Have you ever looked at the label on some of your most frequently used household cleaning products? Give it a try sometime. You may find that most of the ingredients are unrecognizable and toxic. Many of them are chemicals that are significantly more harsh and potent than needs be for some of your basic cleaning tasks. Did you know that vinegar naturally produces acetic acid? Acetic acid (read: vinegar) disinfects, deodorizes, and degreases. It’s a powerful and inexpensive cleaning agent, and with a few added (natural) ingredients you can transform your entire cleaning cabinet into a few bottles of vinegar-based cleaning solutions.

Not only are these cleaners a natural (and effective) alternative to many of the chemically ridden cleaners available so readily on the market, but they are most often significantly cheaper, less wasteful, and better for the environment. Below are a few simple recipes to try out. You just might find that you prefer these easy, natural remedies to those expensive, abrasive cleaners you’re used to.

DIY Home Cleaners:

1-2-3 All-Purpose Cleaner

It’s easy. Just remember 1, 2, 3 (and then 5-7).

  • Just add 1-part vinegar, 2 teaspoons lemon juice, and 3 parts filtered water.
  • Then, for good measure (and a good scent) add 5-7 drops of lemon essential oil (available at many health food stores and, of course, online).
  • Fill an empty spray bottle (either found in your recycling bin (*though remember to use one that contained a gentle cleaner and to rinse it thoroughly with soap and water*) or at your local supermarket) and use as you would any all-purpose cleaner.

Floor Cleaner

Those hardwood floors can be rather pesky to clean, but there is nothing like clean, shiny wood floors to welcome bring out the beauty of your home. This basic mixture can be used with just a rag and some elbow grease, but you can also use it in a refillable This recipe, like the last one, is incredibly simple (in fact, it contains the same ingredients):

  • – ½ cup white distilled vinegar
  • – 1 gallon of warm water
  • – 2-3 drops of essential oil (lemon is always a viable choice, but other essential oils, such as lavender, orange, or clove, can really bring some of that springtime aroma into your home)

Disinfectant Wipes

For some of us, disinfectant wipes have revolutionized the way that we clean. They are a go-to for those of us that are constantly on-the-go, offering a level of ease and speed that can be hard to match with more traditional cleaning methods. Here’s away to hack those disinfectant wipes and make your own, reusable version.

Ingredients:

  • – ¾ cup of filtered water
  • – ¾ cup white distilled vinegar
  • – 15 drops lemon essential oil
  • – 8 drops lavender essential oil
  • – 4 drops bergamot essential oil (optional)
  • – Rag / old t-shirts / fabric for ‘wipes’
  1. Combine all of the ingredients in a mason jar (or other glass, sealable container) and mix together.
  2. Add pre-cut cloths (consider various sizes to accommodate various messes) to the jar and allow them to soak. Store them in a cool, dark place (to preserve essential oils) until you need them.
  3. When it’s time, remove a ‘wipe’, wring it out, and voila, you’re ready to tackle that mess!

More DIY Home Cleaning Recipes

  1. How to make your own soap here. 
  2. How to make your own laundry detergent here. 
  3. 10 Uses for a bar of soap (preferable Osana All Natural Mosquito Repellent Soap 😉 )

Give these simple recipes and try and put them to the test with some of your spring cleaning tasks! Have your own recipe? Let us know!

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