The Sustainable Spot

Lately I have been extra sensitive to the smell of all the chemicals in the household cleaners that I am using on a daily basis. I think the transition from apartment living to being a homeowner has made me realize what an insane amount of different cleaning agents that I am using not only for indoor surfaces but for outdoor patio and yard maintenance as well. I recently went to home depot to pick up some of these cleaning essentials and realized I had a full basket full of over 10 different types of cleaner ranging from Tilex to Composite deck cleaner and they added up to over $50. That is ridiculous and I knew there had to be an easier and less expensive way to create effective home cleaners without the cost and chemicals of 10 different bottles and brands.

Turns out, with just a few choice items from what already exists in your pantry you can create natural cleaners that are not only better for you but better on the budget as well. Check out these homemade recipes that will clean your house from top to bottom and save you a bundle.

Main Ingredients: Baking Soda, White Vinegar, Lemon Juice

Recipe 1: All Purpose Cleaning Spray

Equal parts white vinegar and water

Mix in a clean bottle and get to work! Tip: for really tough soap scum build up increase the vinegar to water ratio.

Recipe 2: Floor Cleaner

1/4 Cup dish soap, 1/2 Cup white vinegar, 2 gallons warm water

Mix these three ingredients in a bucket and apply with mop to tile or wood floors. Tip: you can substitute the white vinegar with lemon juice if you prefer.

Recipe 3: Bathroom and Sink Cleaner

Baking soda, a bit of your natural dish soap, and a squeeze of lemon

Mix these ingredients into a bowl until it forms a paste, then use a cloth to apply on surfaces. Give the paste 10-15 minutes on surfaces before removing.

Recipe 3: Mirror and Glass Cleaner

2 tsp vinegar, 1 quart water

Mix into a clean spray bottle and your done.

Recipe 4: Bathroom and Sink Cleaner

Baking soda, a bit of your natural dish soap, and a squeeze of lemon

Mix these ingredients into a bowl until it forms a paste, then use a cloth to apply on surfaces. Give the paste 10-15 minutes on surfaces before removing.

Recipe 5: Dishwasher Detergent

1 tablespoon Borax, 1 tablespoon Baking Soda

That’s it! Now just turn it on and voila!