How to Make Green Cleaning Supplies

Mix lemon juice into your homemade deep-cleaner.

Commercial household cleaners can release volatile organic compounds into the air and release toxic chemicals like sulfates into the water supply through the plumbing. Making your own household cleaners provides a safe, non-toxic option, and it can save you plenty of money, since basic ingredients like baking/washing soda, vinegar, mild soap and lemon juice cost little compared to commercial cleaners and can be reused for several types of cleaners. Start with replacing your all-purpose cleaner, de-greasing products and laundry detergent for an eco-friendly overhaul.

Things You'll Need

• Vegetable oil
• Paper towel
• White distilled vinegar
• Spray bottle
• Clean non-abrasive towel
• Water
• Baking/washing soda
• Salt
• Borax
• Lemon juice
• Ammonia

Instructions

De-Greaser

1. Place a small dab of cooking oil on a paper towel.

2. Rub the greased towel over a grease stain.

3. Pour white distilled vinegar into a spray bottle. Spray the vinegar onto the greased area, and let it sit for 10 minutes. Wipe it clean with a clean, non-abrasive towel.

Laundry Detergent

1. Dissolve 1 cup of baking or washing soda and 1/3 cup of salt in 2 cups of warm water.

2. Add 1 cup of all-natural liquid soap to the mixture. Stir everything together.

3. Add 1 cup of all-natural liquid soap to the mixture. Stir everything together.

All-Purpose Cleaners

1. Mix equal parts vinegar and water. Fill a clean spray bottle with the mixture. The mixture kills bacteria, mold and mildew and is a safer non-toxic option than most commercial cleansers.

2. Combine 1 cup of hot water, 1 tsp. borax, 1/2 tsp. washing soda and 2 tbsp. lemon juice. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle for a more abrasive cleaner.

3. Mix warm water with scoops of baking soda, until you have a thick paste. Apply the paste to tough stains on the kitchen counter. Let the cleaner sit for 10 minutes before wiping down with a clean, damp rag.

Tips & Warnings

• Cut up old socks and T-shirts to use as rags to minimize use of disposable wipes or paper towels.

• Wet old newspaper with water to clean glass.

• Save old glass jars to store homemade products in.

References

• Re-Nest: How to Green Clean Grease from Kitchen Surfaces
• The Budget Fashionista: How to Make a Natural All-Purpose Cleaner
• Apartment Therapy: Make Your Own Dr. Bronner's Laundry Soap

Resources

• Apartment Therapy: Ultra-Thrifty Household Tips from "Way Back When"
• Re-Nest: 25 DIY Green Cleaning Recipes for the Whole House!