Did you know that DIY multi purpose cleaner solutions are often less expensive than their chemical counterparts, and they help provide a healthier environment in your home?
Making your own natural cleaning products is easy to do and very inexpensive. In fact, you probably have most of the ingredients sitting in your pantry or in the cabinet under your sink. If you want to use less chemicals, try using some of these natural cleaning solutions.
Make a Lemon Cleaning Product
Have lemons? Don’t worry; you’ll love using lemons as a DIY multi purpose cleaner. Lemons naturally contain citric acid, which is a great replacement for bleach and bleach products.
The lemon’s acidity can help break down and lift away caked-on gunk. Now, to create a lemon-based cleaning solution, just take a whole lemon and cut it in half.
Use the lemon halves to scrub down areas you need to clean, such as the inside of your refrigerator or sink.
Use a DIY Multi Purpose Cleaner for Laundry
Ditch those store-bought fabric softener sheets, and opt for essential oils instead. How does this work? Simply take a clean washcloth and add one to two drops of your favorite essential oil.
Toss the scented cloth in with your wet clothes before turning on the dryer, and you’ll be rewarded with a fresh scent when the cycle is over.
We recommended lemon, lavender, or tea tree essential oils.
Create a DIY Cleaning Paste With Baking Soda
Home made simple multi purpose cleaner recipes are always better than those strong-scented chemicals. Try using baking soda to tackle a variety of dirty surfaces in your home.
To do this, just sprinkle baking soda on the surface of your floor, followed by a small amount of water. Let the mixture dry, then scrub it down and rinse with water.
That’s one of the easiest natural floor cleaner recipes that is also effective. Another use for baking soda is to clean caked-on oil on kitchen appliances.
Follow the same method as mentioned above: sprinkle on the baking soda, then water, and let stand. Use a spray bottle with clean water and a cloth to help wipe away the dried baking soda.
Use Salt in Cleaning
There are many ways you can use salt to clean your home naturally. One of the best ways is to clear away that stubborn grease from dirty bakeware and cookware.
Those who are equipped with a cast-iron skillet know soap and water can ruin its seasoning. Use salt diy cleaning paste and paper towels to scrub the skillet clean after each use.
Salt is also useful in removing blood or sweat stains in clothing. Soak clothing in cold saltwater before washing to help lift stains away.
Vinegar: Powerful Smell and Cleaning Power
A vinegar all purpose cleaner is another alternative to bleach, though it does not have the same fresh smell as lemons. If the smell doesn’t bother you, mix vinegar with water in a spray bottle to create a homemade natural cleaner.
The vinegar spray can be used to clean grout or surfaces such as stoves and countertops. Do not use vinegar on wood products—it may wipe away the finish.
Vinegar can also be used undiluted to tackle messier jobs, such as toilet bowls. Pour vinegar into the toilet, and scrub with a toilet brush until stains are gone.
Polish Wood With Lemon and Olive Oil
Who would have thought you could use lemon and olive oil to polish wood? That’s right. One way to clean wood naturally, without stripping the finish, is to make a homemade polishing solution.
Just combine two cups of olive oil with the juice of one lemon. Mix the oil and juice in a small plastic container, and use it with a soft cloth (like microfiber) to clean the wood.
Use Baking Soda on Carpet Stains
A homemade stain remover that’s safe to use on carpets can be made by combining one cup of vinegar and two cups of baking soda. You could also add two to six drops of essential oil.
Using a stain remover, use a toothbrush to scrub the paste into the carpet. Wait for the paste to dry, and then use a vacuum to clean up the dried paste.
Remember:
Choose an essential oil with a bright, fresh smell for the best results. Suggested oils include peppermint, lemon, orange, grapefruit, eucalyptus, or lavender.
Takeaway
One of the great things about natural cleaning products vs chemical cleaners is the ability to customize them for your needs. You can choose essential oils you like, and you also don’t have to switch out all your cleaners. Remember to do a spot test before using a cleaner so you don’t damage any furniture or appliances.
Also, while these DIY multi purpose cleaner are safer than store-bought products, it’s still best to keep them out of children’s reach.
Sources: [Starts at 60, Wellness Mama, WKYCAmerican College of Healthcare Sciences, Food Matters, Good Housekeeping, HGTV, Real Simple]