Save Money 

There is no need to spend lots of money on cleaning products — many of which are toxic and harmful to our health —  when you can use simple, easy-to-find ingredients that clean just as well and don’t leave a chemical or artificial smell behind. Also, the 6 recipes below only use a total of 6 ingredients — all of which are very affordable and available in bulk so you’ll save even more money. 

Reduce Toxins In Your Home 

Now that I clean with these simple solutions, I am so much more aware of the artificial smells in traditional cleaners which make me feel sick! My nutty-crunchy food co-op doesn’t sell mainstream brands, so on the rare occasion I visit a big box grocery store and walk in the cleaning products aisle, I smell the toxins and artificial smells in the air, feel them on me and in my lungs.

Reduce the Amount of Plastic in the Waste Stream

While most of these cleaners require a spray bottle, you will be using the same spray bottle over and over again instead of buying one bottle of big name cleaner, using it until its done, recycling it, and then starting the process all over again when you buy your next bottle. 

To make these solutions, reuse the spray bottles from your big name cleaner or buy new spray bottles. Mine cost me $2.59 U.S. for the small bottles and $2.99 U.S. for the large bottles. 

The Recipes 

Here are 6 recipes for just about every cleaning task in your home. They are really easy to make and only require a total of 6 ingredients — most or all of which you probably already have. They are:

• white distilled vinegar – I purchased a gallon for $4.59 U.S.
• baking soda – I purchased a 1 pound box for $1.59 U.S.
• castille soap – a 32-ounce bottle of Dr. Bronner’s costs $17.99 U.S., but will last forever
• olive oil – I purchased a 25.4 ounce bottle that I use for cooking for $8.99 U.S.
• lemons – mine cost $0.75 U.S.
• water – this cost me pennies! 

When I began this journey, I was already aware of how to make the multipurpose cleaner, but learned about the others thanks to the very cool  company Full Circle. 

Multipurpose Cleaner 

• 1 part water
• 1 part vinegar
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Combine together in a spray bottle.

Spray on surface that needs to be cleaned.

Wipe with a clean cloth or rag.

Toilet Bowl Cleaner

• 1 cup vinegar
• ¼ cup baking soda for stubborn stains

Flush toilet to lower water level.

Add vinegar directly to bowl.

Scrub with a toilet brush.

Bathtub Scrub 

• ½ cup baking soda
• ¼ cup castile soap

Mix together in a small bowl until the consistency resembles frosting.

Apply with a sponge.

Tile, Linoleum, and Wood Floor Cleaner

• ½ cup vinegar
• juice of 1 fresh lemon
• bucket of water

Add vinegar and lemon directly into bucket of water and mop.

Use only a damp mop for wood surfaces.

Do not use vinegar on stone or marble surfaces!

Lemon Wood Polish

• ½ tsp olive oil
• juice of 1 fresh lemon

Place ingredients in a spray bottle and shake.

Spray onto surface and wipe with a clean cloth or rag.

Window and Glass Cleaner

• ½ tsp castile soap
• 3 TB vinegar
• 2 cups water

Place all ingredients in a spray bottle and shake.

Apply to window or glass.

Wipe with a newspaper or cloth.

• About
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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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