Squeaky Clean
Sometimes a cleaning cloth is just not enough and I like to be able to reach for a great all-purposes cleaner. It been years since I have bought a pre-made cleaning product and over time I have experimented with different combinations to tackle a range of problems around our house.
The supermarket shelves are packed full of cleaning products of one sort or another — a different product for every conceivable purpose. We have been conditioned to believe that we need many cleaners for a clean home from fridge deodorisers to antibacterial sprays for bench tops etc. Many of these are made using a toxic chemical combination and if you read the small print — a warning and no wonder as the ingredients include non-renewable petroleum based ingredients that may also contain carcinogens, toxins that are known hormone disruptors and mood altering chemicals. Do we really want to breath these products when cleaning our homes? It’s bad for our bodies AND for the planet.
When you choose to switch to green cleaning and especially DIY products made and stored in glass bottles you are protecting yourself and your family. Making your own cleaning products means that you:
1. Save loads of money on buying many singular purpose cleaning products when one will do the jog perfectly well.
2. Dramatically reduce the amount of plastic used so that you live more sustainably.
3. Avoid toxic chemicals found in many commercially available cleaning products.
To get you started on your DIY cleaning we’ve included three simple recipes.
All Purpose Cleaner
Ingredients
- ¼ cup white vinegar
- 1 ¾ cups water
- 30 drops essential oils – My favourite combinations is 10 drops of tea tree oil (5 drops of clove oil, 10 drops of eucalyptus oil and 5 drops of rosemary oil.)
- Other oils you may like to use include lavender (lemon and peppermint,)
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to 500ml glass spray bottle.
- Shake thoroughly, spray on surfaces and wipe clean.
Warning: Do not use vinegar on granite or marble bench tops as the acid can damage the stone and it is also not a good idea to use it on timber floors.
Warning: Before using on any surface do a small test on an inconspicuous surface
Mould Cleaner
Ingredients
- 5 ml tea tree oil 5 drops clove oil
- 1/4 cup bi carb 1 cup cleaning vinegar
- 10 drops eco style dish detergent or Castile soap
- 2 cups of warm water
Instructions
- In a large bowl or jar combine all the ingredients (allow a little extra space as the vinegar and bicarb bubble together when combined)
- It makes quite a lot so fill a 500ml glass spray bottle and keep the rest in a glass jar ready to top up your spray bottle.
*Castile soap – is completely biodegradable. Ensure you buy a fragrant and preservative free bulk supply as it is very concentrated you only need a small amount - eg 1:10 ratio for a dishwashing liquid.
Warning: Before using on any surface do a small test on an inconspicuous surface.
Window Cleaner
Ingredients
- Equal parts water and vinegar.
Instructions
- Shake well to mix and spray directly onto the glass. Wipe with a damp cloth or squeegee and dry with newspaper or a dry cloth. No rinsing is required.
Warning: Before using on any surface do a small test on an inconspicuous surface.