b5media.com

Advertise with us

Enjoying this blog? Check out the rest of the General Channel Subscribe to this Feed

Tree Hugging Family - Living Green

25 Safe, Non-toxic, Homemade Cleaning Supplies

by Jennifer on March 5th, 2008

This week our green audit is cleaning supplies. We’ve already discussed the dangers of traditional, commercial cleaning supplies, so now we’re moving on to solutions. I will be going over some options available for purchase this week, but first we’re going to look at homemade cleaners.
Benefits of homemade cleaners:

  • Less packaging waste. You’re not buying new bottles over and over.
  • Less expensive. I actually started making homemade products before I was really all the way green - why? To save money.
  • Less harmful (often not harmful at all) to humans, animals, and the earth.
  • Less noxious home smell. Homemade natural cleaners always smell better than store bought. Well, except vinegar - but I have major vinegar issues. There are ways to mask the smell of vinegar though - not completely, but somewhat. Lavender essential oil and lemon juice both work some to hide the icky vinegar smell.

Here we go. Homemade cleaners, from basic recipes to a few that are more advanced…

1. Clogged sink and bathtub drains: prevent clogs altogether with the amazing drain trap. I’m shocked at how many people don’t use a drain trap. I got one at Home Depot for under two dollars - five years ago. If you have a sluggish drain, pour a cup of white vinegar plus one cup baking soda into the drain. Let that sit for a few minutes (it will bubble). Flush with a teapot full of boiling water. If you really have issues, use a snake or plunger. Drain cleaner is honestly something you should never have in your home - it’s hands down one of the more dangerous cleaning items.

natural candle2. Air freshening options: Light a natural candle, burn organic incense, boil orange peels and spices on your stove top, diffuse essential oils, open your windows, buy some air cleaning plants, use cedar blocks sprinkled with lavender in your closets, or make potpourri. Learn more:

3. Soap scum removal: Apply baking soda (it is non abrasive). Scrub with a damp cloth or sponge. I have an older bristle brush I use for icky scum - like when I go to long without cleaning (bad me). You can use Borax or vinegar too; but Borax can scratch. Vinegar can be applied directly, left to sit, and scrubbed down.

4. Small carpet stain: Two words - club soda!

5. Bigger tougher carpet stains: Sprinkle Fuller’s earth or cornstarch onto the spot. Allow it to sit for about 20-30 minutes. Scrub with one cup vinegar mixed with three cups water. If it really won’t come out try a natural soap based carpet cleaner.

6. Carpet deodorizer: Sprinkle baking soda around the room - my son thinks this is the most fun ever. Add some dried crushed lavender or basil. Wait about 1/2 hour. Vacuum.

7. Oven cleaning prevention: Don’t let spills sit. That’s the best cleaning procedure hand’s down. Clean the oven sooner rather than later. Line your oven bottom with foil to catch spills.

8. “Oh no, I didn’t follow the oven cleaning prevention tip above!”: Ok, if you have a hot spill, sprinkle it with salt. Mix some baking soda - I just toss maybe two tablespoons with into a cup, with some water to make a thin paste. Use an old toothbrush or bristle brush to scrub it down.

9. Everyday toilet cleaning: Sprinkle some baking soda and lemon juice into your toilet and walk away. Eventually you’ll want to return and scrub it with a toilet brush.

10. Bachelor pad toilet cleaning: No offense guys - I’ve seen my fair share of bachelor pads though. Spray vinegar around the bowl, sprinkle with baking soda, scrub.

11. Metal rust: Mix 2 tablespoons salt with 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Apply and rub well.

lemons for cleaning

12. Musty stuff: Say you have an old suitcase or truck that’s all musty, but you’d like to use it. Fill it with recycled crumpled newspaper let it sit for a week. The paper will absorb the smell (mostly) then, fill a mister bottle with water, add a few drops of tea tree oil, lightly spray the case and leave it open to dry.

13. Burnt food or fishy kitchen smells: Set aside a thrift store pie plate for times like these. Sprinkle the pan with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a dash of orange essential oil - place in the warm oven, and let it sit as the oven cools.

14. Disinfectant all purpose cleaner: Mix a few drops of natural soap, 2 cups water, and 15 drops each of tea tree and lavender essential oil (you can use just the one oil- but 30 drops, I just like the mix). You can spray this on all surfaces, like cutting boards, counters, toilets, walls, (except it will streak glass). This stuff disinfects but is so safe you can actually spray it on your baby - you can’t say that about most commercial household cleaners.

15. Mold removal: Try not to let mold invade your home. You can prevent it - believe me I lived on the cold, foggy, always wet beach in Humboldt, you CAN prevent mold. Clean often with the disinfectant above and scrub down places that might develop mold with Borax once in a while. Borax will prevent mold and disinfect.

16. Basic furniture polish: Mix 1/4 cup vinegar with 3/4 cup olive oil OR mix 1/4 cup lemon juice with 1/2 cup olive oil. Wipe down furniture with a soft cloth and the solution.

17. Herbal disinfectant: Choose one fresh herb - lavender, eucalyptus, juniper, sage, thyme, or rosemary. Simmer the leaves and stems for 30 minutes. You can use any amount of water, but the less you use the stronger the solution and disinfectant properties. Strain, pour liquid into bottle, and use on any surface but glass. If you add a dash of natural soap or biodegradable dish detergent it will cut grease.

lavender for cleaning

18. Homemade herbal scouring pad: Horsetail stems are just like a scouring pad for pots and pans and won’t scratch. Simply rub a handful of dried (leafless) stems on the pots and pans. It will leave a bit of a green color - but that washes right off in water. Since you’re washing dishes anyhow it won’t be an issue.

19. Wood floor wax: Mix equal parts olive oil and vinegar. Apply a very thin coat and rub -you can simply stand on an old towel and sort of surf around the floor.

20. Window / glass cleaner: Mix 1/2 cup vinegar with one gallon water - spray and wipe.

21. Glass cleaner that does not smell like gross old vinegar: Use straight up lemon juice or club soda. If you use club soda than newspaper is the best scrubber to use. If you use lemon juice than use an old less linty cloth.

22. Sink cleaner: Scrub with baking soda and water.

23: Microwave cleaning: Place a bowl of straight vinegar or a bowl of water with 15 drops tea tree oil in the microwave. heat for about 2 minutes. Microwave will steam itself and be easy to wipe out with a wet cloth. I don’t have a microwave, but I did this at my friend’s house and it worked.

natural toothpaste24. Silver polish: Rub silver with plain old toothpaste and rinse with water.

25. All over home cleaning: Never underestimate good old hot water and some scrubbing. If you really want to get fancy add a few drops of natural soap, but honestly hot water will clean just about anything. Alone it won’t completely disinfect, but it does kill many germs and removes dust. Hot water is especially useful for basic floor mopping.

Whew, that should at least get you going.

What natural cleaning products do you make at home?

Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Share This

Related Stories

POSTED IN: Green Audit, Green Cleaning

56 opinions for 25 Safe, Non-toxic, Homemade Cleaning Supplies

  • marye
    Mar 5, 2008 at 1:06 pm

    I make all of ours…For cleanser I use a baking soda borax combo and add 5 drops of rose otto and 5 drops of tangerine essential oils..by the time this sits for a day it smells heavenly..and it is good to help maintain cheerfulness..and I could use that now.
    I am using those soap nuts for laundry at this point..I want to see how well I like them…Normally I make a laundry soap with pure soap, and other ingredients…or use 7th generation. I like their products because I like the company..I think it is the most ethical company out there and I am in agreement with the CEO on most issues. :)

  • Jennifer
    Mar 5, 2008 at 1:08 pm

    I agree about 7th gen - I’ll have to look into the soap nuts, I know less about them. I don’t like rose oils but I love tangerine. The rose oils, even all natural smell too rosy to me.

  • Peggy
    Mar 5, 2008 at 1:37 pm

    Wow, great list.

    I’ve found that for by bathroom mirror, which is large, hot water alone cleans it. Ammonia is very unnecessary and it stinks. For outside windows and doors though, I need to try what you mentioned.

  • Julie
    Mar 5, 2008 at 6:41 pm

    Hot pepper sauce really cleans copper. I’ve gotten 100 years of tarnish/dirt off of old door hardware.

  • Peggy
    Mar 5, 2008 at 6:44 pm

    Julie, great tip I’ll use if I’m ever brave enough to buy another old house. I don’t have it anymore. Bad experience, but learned a lot!

  • 25 Safe, Non-toxic, Homemade Cleaning Supplies
    Mar 10, 2008 at 10:58 am

    [...] 25 Safe, Non-toxic, Homemade Cleaning Supplies [...]

  • Can a company be half green? « Light green stairs
    Mar 16, 2008 at 1:15 am

    [...] Jennifer over at Tree Hugging Family did a great post about natural green cleaners — 25 Safe, Non-toxic Homemade Cleaning Supplies. Speaking of natural cleaners, ammonia for cleaning bathroom mirrors really is overkill. I actually [...]

  • How to Make a Non-Toxic Household Cleaning Kit. « Cloud9 Design
    May 10, 2008 at 6:54 pm

    [...] more about  25 green household cleaners, and all about using [...]

  • Should you quit breastfeeding because of toxins in breast milk | Pregnancy & Baby Blog
    Jun 7, 2008 at 4:00 pm

    [...] 25 Safe, Non-toxic, Homemade Cleaning Supplies [...]

  • Naturally Clean Wood and Metal Fixtures in Your House | RiverWired
    Jun 28, 2008 at 3:14 am

    [...] see more natural cleaners read: 25 Safe, Non-toxic, Homemade Cleaning Supplies Login/register to [...]

  • Lori
    Jul 14, 2008 at 9:47 am

    I think your post is excellent and will be including a link to it from my own non-toxic-cleaning blog.

    I do want to share that your tip #14 about using tea trea oil, even diluted, on a baby should be revised.

    Lavendar is safe for infants but tea tree oil should not be used on (or near) a baby, at all. It is safe for children over 2 and under 5 in diluted form though.

    I have also found tons of ways to use soapnuts “tea” in homemade non-toxic cleaning products, they aren’t just for laundry.

  • Ann
    Aug 7, 2008 at 11:44 pm

    Thank you so much everyone, for all the good tips.
    I became ill about 6 months ago and had to leave my job. Because I have no children/husband etc. I dont qualify for any financial help in my state. So as you can imagine, it has been a struggle.
    That was the main reason I turned to making my own cleaning products, because when I finally recieved help from the state they provided me with a small amount of $ for FOOD ONLY. Well, my house still needs to be cleaned.
    So through this experience, I have learned many lessons and when I can get back to work and am making money everyweek, I will NOT be spending it on all the cleaning products. I will however, be buying all my basics for my new eco-friendly way of cleaning.
    So thanks to all who contributed to this post. I am very grateful.

  • nookins
    Aug 28, 2008 at 7:09 am

    I have tried making my own… maybe I am too lazy. I have found a product line that works great for me. http://www.cleanroot.com I dont buy GREEN I go buy environmentally safe and NON TOXIC so I dont have to worry about whats in my home and work and what goes down the drain into my world

  • openeyehealth.com » Blog Archive » A Clean, Chemical-Free Toilet Bowl!
    Oct 24, 2008 at 5:32 pm

    [...] on how normal kitchen ingredients can be used as household cleaners and decided to try the every day toilet cleaning recipe. I left my harsh chemical cleaners in the closet and headed to the bathroom with only lemon [...]

  • Holiday Ideas: Going Green - PURPLEPINKANDORANGE.COM
    Oct 27, 2008 at 11:02 am

    [...] Package Idea #1: Knitted Dish Cloths, all natural cleaners I found some patterns online for knitting dish cloths, so that you can also add the handmade element to the package. With over 100 patterns listed there, surely there must be one to fit your skills and preferences. Then, combine it with some all natural cleaners. You could either go to the store and pick up some great eco-friendly products from Method, Greenworks or Seventh Generation. Or if you have more time on your hands, you could make some cleaning products yourself! Check out some of the great recipes at Care 2 Make a Difference and Tree Hugging Family. [...]

  • Erin
    Oct 27, 2008 at 11:40 am

    Do you know if any other oil can be substituted for olive oil in these cleaners? Olive oil is very expensive in my country, so if I could use soy or sunflower or vegetable oil, that would be fantastic. If not, I’d just like to know. Thank you so much!

  • Reduce your baby’s chances of developing a serious RSV infection | Pregnancy & Baby Blog
    Oct 31, 2008 at 12:00 am

    [...] the surfaces of your home with hot water and soap or a homemade non-toxic cleaner frequently; this includes books and [...]

  • BabyCenter: MOMformation » Blog Archive » Get Crafty: How green is your clean?
    Nov 5, 2008 at 5:06 pm

    [...] Parenting website lists the top green cleaners already in your pantry Tree-hugging Family lists 25 Safe, non-toxic, homemade cleaning supplies And the Green Guide tells you the essentials for a DIY household [...]

  • Gina Marie
    Nov 16, 2008 at 7:31 pm

    Can you please add Facebook to your “Share” tab? I would love to post this on my Facebook page.

  • Jennifer
    Nov 17, 2008 at 3:04 pm

    Hey Gina, I don’t own this blog, so I don’t control the social links, but I’ll talk to my boss :)

  • Jennifer
    Nov 17, 2008 at 3:12 pm

    PS @Gina, I just checked and getting facebook added is in the works, so hang tight :)

  • openeyehealth.com » Blog Archive » Delicate Disinfectant Cleaner
    Nov 18, 2008 at 7:17 pm

    [...] works exceptionally well and has the most wonderfully subtle aroma. It is #14 on the article “25 Safe, Non-toxic, Homemade Cleaning Supplies” and is a simple and effective home cleaning [...]

  • Jim Merrell
    Nov 24, 2008 at 2:41 am

    1. Clogged sink and bathtub drains: prevent clogs altogether with the amazing drain trap. I’m shocked at how many people don’t use a drain trap. I got one at Home Depot for under two dollars - five years ago.

    – What are you referring to as a drain trap? I tried to look one up at Home depot and only found regular drain traps the s shaped ones.

  • Jennifer
    Nov 24, 2008 at 12:22 pm

    @Jim I’m talking about plain old screened drain traps: http://www.plumbingsupply.com/stainlessscreenstrainers.html

  • throwing out household products | Green + Chic
    Dec 9, 2008 at 1:24 am

    [...] There are plenty of alternative products you can buy now-a-days but the Treehugging Family blog has a list of 25 safe, non-toxic house made cleaning supplies. [...]

  • Liza Pogrebnyak
    Jan 2, 2009 at 2:45 pm

    This message is for Jennifer, recommending newspaper as a smell absorbent for musty stuff.

    I really appreciate your advice, and find that it works very well. Haven’t thought of that! We have a drawer in my house where we keep old newspapers for recycling (they tend to stay there for months on end). That cabinet always smells nice: of books and reading. It’s a great idea!

    Another fantastic element for getting smells out is… pineapple. It is very good at absorbing smells, and smells nice in and of itself. It is particularly good at absorbing chemical smells: I’m thinking here new paint job. I usually leave an open piece of pineapple lying around overnight (not longer, as then fruit flies get to it, and it becomes a different problem). Depending on the severity of mustiness, I alter the number of pieces.

    That’s all!

    Thank you for offering such a useful site.

    Liza

  • Courtney
    Jan 2, 2009 at 4:38 pm

    The notes above are right–these are very sustainable, green ways to clean. However, if you’re not into concocting your own cleaning products there are a few companies out there that research and test green cleaning products for consumers and then sell them in bundles for convenience.

    GreenCupboards.com is a great example of a company that really takes this to heart. They gather, test, and certify the best of the products on the market for bathroom, kitchen, and laundry room cleaning. They don’t make their own products, and they are independently owned and operated–so you know their testing is legit.

  • ABC’s of Money Saving
    Jan 2, 2009 at 9:14 pm

    [...] supplies - make your own OR challenge yourself and cut out something you can’t live without Dehydrated foods - make your [...]

  • Marion
    Feb 10, 2009 at 7:02 am

    I am thinking of making my own cleaning products for my upcoming cleaning company, but I wonder if making these recipes ahead will lose their effectiveness. eg. baking soda and water.
    I guess the question is whether they would have to be made everyday, and would it be worth it using them on a large scale?

  • Taylor
    Feb 28, 2009 at 8:32 am

    GREAT article! These are great recipes for keeping your home environment clean and healthy. I’m including a link on my blog, thank you!

  • Green Spring Cleaning | smartfamilytips
    Mar 4, 2009 at 2:05 am

    [...] There’s a large list of 25 cleaning recipes at Tree Hugging Family here. [...]

  • lori
    Mar 8, 2009 at 10:14 am

    most ovens warn that you should NOT cover the entire bottom with foil! it can damage your oven. just place a piece bigger than your pan but SMALLER than the oven rack on the rack below whatever you’re baking to catch the drips.

  • Bargain Babe » Homemade cleaners are cheaper, but do they work?
    Mar 17, 2009 at 10:24 am

    [...] non-toxic natural cleaning products involve some combination of vinegar, lemon juice, and baking soda. Three super cheap items you [...]

  • Green Cleaning Tools : Blisstree
    Mar 18, 2009 at 7:49 pm

    [...] healthy and smart to clean green. You can make your own cleaners with non-toxic ingredients or purchase safer ready-made cleaners. There’s more to it of [...]

  • Kristen Oliviera
    Mar 24, 2009 at 8:10 pm

    I have some old floor cleaners, wax, ect.. what’s the best way to get rid of it with out hurting the environment?

  • Does Living Green Save You Money? : Thrifty Mommy
    Mar 30, 2009 at 5:00 am

    [...] Learn how to make 25 Safe, Non-toxic, Homemade Cleaning Supplies. [...]

  • Jammie
    Apr 7, 2009 at 4:38 pm

    I make almost all the same ones you do but I also make my own laundry detergent and fabric softner.

  • Jennifer
    Apr 7, 2009 at 4:49 pm

    @Jammie - what do you put in your laundry soap & fabric soft? I sometimes make homemade laundry soap. Many people have been asking how to make it, and since I’ve heard so many various recipes I’m not sure which to post. Do you like yours?

  • dee
    Apr 8, 2009 at 7:02 am

    Stuff an old stocking full of porridge oats.knot the top and tie it from your bath tap so the water runs through giving you the milkiest softest water and leaves your skin soft as silk ..Light a candle and soak Bliss !!

  • Jammie
    Apr 8, 2009 at 5:49 pm

    Did you get my response with the laundry detergent and fabric softner?

  • Jennifer
    Apr 8, 2009 at 6:36 pm

    @Jammie - nope did you leave it as a comment or email it to jennifer.chait (at) b5media.com?

    But thanks for trying to send, however you did. If you commented it may have gone to spam (that happens once in a while) if you emailed, I’m not sure what happened, because I check my spam and reg email….

  • Jammie
    Apr 8, 2009 at 7:25 pm

    I emailed now. I have several recipes on homemade items i will have to take the time and put them on my blog one of these days.

  • Paige
    Apr 9, 2009 at 8:25 am

    I have a question about the disinfectant, can I use Dr. Bronners castile soap? I have some but it is peppermint, so if I can use that should I omit the lavender? I am assuming the lavender is just for the scent, right? Thanks so much for all these great tips!

  • Paige
    Apr 9, 2009 at 8:32 am

    A great tip I learned years ago at an office I worked at was that the best way to neutralize odors in the bathroom is to light a match. Let it burn for a few seconds and then blow it out and toss it in the bowl. I don’t know what it is about it, but it works! Try it.

  • Jennifer
    Apr 9, 2009 at 8:59 am

    @Paige - you need to keep either the tea tree or lavender essential oil in the mix to make it a disinfectant. Bronners is great for general cleaning, but real essential oils of tea tree or lavender have antiseptic / antibacterial aspects. I like to mix them, because too much tea tree scent alone makes me loopy. If you want to clean with just soap and hot water without essential oils (it’ll work) read the following: http://www.bestgreenhometips.com/2009/04/how-to-clean-properly-with-cloth-vs-paper-towels/

  • Tosha
    Apr 24, 2009 at 4:30 pm

    Does anyone know how long you can keep these products once you mix them?

  • Quick home updates on a limited budget : Thrifty Mommy - Time and Money Saving Tips from Thrifty Mommy
    Apr 25, 2009 at 5:29 am

    [...] Keep it clean: Ideally you should have a basic weekly home cleaning schedule along with a quick daily pick-up. Honestly, if your house is clean, you’ll be happier and feel less like you need decor changes and other improvements. COST: Free if you’ve already got cleaning supplies - especially inexpensive if you stick to homemade cleaners. [...]

  • Air Pollution Can Lead to Small Babies : Blisstree - Family, Health, Home and Lifestyles
    Apr 29, 2009 at 4:24 pm

    [...] icky toxins into the air, but studies note they’re especially bad for pregnant women. Try homemade non-toxic cleaners [...]

  • Lorena
    May 3, 2009 at 6:01 am

    Hi great tips! I haven’t manage to test some of them though, because of lack of time, but i’m working on it. yet i’m sceptic about #25: if i use hot water, I will produce more co2 to warm it up… how do I coordinate these two needs, namely non-use of soup and Co2 emissions?? thanks (apologise for my english, i’m not native speaker)

  • Mrs Tablett
    May 8, 2009 at 11:35 pm

    I have been making homade soap and household cleaners that have been passed down. I frequently hand them out to family and friends. Recently a friend showed a friend and asked about buying product. Any ideas on how to get started making a buissiness out of it?
    I use dried herbs and flowers from my own garden for scents and somtimes as an abrasive agent to help scrub hard areas.

  • Daniela
    May 12, 2009 at 10:26 pm

    what exactly is borax and what exactly can it be used for? is it environmentally friendly?

  • Terri
    May 13, 2009 at 9:45 am

    I found a great non-toxic cleaning book on Cafe Press - it is called Cleaning Wisdom and the author is Micah Daily. I would highly recommend it!

  • Jennifer
    May 13, 2009 at 10:41 am

    @Daniela - there’s a whole conversation about borax in the comments of the following post http://www.treehuggingfamily.com/homemade-organic-facial-body-cream/

    Some people think it’s safe, some don’t, some think it’s safe enough for mild use (me). There are many sides to this debate. But those comments should help you out.

  • Review: Organic Lavender Window Cleaner : Blisstree - Family, Health, Home and Lifestyles
    May 15, 2009 at 6:00 pm

    [...] I have been using a homemade glass cleaner, but it’s nice to have something at the ready that’s no work for me.This glass cleaner [...]

  • Kelly
    May 21, 2009 at 11:33 am

    Can u please save trees and add a print option for the solutions recipes? Thank you! :P

  • Caroline
    May 26, 2009 at 6:21 am

    I to am interested in knowing if you can mix a batch up and save it? Or do you have to mix and use immediately? No one has answered Tosha on this…and I would like to know too! Thanks for awesome-ness :) Caroline *mom of 2, one toothless turkey and one stinker healing from eczema thanks to God and Vidazorb! WOO HOO *This is good enough reason for me to switch to all green! We are living proof of the benefit of a natural way of life!

Have an opinion? Leave a comment: