How to Make Your Own Green Household Cleaners

Though corporate green cleaners are on the rise, the vast majority of household cleaners available at most stores are toxic--and are harmful not only to humans but to wildlife, pets, and the environment in general, especially local water tables. Making your own household cleaners is easy and cheap!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• empty spray bottles (reused is best but you can purchase them at your local hardware/grocery store)
• white vinegar
• baking soda
• borax
• salt
• lemon juice
• castille soap
• ammonia
• essential oils and dried herbs (some have microbial-fighting enzymes and others just provide a nice scent)

1. 
   Juniper is a natural antimicrobial agent.

   The Scoop on Essential Oils
   
   Many essential oils in the recipes below have special properties, besides there general good scents. Always use pure essential oil extracts for cleaners.
   
   Antibacterial: Bay, camphor, cardamom, chamomile, citronella, cypress, eucaplytus, ginger, juniper, lavender, lemon, lemongrass, lime, orange, pine, rosemary, sage, sandalwood, spearment, tea tree, thyme.
   
   Antimicrobial: Bergamot, chamomile, clove, eucaplytus, hyssop, lavender, lemon, lime, mytle, nutmeg, oregano, patchouli, tea tree.
   
   Anti-viral: Cinnamon, eucalyptus, lavender, lemon, oregano, sandalwood, tea tree, thyme.
   
   DO NOT INGEST ESSENTIAL OILS!!!

2. 
   Eucalpytus has antiviral, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties.

   General Cleaners: This recipe can be used for mopping, wiping down counters, cleaning the toliet, etc. It's for all of your vague cleaning needs!
   
   Ingredients:
   
   1 tsp. liquid castille soap
   1 tsp. borax
   1/4 tsp. eucalyptus extract
   3 drops of tea tree extract
   2 tbsp white vinegar
   2 cups hot water
   1/4 tsp. lavender extract
   
   Mix all ingredients together in a spray bottle. Use on any surface (except glass). Spray on, scrub, and rinse of with a clean damp towel or paper towel.

3. 

   Carpent Cleaner
   
   Ingredients:
   
   3 cups water
   3/4 cup liquid castille soap
   2-3 drops peppermint essential oil
   
   Mix all ingredients in a blender. Rub foam into carpet with a damp sponge. Let dry and then vacuum.
   For stinky carpets: Sprinkle with equal parts borax and baking soda, then vacuum.

4. 

   Wood Floor Cleaner
   
   Ingredients:
   
   1 1/2 cup water
   1 1/2 cup white vinegar
   20 drops peppermint essential oil
   
   Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle. Use sparingly, working on small sections fo the floor. Drop mop after using.

5. Wall Cleaner
   
   1 cup white vinegar
   1 gallon water
   
   Combine it all in a bucket and pally with a sponge.

6. Spray-on Fabric Cleaner:
   
   1 cup water
   1/8 cup liquid castille soap
   1/2 tsp baking soda
   1 tbsp vinegar
   
   Combine in a spray bottle. Spray on, scrub with a sponge and lbot well with a damp cloth.

7. Gentle Window Cleaner:
   
   Ingredients:
   
   3 tsp castille soap
   3/4 cup white vinegar
   1/2 tsp baking soda
   
   Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake well before using. Use old newspapers or coffee filters instead of paper towels for less streaks.

8. 
   Sage is a natural antibacterial agent.

   Herbal Scrubber
   
   Ingredients:
   
   1/2 cup baking soda
   1/2 cup dried sage
   1/4 cup dried rosemary
   
   Combine in a jar and use like any scouring powder.

9. Drain Opener
   
   Pour 1 cup each of salt and baking soda, plus 1/2 cup of white vinegar down the drain. Let sit for 15 minutes, then flush with 2 quarts boiling water.

10. 

    Toliet Cleaner
    
    Ingredients:
    
    2 cups water
    1/4 cup castille soap
    1 tbsp tea tree oil
    10 drops eucaplytus or peppermint oil
    
    Combine and mix well in a spray bottle. Spray on toliet and then wipe off.

[Summersile]

on 6/29/2009 Good recipes, thanks. I'm certainly going to try a couple of these.

[ameliabright]

on 6/22/2009 OMG I going to buy tea tree oil right now!

[ponchomeg]

on 6/22/2009 Thanks for the great article and recipes! 5*