Cleaning in every household is an integral chore and in the past, we’ve relied heavily on store-bought chemical cleaners. With a shift towards healthier, greener living, many of us are now turning to homemade plant-based cleaners. These cleaning solutions are environmentally friendly, safe, non-toxic, effective, and cost-efficient. In this article, we will give you a comprehensive guide on how to make and use these solutions.
To begin with, why plant-based cleaners? The primary reason is to reduce the exposure and impact of harmful chemicals. Many household cleaners contain hazardous substances like sodium hydroxide, ammonia, chlorine, and parabens. These can cause allergic reactions, respiratory issues, and are detrimental to our environment. Plant-based cleaners, on the other hand, only include natural ingredients that are safe for both humans and our environment.
To create your own plant-based cleaners, you need simple, readily available ingredients. Some of these are white vinegar, baking soda, essential oils, lemon juice, and olive or coconut oil.
Vinegar-Based Cleaners
Vinegar is a powerful cleaner due to its acidity which makes it effective in killing most mold, bacteria, and viruses. To create an all-purpose cleaner, mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle. This solution can be used to clean kitchen counters, stove tops, and bathroom tiles.
A vinegar-based cleaner can also be used for glass and mirror cleaning. Mix two cups of water, half a cup of white or cider vinegar, and a quarter cup of rubbing alcohol for a streak-free glass cleaning solution. Additionally, a small amount of cornstarch in the mixture can improve the finish.
Baking Soda Solutions
Baking soda is a mild alkali that causes dirt and grease to dissolve easily in water for effective removal. A versatile cleaner, baking soda can function as a kitchen cleaner, deodorizer, and even a silver polish.
For a potent kitchen cleaner, mix four tablespoons of baking soda with a quart of warm water. This cleaner can remove grime from kitchen surfaces and appliances elegantly. If a stubborn stain requires some scouring, try using baking soda on its own on a damp sponge.
Baking soda is also a powerful deodorizer due to its ability to neutralize odors. Placing an open box in your fridge can help minimize strong smells from various food items.
Essential Oil Boost
Essential oils can add a fragrance boost to natural cleaners along with additional cleaning properties. Certain essential oils like tea tree, eucalyptus, and lavender have antibacterial and antiviral properties. They can be added to vinegar or baking soda cleaning solutions.
To create a fragrant antibacterial spray, add a few drops of tea tree and eucalyptus essential oil into one and a half cups of water and half a cup of white vinegar.
Citrus Power
Citrus fruits have powerful cleaning properties. Lemon juice not only has a fresh scent but its citric acid content can help remove hard water deposits, soap scum, and tarnish.
To make a lemon cleaner, mix equal parts of lemon juice and water in a spray bottle. It’s suitable for almost all surfaces except natural stone like marble or granite.
Oil-Based Furniture Polish
You can avoid the synthetic fragrances and petroleum distillates found in commercial furniture polish by using a simple, two-ingredient recipe. Mix two parts olive or coconut oil with one part lemon juice or vinegar. Apply a small amount of this mixture to a soft cloth and gently rub it into your wooden furniture.
Manufacturing your own cleaning solutions from natural, plant-based ingredients allows you to customize the scent and strength of the cleaner to your liking. It’s cost-effective, reduces waste, and most importantly, provides a healthier home for you and your family. It’s time to make the clean sweep and switch to homemade plant-based cleaners.
