A clean house brings peace of mind. No more worrying about germ-infested surfaces, sticky floors, or dusty ceiling fans.
But to have a clean home you need the right products. And what better way to ensure safe, effective house cleaning products than to make them yourself?
Read below for 3 essential steps when making your own household cleaning products.
1. Start With an All-Purpose Cleaner
Specialized cleaners work well for special products, but you can get more versatility with an all-purpose cleaner.
Mix together the following ingredients in a spray bottle.
- 3 cups distilled water
- 1 teaspoon biodegradable dish soap
- 3 cups white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon essential oil (for scent and disinfecting)
This cleaner can be used for pretty much any surface – hardwood, glass, marble, or tile. Starting with an all-purpose cleaner will help you efficiently clean and sanitize surfaces in your home that could carry harmful germs.
You can try different essential oils to find the one you like the most. Tea tree and lemon are very commonly used in home cleaning products.
If you decide to hire a professional cleaning service, there a few things to ask first, including what products they use. Some services are willing to use the products you give them, including homemade products.
2. Replace Toxic Store-Bought Products With Homemade Versions
Drain cleaners can contain harmful, poisonous chemicals. Accidentally consuming or breathing in drain cleaner is dangerous, particularly for children.
The good news is that you can make your own drain cleaner at home without the negative effects of chemicals like sodium hydroxide.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup baking soda
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
Slowly pour baking soda down the drain, and then pour vinegar. You will notice bubbles start to form. Let the ingredients settle for about an hour.
Finally, pour a few cups of boiling hot water down the drain to remove any excess powder or vinegar.
Repeat this process as necessary. For tough clogged drains, you may have to call a professional to snake the drain.
3. Make Products That Will Save You Money
One of the biggest benefits of DIY cleaning products is saving money. You may not realize it, but you probably spend hundreds of dollars a year on products like laundry detergent!
So, try making your own! You will need:
- 1/2 cup Borax
- 1/2 cup washing soda (can find at most grocery stores)
- 1/2 cup of dish soap
- 4 cups hot water
- Clean, empty gallon plastic container
Combine Borax, washing soda, and dish soap in your container. Next, pour water inside to dissolve all ingredients. Finally, fill the rest of the container with cold water.
Before using, shake the container well. Use about 1/4 to 1/2 cup per load depending on how dirty or smelly the clothes are.
House Cleaning in the Modern World
Spare yourself from the expensive, toxic house cleaning products advertised on television. Instead, use a few simple ingredients to make your own!
You can buy most of the necessary supplies in bulk so that you can make a new batch easily when you run out.
Feeling inspired and ready for more DIY projects, check out the DIY design projects on our website!