill E. coli, listeria and salmonella bacteria. White Vinegar is near 100% effective at killing germs if you leave it on for at least 60 seconds, before wiping away.
I’ve been making and using my own natural products for years, from toothpaste powder to floor cleaner. Aside from the joy I find in making my own products (it’s just another ‘craft’ for this witchy woman to do), I’ve discovered so many benefits in this process.
Budget Friendly | Most of the ingredients to make your own products are used in multiple DIY cleaning recipes. This means you can buy in bulk and/or utilize those cleaning ingredients without them staying on the pantry shelves for years. It also means you save more money. Most DIY cleaning supplies cost $1 total (if you factor everything out) as compared to the $5-`$10 you spend at the stores.
Healthier | Many store bought products are chalked full of harmful chemicals and toxins. These are not only unhealthy for us, but our environment (including Mother Nature). Bleach for example is extremely corrosive to our skin and lung tissue. Plus, these chemical end up in our water systems after we ‘clean’ with them. DIY products use safe ingredients found in nature.
When starting your DIY natural cleaning journey, there are TONS of homemade recipes out there to choose from. This can be overwhelming. Instead of spending hours figuring out which ones to start with, I’ve compiled your basic guide to not only the essential ingredients to help you get started, but some easy recipes as well.
Enjoy!
List of Essentials
Baking Soda | Disinfects, Whitens, Deodorizes, Loosens Dirt/Grim
White Vinegar | Disinfects, Whitens, Deodorizes, Loosens Dirt/Grim
Borax | Disinfects, Whitens, Deodorizes
Lemon Juice | Disinfects, Works on Grease,
Olive Oil | Polishes, Picks up Dirt
Castile Soap |Disinfects, All-purpose cleaner
Washing Soda | Disinfects, Whitens, Deodorizes
Essential Oils | Disinfectant, Deodorizer
DIY Recipes
Multi-Purpose Cleaner | 2 cups water + 1 tsp borax + 1/2 tsp washing soda + 1 tsp Castile soap + 10 drops essential oil
Drain Unclogged |1/2 cup baking soda + 1/2 cup white vinegar + 4 cups boiling water
Bathroom Cleaner |2 cups warm water + 1 tbsp baking soda + 2 tbsp Castile soap + 30 – 40 drops essential oil
Window Cleaner | 2 cups water + 2 tbsp white vinegar + 10 drops essential oil
Wood Polish & Cleaner |2/3 cup olive oil + 1/3 cup lemon juice
Carpet Cleaner |1 cup white vinegar + 2 cups water
Laundry Cleaner/Detergent |1 bar shaved soap + 1 cup borax + 1 cup washing soap
Dish Soap | 2 cups boiling water + 1 tbsp borax + 1 tbsp grated bar soap + 15 drops essential oil
Cookware | 2 tbsp baking soda + 1 cup white vinegar + 1 cup boiling water
