ECO FRIENDLY PRACTICES – DIY CLEANING SOLUTIONS
Discover what sustainable living really means
Reducing your carbon foodprint
Transforming spaces & preserving the Earth with DIY eco-cleaning solutions
With these DIY natural cleaning solutions, you can save money and maintain a clean and healthy home without relying on harsh chemicals. Sparkling clean, without the environmental footprint!
01
Laundry:
Use Castile soap as a natural alternative to conventional laundry detergents. Add about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of liquid Castile soap to your laundry load, depending on the size and dirtiness of the load. You can also add washing soda or baking soda for extra cleaning power.
02
Kitchen Cleaner:
Combine equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture on countertops, stovetops, and appliances.
Sprinkle baking soda on tough stains or greasy areas and scrub gently with a sponge or brush. Rinse with water and wipe clean.
Mix a few tablespoons of Castile soap with water in a spray bottle. Use this solution to clean countertops, surfaces, and floors. It works well for removing dirt, grease, and grime.
03 DIY Air Freshener
Enjoy the natural fragrance of your homemade air freshener while avoiding the potentially harmful chemicals found in commercial air fresheners.
Fill the spray bottle with distilled water, leaving some space at the top for other ingredients. Add your chosen essential oil(s) to the bottle. You can use a single oil or create a blend of different oils. If desired, add 1-2 teaspoons of witch hazel or vodka to the spray bottle. This helps disperse the essential oils and acts as a natural preservative.
Close the bottle tightly and shake well to combine the ingredients. To use, shake the bottle gently and spray the air in your home, focusing on areas that could benefit from a fresh scent, such as living rooms, bedrooms, or bathrooms. Store the air freshener in a cool, dark place when not in use.
You can experiment with different essential oil combinations to create your preferred scent. Some popular combinations include lavender and lemon for a calming scent, or peppermint and eucalyptus for a refreshing aroma. Remember to shake the bottle before each use to disperse the essential oils evenly.
Note: If you have pets in your home, be mindful of the essential oils you use, as some may be harmful to animals. Consult with a veterinarian if you have any concerns about the safety of specific essential oils around your pets.
04
Dishwashing:
Add a small amount of Castile soap to your dishwashing routine. It effectively cuts through grease and leaves dishes clean. Dilute the soap if needed, as it can be quite concentrated.
Dishwashers are more water-efficient than handwashing dishes, especially if you have a high-efficiency dishwasher.
05
Glass and Mirror Cleaner:
Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto glass surfaces and wipe with a microfiber cloth or reusable rag.
For stubborn spots, mix vinegar with water and a few drops of lemon juice.
06
Bathroom Cleaner:
Mix baking soda and water to create a paste. Apply the paste to the surfaces in the bathroom, such as the sink, bathtub, and tiles. Scrub with a brush or sponge, and rinse thoroughly with water.
Mix Castile soap with water and use it to clean bathroom fixtures, sinks, showers, and toilets. Its natural cleaning properties help remove soap scum, grime, and dirt.
07 DIY Stain Remover
Baking Soda: Make a paste by mixing baking soda with water and apply it to the stained area. Let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub gently with a brush or cloth. Rinse thoroughly with water.
Lemon Juice: Lemon juice works well for removing stains from fabrics and surfaces. Squeeze fresh lemon juice onto the stain, rub it in gently, and let it sit for a few minutes. Rinse with water and wash as usual.
Vinegar: Vinegar is a versatile natural cleaner and stain remover. Mix equal parts vinegar and water, then apply the solution to the stained area. Let it sit for a few minutes, then blot or scrub gently. Rinse with water.
Hydrogen Peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide is effective for removing tough stains like blood, wine, or grass stains. Dab a small amount of hydrogen peroxide directly onto the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, then blot with a clean cloth or sponge. Rinse thoroughly.
Salt: Salt can be used to absorb fresh stains like red wine or coffee. Blot the stain with a clean cloth to remove excess liquid, then cover it with a generous amount of salt. Let it sit for a few minutes, then vacuum or brush away the salt.
Club Soda: Club soda can be effective for removing stains like wine or tomato sauce. Blot the stain with a clean cloth to remove excess liquid, then pour club soda onto the stain and blot again. Repeat if necessary, then rinse with water.
Cornstarch: Cornstarch can be used to absorb grease stains on fabrics. Sprinkle cornstarch onto the stain, let it sit for a few minutes to absorb the grease, then brush or vacuum away the cornstarch. Wash as usual.
08
All-Purpose Cleaner:
Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle. Squeeze in the juice of half a lemon. Lemon juice helps cut through grease and adds a fresh scent. Add 10-15 drops of your preferred essential oil(s) to enhance the fragrance and provide additional cleaning properties. Some popular options are tea tree oil, lavender oil, or citrus oils. Spray the solution onto glass surfaces and wipe with a microfiber cloth.
Or mix a few tablespoons of Castile soap with water in a spray bottle. Use this solution to clean countertops, surfaces, and floors. It works well for removing dirt, grease, and grime.
Note: Avoid using this cleaner on natural stone surfaces like granite or marble, as the acidity of the vinegar and lemon juice may cause damage. Also, do not use vinegar on electronic screens or delicate surfaces.
09
Carpet Freshener:
Sprinkle baking soda liberally over carpets. Let it sit for 15-30 minutes to absorb odors. Vacuum thoroughly to remove the baking soda.
10 DIY Floor Cleaner:
Mix the distilled water, white vinegar, and dish soap (or Castile soap) in a bucket or spray bottle.
If using essential oil, add 10-15 drops and mix well. Essential oils add a pleasant scent and can provide additional cleaning benefits.
For hardwood or laminate floors, dampen a mop or cloth with the solution and wring it out well to avoid excess moisture. Clean the floors by mopping or wiping in the direction of the grain.
For tile or linoleum floors, you can use the same solution with a mop or sponge mop. Avoid using excessive amounts of liquid to prevent water seeping into the seams or grout lines.
Allow the floor to air dry, or dry it manually with a clean cloth or microfiber mop.
Note: Before using the DIY floor cleaner on your floors, it’s important to test it on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure compatibility and prevent any damage.
This homemade floor cleaner is suitable for most hard surfaces, but it’s essential to follow specific care instructions for your flooring type. For example, hardwood floors may require a gentler solution or specific treatments.
