all natural cleaning products.

Tuesday, May 27, 2014


Years ago when my oldest was a baby I used to use regular hash cleaners on all surfaces. It always bothered me that I would use those cleaners, with harsh chemicals, to clean a surface and then moments later she would be crawling all over or eating off of the same surface covered in chemicals. At that time I switched to targets brand of all natural cleaning products, I loved them but htey were pricey. So, I started making my own cleaners...it is insanely simple, great for the environment, has no harsh chemicals,  and cost next to nothing!

baking soda + vinegar: This combo can be used for so much! I love using it to clean the garbage disposal. Just pour a little baking soda down the drain, followed by vinegar., and then follow by hot running water for a minute or so. My kids love doing and watching this...sort of like a mini science experiment.

baby oil: This lovely little bottle cost about $2.00...last forever...and it great for polishing stainless steal appliances. You'll need a microfiber cloth and some elbow grease. A little bit goes a long way and you must wipe thoroughly or you will have streaks. Apparently baby oil will also remove paint from skin...I haven't tried it....but it is worth a shot!

baking soda + dawn dish soap + water: If you mix a little baking soda with a drop of dawn dish soap and add a tiny bit of water...so that it makes a thick paste...this mixture does wonders. I love to use this to clean out the oven. I make a decent amount, slather the mixture all over the over, let i sit for a 30 minutes, and wipe off with a hot rag. This is also great for the microwave.  If used with a toothbrush this paste can get finger prints off wooden cabinets...again it requires a little elbow grease and you will need to wipe and rinse paste from cabinets too...maybe a few times b/c it can leave white streaks if not wiped enough.
borax: This also a great natural cleaner. I like to add this to my laundry not to clean the clothes but to help clean my front loading washer...it completely eliminates that horrible musty smell.  Borax can also be used as a toilet cleaner. Just sprinkle in toilet, scrub, and flush.

borax + baking soda: When mixed equal parts this can be used as dish washing detergents. I recently started doing this b/c I actually ran out and dish washing soap and forgot it yet again at the store. I have to say I was fairly impressed with this method.

vinegar + dish soap + water: This combo is the world BEST glass and surface cleaner! Fill your spray bottle with 2 parts water, 1 part distilled white vinegar, and a couple of drops of dish washing liquid. Note: don't use this spray on granite...vinegar will dull its surface.

Vinegar: Alone this is great for cleaning some many items, like your coffee maker. Just add a little vinegar to your water and brew like you normally would. After that I run just plain water through the brew that way my coffee doesn't taste like vinegar. Vinegar is also great for cleaning jet tubs. Just fill up your tub with hot water and about 1-2 cups of vinegar and turn the jets on...then be grossed out by all the soap scum that starts floating around.

Don't like the way vinegar smells? simple place vinegar in a container or mason jar with orange peels for a few weeks....now you have orange scented cleaner. Lemon peels work great too!


So tell me have you ever made your own cleaning products?
Is this something you would try? 

Also...fully note that I do keep Lysol and bleach on hand for vomit...I do not dig vomit or the spread of the stomach bug. But that really only happens once a year tops. 

 
susan jakovina said...

I use vinegar for EVERYTHING!!!

Jenna said...

Wow, thanks for posting this! We have been looking for some more green cleaning products and the selection is slim to none. This is super helpful! Newly following :)

Jenna

Unknown said...

This is great! I will be using these tips when I get home. I make my own laundry detergent and it lasts anywhere between 3-6 months for about $35.

Unknown said...

I admit to using vinegar for everything as well. Hahaha! However, I've never heard of using baby oil for cleaning before. I guess it makes sense that it provides a nice coat of polish. I'll definitely try that out soon. Thanks for sharing that, Christina. All the best! :)

Bo Tolbert @ HJS Supply Co.

Alex Burke said...

Some cleaning products may contain harmful chemicals that can be dangerous for babies and some adults. It would be best if you could stick with the homemade cleaning detergent you made, or see if you could find something that contains less, if not none of those hazardous chemicals. Thanks for sharing!



Alex Burke @ Industrial Chemical of Arizona