How to Make Natural Home Cleaning Solutions
Traditional household cleaning products, such as bleach and ammonia, can be risky for both your family and the environment. Bleach and ammonia fumes can irritate your lungs and, if you make the mistake of mixing them together, they form chloramine, a gas that can permanently damage your respiratory system. The key to making your house eco-friendly, safe and clean may already be in your pantry. Common food items, such as vinegar and baking soda, can also be put to use as cleaners.
All-Purpose Cleaner
Step 1
Pour 2 quarts of water, 1/2 cup white vinegar and 1/4 cup baking soda into the bucket. Stir to mix together, and dissolve the baking soda.
Step 2
Add a few drops of an essential oil for fragrance, such as lavender or citrus. Certain oils, such thyme or tea tree, also have disinfectant properties.
Step 3
Pour the cleaning solution into the plastic spray bottles and screw the caps on. To use, spray on a hard surface, such as a kitchen or bathroom counter, and wipe clean with a rag or sponge.
Window Cleaner
Step 1
Pour 2 cups of water into a spray bottle.
Step 2
Add 1/2 cup vinegar and a few drops of essential oil to mask the smell.
Step 3
Put the cap on the bottle. Shake to combine. Spritz on windows and wipe clean with old newspapers, which do not streak as much as paper towels.
Carpet Cleaner
Step 1
Pour 1/4 cup vinegar into a small mixing bowl.
Step 2
Add in 1/4 cup borax and 1/4 cup coarse salt. Stir to make a thick paste.
Step 3
Cover carpet stains with the paste, and then rub in. Let it stay on the stain until it dries, then run a vacuum over the area.
