If you read our post on Green Cleaning with Essential Oils, you know that I have listed five easy to find and easy to work with essential oils to add to your everyday cleaning.
These essential oils are not only effective for DIY green cleaning, but commercial products have mimicked these scents for ages.
Of course, essential oils do not provide the cleansing actions on their own. Here is a list of the ingredients you will need to stock to make your own DIY green cleaning recipes.
DIY Recipe Ingredients
Baking soda
Baking soda can help to remove odour, dirt, soap scum and drain clogs. And that’s just the beginning.
White vinegar
White vinegar is mildly acidic. It can be helpful in cleaning glass and some other surfaces. Be sure that you know what the surfaces in your house are made of so that you don’t harm the surface with your cleaner.
Unscented liquid soap
Unscented liquid soap is a great addition to green cleaning recipes. It can act as a binder and provide some of the bubbles that we are used to seeing.
Neroli (orange blossom) Hydrosol
Hydrosols can be an easy answer to a room spray. Neroli hydrosol has a beautiful floral scent. It is uplifting and calming. If this scent is not your favourite you can choose a different hydrosol such as rose, lavender, peppermint or even frankincense.
Fabric Dish cloth or face cloth
Using a cloth that you can wash and reuse in cleaning can go a long way to not only using fewer paper towels, but buying fewer paper towels, which keeps the money in your wallet.
A Few DIY Green Cleaning Recipes to Get You Started
Glass Cleaner
This simple glass cleaner can be used on windows and mirrors. If you are using this on windows, make sure that it is not a very hot day, and that the sun is not shining through the window. The cleaner will dry very quickly leaving streaks on the glass.
DIY Glass Cleaner
Equipment
- Equipment list:
- Spray bottle PET plastic (to protect the essential oils from degrading the bottle)
- Measuring cup
- Funnel (optional)
- Mixing spoon
Ingredients
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon unscented liquid soap
- 4 drops lemon essential oil
- 3 drops tea tree essential oil
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Measure and Mix:
- Pour 1 cup of water into the measuring cup.
- Add 1 cup of white vinegar to the water.
- Add 1 teaspoon of unscented liquid soap to the mixture.
- If using a funnel, place it in the mouth of the spray bottle to avoid spills.
- Add Essential Oils:
- Add 4 drops of lemon essential oil to the mixture.
- Add 3 drops of tea tree essential oil.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Carefully pour the mixture into the spray bottle using the funnel if needed.
- Secure the spray bottle's cap and shake well to combine all ingredients.
- Label the Bottle:
- Clearly label the spray bottle with the contents and the date it was made.
Notes
Shake the bottle well before each use. Spray the cleaner on glass surfaces, such as windows, mirrors, and glass tabletops. Wipe with a slightly damp, clean dish cloth or face cloth.
Baking Soda Creamy Cleaner
I love this baking soda cleanser. However, be sure to make only the amount that you need to use immediately. Gases may build up in this one making it unsafe to store in a glass container. If you must store it, use a PET plastic jar.
Baking Soda Cream Cleaner Recipe
Equipment
- Equipment Needed:
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cup
- Measuring spoons
- Mixing spoon
- Container with a lid (for storage)
Materials
- Ingredients:
- ½ cup baking soda
- 1 tablespoon unscented liquid soap
- 3 drops lavender essential oil
- 2 drops peppermint essential oil
- Water as needed
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Measure Ingredients:
- Measure ½ cup of baking soda and pour it into the mixing bowl.
- Add 1 tablespoon of unscented liquid soap to the baking soda.
- Add Essential Oils:
- Add 3 drops of lavender essential oil to the mixture.
- Add 2 drops of peppermint essential oil.
- Mix to Desired Consistency:
- Gradually add water, mixing continuously, until the mixture reaches the consistency of toothpaste. You may need to adjust the amount of water based on your preference.
- Combine Thoroughly:
- Stir the mixture well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Transfer to Container:
- Transfer the mixture to a container with a lid for storage. Label the container with the contents and the date it was made.
Notes
Apply a small amount of the baking soda cream cleaner to the surface you want to clean, such as tubs or sinks. Scrub gently with a cloth, sponge, or brush.
Rinse thoroughly with water and wipe dry. Perform a patch test before using this cleaner on a large area. Apply a small amount to an inconspicuous spot to ensure it does not dull finishes or scratch surfaces. Store the cleaner in a cool, dry place. Use within a few weeks for best results. Shake or stir before each use if separation occurs.
Multi-Purpose Cleaner
As I mentioned in my previous post Green Cleaning with Essential Oils, you must know the surfaces in your house so that the products you use don’t damage them. For that reason there may not be a one-size-fits-all solution for every cleaning question.
This multi-purpose cleaner is made with soap and water. Yep. It’s back to the basics.
Gentle Multi-Purpose Cleaner
Equipment
- Equipment list:
- PET plastic spray bottle
- Measuring cup
- Funnel (optional)
- Mixing spoon
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon unscented liquid soap
- 3 drops lavender essential oil
- 2 drops tea tree essential oil
Instructions
Instructions:
- Measure and Mix:
- o Pour 1 cup of warm water into a glass measuring cup.
- o Add 1 tablespoon of unscented liquid soap to the water.
- o Carefully add the essential oils and stir gently.
- o If using a funnel, place it in the mouth of the spray bottle to avoid spills.
- Combine Ingredients:
- o Carefully pour the mixture into the spray bottle using the funnel if needed.
- o Secure the spray bottle's cap and shake well to combine all ingredients.
- Label the Bottle:
- o Clearly label the spray bottle with the contents and the date it was made.
Notes
• Shake the bottle gently before each use.
• Spray the cleaner on surfaces such as non-porous countertops, sinks, and bathroom fixtures.
• Wipe with a clean, reusable dish cloth.
• The dish cloth can be washed and reused as often as needed, making this a sustainable and eco-friendly cleaning solution. Always perform a spot test first on an inconspicuous area to ensure compatibility.
Storing Green Cleaning Solutions
Store your homemade green cleaning solutions in a cool, dark place to maintain their potency. Essential oils are sensitive to light and heat, so keeping them in a controlled environment will extend their shelf life. Additionally, ensure that your storage area is locked and out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion or spills.
Spot Testing on Surfaces
Before using any new cleanser, perform a spot test. Apply a small amount of the cleanser to a hidden area of the surface, wait for 24 hours, and check for any adverse reactions. This simple step can prevent potential damage to your surfaces and give you peace of mind.
By following these tips, you can ensure your green cleaning routine is both effective and safe. Essential oils offer a powerful, natural way to maintain a clean and healthy home without the risks associated with conventional cleaning products.
Green Cleaning Habits
Adopting eco-friendly cleaning habits can significantly enhance your green cleaning efforts. By incorporating sustainable practices into your routine, you not only maintain a spotless home but also contribute to a healthier environment.
Reduce Waste with Reusable Cleaning Supplies
Switching to reusable cleaning supplies is a simple yet impactful way to support green cleaning. Instead of disposable paper towels, use reusable dish cloths, face cloths or microfiber towels. Use glass bowls and jars for cream cleansers, and labelled, refillable bottles for sprays. Find storage containers that are reusable. These alternatives help to reduce waste and decrease spending on repurchased disposable items.
Proper Disposal of Conventional Cleaning Products
If you still have conventional cleaning products at home, dispose of them properly to minimize their environmental impact. Never pour them down the drain or throw them in the regular trash. Check with your local waste management facility for guidance on how to dispose of these products safely. Many communities offer special collection days for hazardous household waste.
Choose Eco-Friendly Products
By adopting eco-friendly cleaning habits, you can make a significant difference in your home’s environmental footprint. Green cleaning is not just about the products you use but also about the practices you adopt. Embrace these habits to create a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable home.
