Economical Earth-Friendly Cleaning
A Simple, Inexpensive, Effective and Green Home Cleaning Kit
Jul 20, 2009
Commercial cleaning supplies are more than just harsh on the environment. They contain chemicals that are hazardous to pets and humans, and even mild exposure can result in illness. Some products contain chemicals that can damage the lungs, liver, kidneys, skin or nervous system. Carcinogens – substances that have been proven to cause cancer – are also present in many commercial cleaning supplies.
The American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) reports that every year, thousands of consumers call to report ill effects from exposure to household cleaning products.
Homemade "green cleaners" have much less of a negative impact on the environment and are gentler on the home's occupants. They also create very little waste, are inexpensive, and they smell great!
The Supplies
A trip to the discount store and the natural foods store is the first step. This will be an initial investment, but will last for a very long time, and it will still be far less expensive than buying several separate commercial cleansers.
- Empty spray bottles (rinse out and reuse bottles from commercial cleaners, or purchase new ones)
- Simple Green concentrate - a biodegradable and non-toxic cleaner with a fresh pine scent
- White vinegar
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap
- Rubbing alcohol
- Baking soda – large bags are available at warehouse "club stores" like Costco
- Dishwasher rinse aid (Earth Friendly Products' makes one that's environmentally-friendly)
- Tea tree oil – a two-ounce bottle will last for several months.
- Other essential oils – try peppermint or spearamint, juniper, lavender, jasmine, sweet orange or lemon
To be even more Earth-friendly, old bath towels, t-shirts or even really clean cloth diapers can be ripped into several rags to use for cleaning. These can be washed and reused. eliminating the waste of paper towels and disposable cleaning cloths.
The Green Daily Shower Cleaner
In a large spray bottle, mix:
- 1/3 cup hydrogen peroxide
- 1/3 cup rubbing alcohol
- 6 drops liquid castile soap
- 2 teaspoons dishwasher rinse aid
- 15 drops tea tree oil
- 2 cups (16 ounces) water
- 10-15 drops of essential oil for fragrance
Shake well and spray on shower walls and floor once daily to disinfect and prevent mold and soapy buildup.
The Green Multi-Surface Disinfecting Spray
This is a fantastic concoction that smells great! It can be used to clean surfaces throughout the home; the tea tree oil disinfects and helps to prevent mold and fungus.
In a large spray bottle, mix:
- Two cups (16 ounces) water
- 15 drops tea tree oil
- 2 teaspoons Simple Green
- 6-8 drops of peppermint oil (optional)
The Green Granite Cleaner
In a large spray bottle, mix:
- 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol or plain vodka (not flavored)
- 3 drops liquid castile soap
- 3 drops* tea tree oil
- 4 drops* lavender oil
- One cup water (8 ounces)
Shake well before using to effectively clean granite surfaces.
*Avoid citrus oils on natural stone surfaces, as they contain natural acids that can be corrosive.
*Can use 7 drops of tea tree oil and omit lavender oil.
The Green Super Soft Scrub
Mix up a fresh batch each time in a small bowl.
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 2 teaspoons liquid castile soap
- 5 drops tea tree oil
- Enough water to make a thick paste
- 2-3 drops essential oil for fragrance (optional)
Use to scrub and polish stainless steel, cast iron and ceramic sinks, tubs,and shower walls. Rinse well to remove grit and prevent white residue from baking soda; if residue shows up, just rinse again.
The Green Air Freshener
In a small spray bottle, mix:
- 1/4 cup water
- 15-30 drops of essential oil (lavender, lemon, grapefruit or sweet orange are particularly nice)
- 1/2 teaspoon rubbing alcohol
Because harsh ingredients are not used to keep the oil and water emulsified, give the bottle a shake before each use.
The Green Toilet Bowl Cleaner #1
Pour 1/2 cup white vinegar and 1/4-1/2 cup baking soda in toilet bowl (it will foam and fizz). Scrub with toilet brush and let it sit for as long as possible.
The Green Toilet Bowl Cleaner #2
In a large spray bottle, mix:
- 2 cups water
- 3 tablespoons liquid castile soap
- 15 drops tea tree oil
- 15 drops essential oil for fragrance
Spray well inside all surfaces of toilet bowl. Let it sit for as long as possible, then scrub with toilet brush
The Green All-Purpose Floor Cleaner
In a large bucket, mix:
- One gallon very hot water
- 15 drops tea tree oil
- 3 tablespoons drops liquid castile soap
- 1/4 cup white vinegar (if floors are greasy)
- Essential oil if desired for fragrance
Mop floors with this solution; carry along empty bucket to for holding dirty water from mop, if desired. Test first on inconspicuous area if floor is wood; some finishes dull with vinegar. If this is the case, the vinegar can be omitted).
The Green Leather Upholstery Cleaner
In large spray bottle, mix:
- One cup water
- One teaspoon liquid castile soap
Shake well, spray lightly on furniture and clean with barely damp, lint-free rag.
Be sure to label all bottles and keep out of children's and pet's reach.
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