Eco- Friendly Home Made Cleaning Products

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Once your moving day is set, and you are all ready to take possession of your new home it is always a good idea to make a clean and fresh start. If you have young children or pets you will understand the dangers of having chemical cleaning agents in your home, not to mention their negative effect on the environment. Chemical cleaning products such as drain cleaners, oven cleaners and furniture polish can negatively impact your family’s health and even degrade the air quality in your home. So if you are looking to clean up before you move in or if you have lived in your home for years and are looking for ways to lessen your environmental impact, here is an easy to follow guide for all of your cleaning needs.

There are four basic and inexpensive ingredients that can be used to clean your home top to bottom. White vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice and salt can be used in a variety of home made cleaning products. Use these with a little bit of elbow grease and your house will glisten in no time.

To make All Purpose Cleaner for tubs and tiles: Mix together 8 cups of hot water with a ¼ cup of lemon juice and a ¼ cup of pure soap such as Castile. If you need something to add extra scrubbing power try sprinkling salt across the surface of your bath tub or sink and scrub with your normal scrubber. This should help lift any soap scum or dirt off of the surface. Once you are finished rinse away and it will sparkle.

To make your own Hardwood Surface/ Glass Cleaner: Your best bet for this is to fill a bucket half full with hot water and add ¼ cup of white vinegar. The types of cleaners you purchase in stores include chemicals that will wear away the finish on your floors over time. White vinegar and water will not streak and is therefore ideal for your windows and mirrors as well. If using a hardwood floor cleaner be sure to ring out your mop to avoid leaving any excess water on the floors and let dry.

To make a Drain Cleaner: Commercial drain cleaners can be among the most toxic products you bring into your home. To make an effective drain cleaner all you have to do is pour a ¼ cup of baking soda into the drain you need to clean follow this by pouring a ½ cup of white vinegar. Do not use the drain for the next 20 minutes and it should work like new.

To make Furniture Polish: Mix together 1 tablespoon of olive oil and a ½ cup of white vinegar. Store in a squirt bottle and shake before you use. Be sure to keep a clean cotton cloth and be sure to rub in a circular motion and watch your wood furniture come to life.

To make a Fabric Softener: Add ¼ cup of white vinegar to your washer’s final rinse cycle. To ensure that your clothes don’t smell like vinegar you might consider adding a few drops of essential lavender oil, or vanilla to your load.

With these homemade cleaning products you will rest assured that not only is your house clean and cared for but your impact on the environment will be minimal. Happy Cleaning!!