Trying to clean a home is a highly complicated task. Due to the different uses and materials in every room, there are a whole host of necessary cleaners. However, as the environmentalist movement grows, those cleaners are seeming scarier. Many of them have ingredients that aren’t the best for humans or the environment. Join us in exploring various types of DIY all-purpose home cleaners that actually work in your space. DIY all-purpose cleaners save money and prevent environmental damage. Both of which are extremely important to living in Florida.
DIY All-Purpose Cleaners
There is a wide variety of all-purpose cleaners, ranging from simple to more complicated. It is worth it to note that many DIY cleaners right now list essential oils as an ingredient. This is merely for scent purposes. If someone in your household has sensitivities, simply do not add the essential oils. It will not impact how well the cleaner works.
Simplest
- 1 teaspoon dish soap
- 2 cups of water
Add to an empty spray bottle and shake until mixed, and that’s it! This solution can take as much as 10 drops of essential oils.
More Complicated
- ¾ cup hydrogen peroxide
- ½ cup distilled white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon unscented liquid castile soap
- 2 cups of water
Put all of the ingredients together in a spray bottle and shake to combine. The possible essential oils for this mixture are 10 drops of tea tree oil and 20 drops lavender essential oils. For the out of the loop, castile soap is environmentally friendly soap made of plant-based oils. It is better for the Earth and doesn’t trigger most sensitivities.
For stubborn stains, spray the mixture and allow to sit for a minute or two. Then drop some baking soda on top of it and combine some elbow grease with a sponge.
Most Complicated
- 1 teaspoon borax
- ½ teaspoon washing soda
- 1 teaspoon castile soap
- 2 cups of warm distilled water.
Combine all dry ingredients in a spray bottle and mix together. Then, slowly add the warm water and shake until the dry ingredients are dissolved. If the water is not distilled, boil it for a bit and allow to cool to a reasonable temperature. This solution takes between 15 and 20 drops of essential oils, the maker’s choice. Shake again after the essential oils are added
There is debate about whether or not borax is actually safe to use in the house. If this is a concern for you, don’t worry. The simplest solution is to avoid using this mix on food surface such as kitchen counters. However, there are also substitutions that can be made. Either witch hazel or food grade alcohol can take the place of the borax. It is worth noting that the borax is a very low amount of borax, so it should be safe in such a distilled form.
Thank You!
Thank you for joining us as we explored a variety of DIY all-purpose cleaners. Next week, we will continue to explore a wider variety of DIY cleaners for the home. In the meantime, if you need assistance cleaning your home, please reach out for an appointment.