Waste Less: DIY Cleaners
I’ve been wanting to share the homemade cleaners I make and use for a while now, and finally got around to it! I’m including it in our “waste less” series because it really prevents a lot of packaging waste. Most of these cleaners use the same ingredients, so I buy a large size of say, white vinegar and it lasts for several months to make a couple of the cleaners.
Another benefit is there’s very few ingredients in each and no sneaky chemicals in these formulas. You make it, so you know exactly what’s in it!
I’m going to leave the recipes down below in case you’d like to make some yourself! I suggest purchasing these pretty glass spray jars (the perfect size to fit the recipes below) and making pretty labels. To me it makes them that much more enjoyable to use and I actually leave a few out on display because they’re so pretty!
Besides these homemade cleaners, I always have baking soda on hand, rags made from old tee shirts and sheets and microfiber cloths.
Read on below for the recipes!
notes:
-vinegar and castille soap should never be combined
-spot check essential oils before using on surfaces. citrus oils can be too abrasive for some surfaces.
-also spot check your sprays before using them
-keep your recipes written down in one place and your ingredients together so that everything is easy to find and it’s not a hassle to make your cleaners.
-not all essential oils are safe around pets, so check with your vet and do research if you’re concerned
Vinegar Spray
-pour equal parts vinegar and water in glass spray bottle
-add 20 drops of essential oil of choice (optional)
-shake to combine
uses:
-glass and windows
-hardwood floors (spot check first)
-toilet
All Purpose Cleaner
(via Clean My Space)
- 1 1/2 C water
-1/2 C rubbing alcohol
-1 tsp gentle dish soap
-10 drops essential oil of choice (optional)
-combine ingredients in spray bottle and shake
Electronics Cleaner
(via Clean My Space)
-1 C rubbing alcohol
-1 C water
-combine in spray bottle and shake
Daily Shower Spray
(via Clean My Space)
-1 C vinegar
-1/2 C water
-20 drops tea tree oil
uses:
-spray down shower and/or tub after each use. no need to wipe off.
Thieves Spray
-add 15-20 drops thieves essential oil to spray bottle
-fill with water
-add 1tsp witch hazel if using it as an air freshener
uses:
-has cleansing and immune system boosting abilities
-wipe down doorknobs, handles, faucets
-wipe down counters after cleansing with all purpose cleaner
-wipe down toilet seats
-spray to freshen anything that smells
Room + Fabric Spray
-fill bottle 3/4 of the way with distilled water
-fill the rest with witch hazel
-add 20-25 drops (depending on bottle size) of essential oil of choice
uses:
-freshen smell of room
-reduce musty smells
-spray on bedsheets to aide in restful sleep (try lavender or ylang-ylang)
-mist in car (be careful of leather seats)