Natural Cleaning
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Natural cleaning cupboard must-haves
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Try some of these DIY recipes for a fun, sustainable and cost-effective approach to cleanliness.
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1. Make your own dishwasher liquid
Dishwashers are very useful. But dishwasher liquid or tablets are often expensive and may contain phosphates that are hazardous to water supplies. Make your own natural dishwasher liquid and see your plates sparkle for less.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup liquid castile soap
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 3 drops tea tree extract
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
Method
Stir the water and soap together. Add the rest of the ingredients and stir until blended. Transfer into a bottle for storage. Use 2 tablespoons per load.
2. Make your own laundry detergent
Many commercially available washing powders and detergents contain danerous chemicals like bleach that can lead to skin irritation. Here is a great alternative:.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup Castile Soap
- ½ cup Washing Soda
- ½ cup Borax OR substitute with Baking Soda
Method
- Take a bucket and pour lukewarm to cold water in the bottom of it, about an inch high of water
- Add the dry powders (baking soda, washing soda, borax (if using borax)
- Add more water if necessary to cover the powders then take your hand mixer or immersion blender and blend the powders for a few minutes, or until it is fully blended and there are no clumps.
- Fill your bucket up almost all the way with water (the temperature doesn't matter).
- Add the castile soap (this helps it not to bubble up), and stir with a long-handled spoon.
- Using a funnel, pour into your containers.
Another suggestion: For a more simple alternative try our organic multi-purpose, biodegradable soapnuts. Soapnuts are a natural detergent source grown in Nepal. They produce mild soap suds when in contact with water, and can be used as a shampoo or soap alternative. For use as a laundry detergent, place 5-7 shells into a sock or cotton bag, tie securely and wash with clothes. Soapnuts can be used for more than one wash, though it is better to use them on the same day.
3. Make your own glass cleaner
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 4 cups warm water
Method
So simple! For glass cleaner combine the white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle. Use to clean glass or mirrors with a dry cloth or piece of newspaper.
For a quick-fix carpet stain remover mix equal parts of white vinegar with water in spray bottle and apply to stain. After soaking for several minutes clean with a brush or sponge with warm, soapy water.
4. Make your own furniture polish
Ingredients
- Lemon oil (essential oil)
- 1/2 cup warm water
Method
Add a few drops of lemon oil to the warm water. Mix well and spray onto a soft cotton cloth. Wipe furniture with the cloth, and then wipe again with a dry soft cotton cloth.
5. Make your own general purpose cleaner
For use on tiles, bathroom panels, mirrors, windows and hard bathroom and kitchen surfaces.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup vinegar
- 1/4 cup bicarbonate of soda
- 2 litres water
Method
Mix together all ingredients in a bucket of water. Decant into a spray bottle. Store and keep.
6. Make your own air freshener
Ingredients
Distilled water
1 tablespoon of Sodium Bicarbonate
5-6 drops of your favorite essential oil (optional)
Method
Pour the baking soda into a small dish and add the drops of essential oils (if adding). Mix well with a spoon. Then, pour the baking soda into the empty spray bottle and fill it to the top with water. Shake well to mix the baking soda and water. You can use this to freshen the air in a room. You can also use it on carpets and furniture. Try it in your shoes too.
These recipes have been sucessfully tested. However, Health Leads UK will not be held responsible for any adverse reactions that may occur after using the cleaning recipes on this site.