How to Make Non Toxic Cleaning Supplies

Non-toxic cleansers are not only good for the environment, but they also are good for children. According to Worldwatch Institute, cleaning products accounted for approximately one out of every 10 toxic exposures reported to U.S. poison control centers in 2000---more than 200,000 calls. Of these, two-thirds involved children younger than 6. Chemical cleansers pollute our homes, our landscape and are totally unnecessary. You can clean almost anything with just a few ingredients--most of which you probably already have in your home. Below you will find some general guidelines on non-toxic cleansers as well as a list of some of the more popular cleansers you can use to clean your home. Each item is designed to be used individually, not together.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Vinegar
• Liquid detergent
• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Salt
• Borax
• Baking soda
• Washing soda (sodium carbonate)
• Tea tree essential oil (optional)
• Several spray bottles
• Several glass jars (with lids)

General Guidelines

1. Place cleaners into spray bottles for easier user. Oil-based cleaners should be stored in glass jars.

2. Write the ingredients or purpose of the cleaner you mixed on masking tape and place it on the bottle.

3. Add tea tree essential oil to any of the cleansers listed here if you're combating fungal problems. It is a natural fungicide. Other essential oils that you can add that are both fragrant and known for disinfecting include cinnamon, clove, eucalyptus, grapefruit, lavender, lemon, lemongrass, spruce and thyme.

4. Use naturally acidic products, such as lemon juice and vinegar, to clean hard-water scale, tarnish and other alkaline substances. Follow up with an alkaline cleaner, such as liquid detergent, to neutralize the acid.

5. Test any homemade cleanser on an inconspicuous area before using it on an entire item. While these products are generally safe, it is always better to check before using.

Recipes for All-purpose Cleansers

1. Mix 1/2 cup vinegar, 1/4 cup baking soda and 1/2 gallon of water.

2. Mix 1/2 cup vinegar, 2 tsp. borax and 1/2 gallon of water.

3. Mix 1/2 tsp. washing soda, a small amount of liquid soap and 2 cups hot water.

4. Mix a few drops of natural soap, 30 drops of tea tree essential oil and 2 cups of water.

Recipes for Furniture Polish

1. Mix 1/4 cup vinegar and 3/4 cup olive oil.

2. Mix 1/4 cup lemon juice and 1/2 cup olive oil.

3. Mix 1/2 tsp. olive oil and 1/4 cup vinegar or 1/4 cup lemon juice.

4. Add a four to five drops of lemon oil and 1/2 cup warm water.

Recipes for Toilet Cleaner

1. Mix 3 cups of white vinegar and 10 drops of tea tree essential oil.

2. Mix 1 cup borax with 1/2 cup lemon juice or vinegar. Let sit for several hours or overnight.

3. Mix 1/4 cup lemon juice and 1 cup vinegar.

4. Sprinkle baking soda in the bowl and then add lemon juice or vinegar.

Recipes for Other Cleansers

1. Clean your oven with a paste of 3/4 cup baking soda, 1/4 cup salt and 1/4 cup water. You can also use 1 cup of baking soda and a small amount of soap and water.

2. Mix 1/2 cup baking soda and liquid detergent until it becomes the consistency of frosting and use on stubborn stains. You can also use baking soda and a damp sponge.

3. Clean windows with a mixture of 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon liquid detergent, 3 tbsp. vinegar and 2 cups water. You can also use between 2 tsp. and 1 quart of vinegar with 1 quart of warm water.

Tips & Warnings

• The steps listed above are individual recipes and are not meant to be mixed together as a whole.

Resources

• How to Make a Non-Toxic Cleaning Kit
• Non-Toxic Home Care
• 25 Safe, Non-toxic, Homemade Cleaning Supplies
• World Watch Institute: Good Stuff? - Cleaning Products
• Practical Uses For Essential Oils