It’s surprisingly simple to green your cleaning routine. Here are some basic recipes that use common household ingredients to create chemical-free, great-smelling, and budget friendly cleaners that actually get the job done.
Does cleaning the bathroom literally give you a headache? It might be time to swap out your chemical cleaners for more natural options. According to the nonprofit Environmental Working Group, commercial cleaning products can release a variety of chemicals into the air, which can lead to headaches and more serious problems, like asthma, developmental harm, and cancer.
We have collected a few easy recipes that will improve your indoor air quality, cut down on plastic containers, and save money.
Stock Up
Every green cleaner should keep these basic ingredients on hand:
- White vinegar
- Liquid castile soap
- Natural salt
- Baking soda
- Borax Washing soda (also called sodium carbonate)
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Lemons
- Microfiber cleaning cloths
- Essential oils
- A spray bottle or two
- A variety of sturdy scrub brushes
All-Purpose Cleaner
This recipe is safe enough to clean your bathroom and kitchen—and wipe down children’s toys.
Ingredients
1 tsp. borax
½ tsp. washing soda (Washing soda, aka soda ash, is made from sodium carbonate, which is often derived from the ashes of burned plants.)
1 tsp. liquid castile soap
Essential oils: We suggest a mix of 4 drops lemon, 4 drops lavender, and 10 drops orange
Instructions
Place borax, washing soda, and soap in a glass spray bottle.
Add 2 cups of warm water. Distilled is best to avoid residue, but any water that has been boiled will work.
Add a few drops of essential oils (see suggestion above).
Cover bottle and shake well.
Glass Cleaner
2 cups of water (use distilled or filtered for best results)
2 tbsp. vinegar
10 drops of essential oil or oils of your choosing
Hardwood Floor Cleaner
⅓ to ⅔ cup of white vinegar diluted in a gallon of warm water cleans hardwoods nicely.
Air Fresheners
Put out small dishes filled with baking soda and a few drops of your favorite essential oil to absorb odors around the house.
Place houseplants throughout the home to reduce odors.
Prevent cooking odors by simmering vinegar (1 tablespoon in 1 cup water) on the stove while cooking.
Simmer water and your favorite herb on the stove. Rosemary works well.
Mold Deterrent
Mix one part hydrogen peroxide (3 percent) with two parts water in a spray bottle and spray on areas with mold. Wait at least one hour before rinsing or using the shower.
Carpet Freshener
Combine 10–20 drops of your favorite essential oil or oils with a cup of baking soda and sprinkle liberally on the carpet. Allow to sit for a few hours before vacuuming up the mixture.
Note: If you have pets, be sure the essential oil you choose isn’t a known toxin. Cats in particular are sensitive to some oils, such as peppermint and tea tree.
Safety Tips
Always double-check beforehand whether it’s safe to mix certain cleaning ingredients. Baking soda and vinegar, for example, will foam and eventually explode if kept in a container together.
Keep all products out of reach of children or pets.
List all ingredients clearly on the jar or spray bottle.
Buy Smarter
It’s not always possible to DIY, but you can make good choices at the store. The Environmental Working Group keeps an excellent, searchable and always updated guide to greener cleaners.