DIY Green Cleaning

I think that marketing companies have done a great job in making consumers think that they need to buy a myriad of  expensive products-all full of toxic chemicals-to effectively clean their homes. This simply is not true.

White vinegar is a great natural bleach. Because of it's high acidic content it makes an  unpleasant habitat for many micro organisms. I use vinegar as a rinse aid in my dish washer and in the rinse compartment of my washing machine, only a tablespoon or 2 is needed. I also use it when cleaning the toilet.

Bi-carb soda has an abrasive quality, making it perfect for scrubbing sinks and shower screens.

I've mentioned before that I make my own laundry gel and stain remover. I also make a great cleaning spray which is a cheap homemade alternative to "spray and wipe" type kitchen cleaners. I do not use any commercial cleaning products in my house as Mr 9 and I are asthmatics and sensitive to chemicals, I instead use vinegar and bi-carb soda. The best thing about this spray is you probably have all the ingredients already in your pantry!

There are many different recipes out there but this is the one I use:

Cleaning spray recipe

Empty spray bottle (I reuse an old Method spray bottle for this)
8 TBS white vinegar
1 small squirt of dish liquid
1 tsp baking soda
10-15 drops of essential oil (my favourites are eucalyptus, orange, lemon or lavender)

Add the dish liquid and essential oils to the spray bottle. Then add the vinegar and bi carb soda and shake it up. Top up with water and you're done!

I also make a homemade room spray. Several years ago when the teens were small I helped out a friend who was running her own aromatherapy business. In exchange for helping her bottle her products she taught me some basics on using essential oils and how to make room sprays. Although these days I only have a few different oils so make very basic blends. I am very grateful for this and I have been making my own ever since!

Room Spray Recipe

Empty spray bottle (the amber one pictured above, I've been reusing for 10+ years)
Essential or fragrance oils
Solubuliser

Add 10 drops of your oil of choice to the bottle. My favourite is lemon. I also sometimes use fragrance oils that I have for candle making which are a bit cheaper then essential oils.

Then add 2-3 drops of solubuliser, add the lid and shake. The solubuliser just helps with bending the oil and water together. I bought mine online and because you only need a small amount if lasts for years. I have heard that dish liquid might work in the same way but haven't tried it out yet.

Here are some essential oil blends which smell lovely:

5 drops lemon and 5 drops tea tree oil

5 drops lavender 5 drops rosemary

5 drops eucalyptus 5 drops lemon

I also will add a few drops of scented oil to a few cotton makeup remover pads and add them to my lined cupboard, which make our towels and sheets smell delightful.

I have recently started making my own furniture polish as well after finding some cheap bees wax. It works better than any polish I've ever used.

Beeswax Furniture Polish

2 TBS grated beeswax
6-8 TBS olive oil
10 drops of lemon oil (optional)


Put the beeswax into a saucepan and melt over a low heat. Once melted add the olive oil and lemon oil. Stir well and pour in a small glass jar.

I originally found this recipe here 

2 pots of furniture polish will last ages.