How to Make Homemade DIY Non-Toxic Cleaner

How to make an easy DIY non-toxic cleaner with common household ingredients.

When I discovered household cleaning products contained chemicals, I decided to look for safer products that didn’t contain harmful ingredients so that I could reduce the toxins in our home.  

So how do we clean our homes without worrying about bringing toxic chemicals near our families and in our homes? We can start by researching and being aware which chemicals to avoid in commercial products. 

We can also make our own cleaning products with common household ingredients. When you make homemade cleaning products, it’s easier to see exactly what’s in your cleaner, not to mention it also costs less to make your own household cleaners.

However, a question most often asked is, “Do natural cleaners with natural ingredients really work?” The good news? They work. Certain essential oils have also been found to kill MRSA in under a few minutes, while others neutralize salmonella, e.coli and pneumonia. (source).

Note: essential oil solutions should be kept out of children’s reach. This next recipe uses vinegar along with other ingredients. This recipe works very well, but it’s important to note that there are some surfaces you would NOT want to use vinegar on. Looking for a recipe that doesn’t include vinegar? See my other option below for a household cleaner that doesn’t include vinegar.

When Not to Use Cleaning Vinegar

• Don’t use cleaning vinegar on any type of acid on limestone, marble or granite.
• Using vinegar on knives can cause pitting on the edges.
• Do not use cleaning vinegar to clean cast iron or aluminum pans or surfaces.
• Cleaning vinegar is not recommended to use on wood or waxed surfaces.
• Do not use vinegar on electronic screens such as laptops or TV’s

Check out my favorite natural DIY cleaning recipe you can make too.

You can also print these recipes to keep on hand. See below for printable recipe.

DIY Cleaner with Lemon & Tea Tree Oil

SUPPLIES & INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1 cup water (distilled water for long term storage)
• 2 tablespoons hydrogen peroxide
•  20-30 dops essential oil. I always include tea tree oil 
• Spray bottle One 16 oz bottle or two 8 oz bottles
• Measuring cup and funnel

Add essential oils and vinegar to a glass spray bottle and shake well. Add water and hydrogen peroxide shake again. Before each use, shake before using, then spray on the surface and wipe clean with a soft cloth Store in a cool, dark place. (essential oils oxidize in sunlight).

This recipe is printable.

 

This next recipe does not use vinegar but instead castile soap.

Natural All-Purpose Cleaner 

Ingredients

• 2 cup water (distilled water for long term storage)
• 1 1/2 tbs castile soap
• 20 drops essential oil (I like to use 10 drops of Tea Tree and then I’ll add in another essential oil that I have on hand- but I always use tea tree oil in this recipe because of the antiviral properties.

Instructions

1. Pour ingredients into a spray bottle, preferably made of glass
2. Shake ingredients well before each use
3. Store in a cool, dark place. (Essential oils oxidize in sunlight)

Thankfully, I started using these homemade cleaners and reduced the toxins in our home. You can whip up a batch yourself with natural ingredients and you’ll never have to buy all purpose cleaner again.

Looking to achieve a sparkling clean tub without the harsh ingredients? I dedicated a whole article that shares helpful tips and tricks on how to maintain your sparkling clean tub. Click here for the printable recipe for an easy DIY non-toxic bathtub scrub polisher.