5 DIY Options for Household Cleaners
Do it yourself options are great for many things—it saves money, gives you the satisfaction that yes, you put in that kitchen sink and in some cases gives you eco-friendly alternatives. Household cleaners clean your home, but also bring in toxic chemicals. Check out these five DIY house cleaning options that save you money and chemical use.
Bathtub Cleaner
The bathroom is one of those rooms that you want spotless, yet it always seems dirty. Instead of bleaching, and spraying toxic chemicals in the tub, try this option instead. It does a great job and you will save money while benefiting your health.
Ingredients: 2/3 cup baking soda
½ cup vegetable oil-based liquid soap
2 tablespoons vinegar
In a spray bottle (or similar container) combine the above ingredients together and shake well. You can apply with a sponge or cloth. Make sure to rinse well, the vinegar and baking soda tend to leave a light film if not rinsed thoroughly.
Tile Cleaner
There are a few options here—each work just as well, just depends on your preference. For more great ideas like the ones below check out The Daily Green.
Ingredients: Baking Soda
Lemon Juice
Vinegar
Tea Tree Oil
Baking Soda and Water: Dust surfaces with baking soda, then scrub with a moist sponge or cloth. If you have tougher grime, sprinkle on some kosher salt, and work up some elbow grease.
Lemon Juice or Vinegar: Got stains, mildew or grease streaks? Spray or douse with lemon juice or vinegar. Let sit a few minutes, then scrub with a stiff brush.
Disinfectant: Instead of bleach, make your own disinfectant by mixing 2 cups of water, 3 tablespoons of liquid soap and 20 to 30 drops of tea tree oil. It’s easy!
Kitchen Cleaner
If the bathroom is a room that needs constant attention, the kitchen is the second most time-consuming. Between preparing meals and eating, it can get messy fast. My Own Ideas gives a great option for kitchen cleaners.
Ingredients: 1 part distilled vinegar
1 part warm water
2-3 drops tea tree oil
Funnel the ingredients into a clean, empty squirt bottle and gently swirl the liquid around to mix. Vinegar and tea tree oil are mild disinfectants, so this solution works great a kitchen surface cleaner. Avoid surfaces with finished wood, however, because the vinegar ratio is high enough that it can strip wood stain.
Wood Furniture Polish
According to the EPA chemicals in furniture polish, “may irritate your skin, eyes, and respiratory tract (that is your throat, lungs and wind pipe). If ingested, furniture polish can cause nausea, vomiting, and medical help should be sought.” Avoid all of this with the DIY option below.
Ingredients: 1 Cup olive oil
½ Cup lemon juice
Mix ingredients into a spray bottle, mist into a soft cloth and polish away! The olive oil moisturizes your wood while the lemon juice cleans the furniture. The nice lemon smell lofting in the air afterwards is another great perk.
Window Cleaner
Glass and windows can be a pain to clean. You don’t want to leave a streaky mess, but the cost of window/glass cleaners can add up fast. Check out this DIY option that will leave your windows shiny.
Ingredients: ¼ Cup white vinegar
¼ Cup rubbing alcohol
1 Tablespoon cornstarch
2 Cups warm water
Combine all elements and shake well. Spray away and see the fantastic results. Fabulously Frugal suggests shaking well before EACH use.
Have you concocted a great DIY cleaner? Share your DIY cleaner in the comments below.
