Are a bit wary of the potentially harmful chemicals found in many conventional, store-bought cleaning products? You’re not alone! A great alternative is to make your own non-toxic, DIY all-purpose cleaner (it’s not as hard as it sounds – I promise!). Not only are these homemade solutions safer for you and your family, but they’re also often more affordable and eco-friendly than their store-bought counterparts. By using simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils, you can create effective cleaners for every room in your home.
Plus, customizing your own cleaning products allows you to choose scents that you like, and avoid harsh chemicals that can irritate allergies or asthma. So, let’s dive into the benefits of making your own non-toxic DIY cleaning products and share some easy recipes to try at home.
Kitchen and bathroom cleaning products are a great place to start. These are two areas that get a lot of use, and will make a big difference in reducing the amount of chemicals you are exposed to.
I prefer making my non-toxic all-purpose cleaner at home because I have control over what ingredients I am putting in my cleaner and I feel confident that I am using safe products.
When you make your own cleaners, they don’t negatively affect the air quality inside the home. Traditional cleaning products can off-gas into the air, contributing to indoor air pollution, even when they’re not being used.
Another benefit to making your own cleaners is that it savesmoney. Some of the ingredients are already in your pantry and many cleaners can be made for under $1. That can add up to huge savings over time!
Most of the ingredients in DIY all-purpose cleaners are safe for pets and children. However, if using essential oils, check to see if they are safe for the type of pet you have. Some essential oils are more toxic to dogs and cats.
Read: 3 Simple Steps to Staying Green
Grab your copy of The Slightly Greener Method!
DIY All-Purpose Cleaner
- Approximately 1 tablespoon unscented liquid Castile soap
- Distilled water
- 8-10 drops of your favorite pure essential oil(s) for scent (lemon or citrus essential oils are good options)
Fill the spray bottle with distilled water, then add 1 tablespoon of liquid unscented Castile soap and essential oils. Shake gently before each use.
What the ingredients do: The Castile soap is a great cleaner and de-greaser, breaking down dirt and germs on surfaces.
Works best for: Any water-safe surface – use it on counters, sinks, stovetops, and more.
How to use it: Shake bottle gently before each use, then lightly spray surface, then wipe away.
How to store it: In a glass spray bottle (especially if using essential oils, because they can break down plastic) away from heat and light.
All natural cleaning products
Many brands claim to be greener alternatives and environmentally friendly, however if you don’t recognize the list of ingredients on a product or aren’t familiar with the toxic chemicals to beware of it will be difficult to tell which products are truly safe.
Another problem when purchasing non-toxic all-purpose cleaners is if they are green and chemical free, will they actually work?
This is why I have studied this topic for years; I want to help you and make it easier for you to find effective products that will clean for you with the reduced harsh chemicals that we are so often exposed to.
My favorite non-toxiccleaning products:
Vermont Soap Liquid Sunshine Spray & Wipe
This is a multi-cleaner that is safe and effective. You can spray it on most surfaces and wipe away clean.
Vermont Soap Liquid Sunshine Concentrate
This is such a versatile cleaner! Use it to clean counters, floors, woodwork, tile or other household surfaces. Check out the product description on their website for more cleaning uses.
Castile liquid soap is a safe and non-toxic that is made with organic plant oils. This soap cleans all water-safe surfaces.
Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap (also available on Amazon)
This product is scented with organic peppermint oil to cool skin, clear sinuses and sharpen mind.
Force of Nature (Electrolyzed Water/Hypochlorous Acid)
this has literally changed my cleaning. This is a non-toxic cleaner that comes from a small countertop device that uses a capsule of salt, water, & vinegar to turn tap water into a cleaner AND disinfectant. It’s also on the EPA’s list of disinfectants for use against the Coronavirus. I have replaced 99% of my cleaners and all disinfectants. The possibilities with this are endless! I recommend Force of Nature for the ease of storing the device.
Want more green cleaning info?
Check out my new book, The Slightly Greener Method: Detoxing Your Home is Easier, Faster, and Less Expensive Than You Think! I wrote this book to help families develop a plan for detoxifying their home after developing this method over the years through research, a master’s degree, and working with many clients (and my own family!).
Detoxifying your home can be challenging and overwhelming but taking it one step at a time will help the overwhelm. I often quote Maya Angelou where she says, “Do the best you can until you know better. When you know better, do better.”
You can grab your own copy of The Slightly Greener Method anywhere books are sold to get even more tips and tricks on detoxifying your home.