Making eco-friendly, natural cleaners from common household products, the one’s our grannies swore by, makes sense. They cost a fraction of the price of commercial products and are good for our planet.
If you have a green conscience and would like to do your bit to save the planet, consider these natural cleaners that you can whip up easily and will make your home sparkle and smell… natural.
And, find out how to get your children involved in helping with the cleaning.
Natural laundry detergent
30ml (1 ounce) vegetable oil-based liquid soap
1 cup (250ml) washing soda
250ml (1 cup) baking soda (bicarb)
1 cup (250ml) white vinegar
Fill washer with water, then add each ingredient in the given order. Launder as usual.
Glass cleaner
1 litre (1 quart) warm water
15g (1 tablespoon) cornstarch
60ml (¼ cup) white vinegar
First, dissolve cornstarch in warm water, then pour into a spray bottle. Add the white vinegar. Shake before use. Spray on and dry with crumpled newspaper, buff to shine. Use crumpled newspaper instead of paper towels for lint-free results.
Disinfectant spray
500ml (2 cups) water
60ml (¼ cup) white vinegar
2ml (¼ teaspoon) tea tree oil
2ml (¼ teaspoon) lavender oil
Combine and store in a spray bottle. Shake occasionally. Use wherever disinfectant spray is needed.
Tub and tile cleaner
400ml baking soda (bicarb)
125ml (½ cup) liquid soap
30ml (2 tablespoons) white vinegar
125ml (½ cup) water
a few drops of tea tree oil
Mix soda and soap then add water. After that, add vinegar and oil. Store in a squirt-top bottle and shake before using. Rinse thoroughly to avoid residue.
Floor cleaner
250ml (1 cup) white vinegar
60ml (¼ cup) washing soda
15ml (1 tablespoon) vegetable oil-based liquid soap
7½ litres (2 gallons) hot water
Combine all ingredients, stirring well to dissolve the washing soda. Mop as usual.
All-purpose cleaner
4 tablespoons baking soda (bicarb)
1 litre (1 quart) warm water
