Save Money, and the Earth, with Homemade Cleaners

Last week we discussed how toxic many household products are (so toxic that they are routinely referred to as hazardous household waste) and how to safely remove them from your home. This week we want to share some inexpensive and simple recipes so you can make earth-friendly replacements for those items.

We’ll start with cleaning supplies.

Conventional cleaning supplies: Homemade cleaning products can get your home just as clean as conventional products for far less money and with far less toxic exposure. They also smell better! Here are recipes for a few multi-tasking items.

Glass cleaners can be made with white vinegar and water. Simply mix equal parts of each and place in a spray bottle. If you have been using commercial glass cleaners for a while, you may want to add a drop or two of liquid dishwashing soap to the first batch. Commercial glass cleaners often leave a waxy film on glass, which the soap will help remove. This works well on windows, mirrors, and chrome.

Cleaning powders can be replaced by simple baking soda. Sprinkle on your sink or tub after wetting it and scrub. If grime has built up, make a paste of baking soda and water, apply and let sit for 10-20 minutes before scrubbing.

For those who prefer sprays, mix 1/4 cup ammonia, 1/8 cup white vinegar, 1 Tablespoon baking soda, and 1 quart water. Put in a spray bottle and enjoy the savings.  Note: Do not use this product on varnished surfaces.

When mopping, add 1/2 cup of white vinegar to a gallon of water. If you like, add a drop or two of essential oil for scent. Mop the floor with the mixture. The best part is you don’t have to rinse!

And this one isn’t multi-tasking but is so easy I had to share. To clean brass, simply coat with ketchup, let sit for 10 minutes, then wipe off with a soft cloth.

Air fresheners: One of the simplest and cheapest air freshening ideas is to open your windows and air out your living space. However, this is not an appealing option when the temperatures are over 100° as they are here!

Another inexpensive option is to pour 1/2 cup of white vinegar into a bowl and place it in the necessary area. If you have a stubborn cooking smell (fish comes to mind), you also add 1 Tablespoon of vinegar to 1 cup of water, place in a pot, and bring it to a boil. Vinegar eliminates the odor without replacing it with a vinegar smell.

Drain openers: If you notice your drains running slowly, an easy and inexpensive option is to pour boiling water down the drain. If that doesn’t work, try pouring 1 cup of baking soda into the drain and flush with 3 cups of hot water.

For even more stubborn drains, you can pour 1/2 cup of baking soda into the drain, then add 1/2 cup of white vinegar. Cover the drain so the mixture can work on the clog. Leave it for an hour, then flush with hot water.  NOTE: Do not use this method if you have used a commercial drain opener and it may still be present in the drain.

Another option uses 1/2 cup salt, 1/8 cup cream of tartar, and 1/2 cup baking soda. Mix them together and pour the mixture directly into the drain. Follow with 6 cups of boiling water. Allow to sit for several hours (overnight works well). Flush with cool water and you’re done.

For more ideas and recipes, visit Pioneer Thinking or check out Karen Logan’s book Clean House, Clean Planet: Clean Your House for Pennies a Day, the Safe, Nontoxic Way. This informative book, written by a mom, makes navigating green cleaning options very easy. You can read an earlier review on the book if you want more information.

If you would prefer to utilize pre-made cleaners, the Austin-based company The Purple Fig Cleaning Company sells green cleaners in their online store. I met the owner of at the Sunset Valley Farmers Market and it was clear she was very passionate about this topic. You’ll save some time while supporting a small business!

This article was syndicated on the AustinEcoNetwork. If you live in the Austin area, or want to learn about eco-happenings in Austin, be sure to visit the site.

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