Image Credit: KOMUnews

Making your own all-natural cleaning products is a great way to know exactly what chemicals you’re using in your home. Many natural materials have intrinsic cleaning properties, and have the added benefit of not exposing you (or your kids and pets!) to toxic substances. The recipes below use natural and low-impact materials, and work just as well as commercial products. As always, test these all-natural cleaning products in hidden places before widespread use! You don’t want to accidentally stain your carpet while trying to clean it!

Window Cleaner

Forget the blue stuff – just combine 2 teaspoons of white vinegar with 1 liter of warm water. Be sure to apply when the windows are shaded and not too warm – otherwise streaks will show when the window dries! Also, forget about paper towels. Use an old cotton cloth, or crumpled up newspaper for a streak-free, fiber-free shine!

Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Start by flushing the toilet. As it fills, sprinkle baking soda all around the bowl. Then spray it with white vinegar, and scrub with your normal toilet brush!

Laundry Soap

1 bar Castile soap, grated (Dr. Bronner’s is an option and it comes in a variety of scents!)

2 cups Borax

2 cups washing soda (you can get this from Arm & Hammer OR take your baking soda and turn it into washing soda

1 cup baking soda

Combine all the ingredients and store in a covered jar. Use ¼ cup per load of laundry.

Carpet Deodorizer

Great for homes with pets, who tend to get their scent all over the place!

1 cup Borax

1 cup baking soda

10 drops essential oil 

Combine ingredients and store in an airtight tub. When ready to apply, first vacuum the carpet to remove the dirt. Then sprinkle the deodorizer liberally on the carpet, and let sit. (This is one of the products you want to test on a small area first!) After several hours, vacuum up the powder, and voila! Odor-free clean carpet!

Furniture Polish

¼ cup white vinegar

¾ cup olive oil

Combine, apply to wood, polish with a soft cloth.

These all-natural cleaning products are easy to make and non-toxic. And with the variety of essential oils and Castile soaps available, you can make your home smell pleasant and not overwhelmingly of harsh chemicals. If you try any of these recipes, share your story in the comments!

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Lori Hill

Lori Hill is a plant eater, trash picker upper, climate activist, wife, and mom to 2 human boys, 2 cat boys, and 1 dog boy. On a mission to do all she can to take better care of the planet, Lori created Sister Eden Media, a green lifestyle company, to inspire others to give a damn and live more gently on Earth. She shares tips on her YouTube channel, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and also frequently appears on television.

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