DIY non-toxic cleaning products with just a few simple ingredients

Upon beginning my own non-toxic journey, cleaning products were one of the first few things I addressed. Through an abundance of research and even more trial and error, the following ingredients and recipes are what I have found to be the most effective, simple and safe for the majority of households.

Ingredients

• Baking Soda

• Hydrogen Peroxide

• 151 Proof Vodka

• Distilled White Vinegar

• Washing Soda

• Borax

• Liquid Castile Soap

• Isopropyl/Rubbing Alcohol (Occasionally I use this type of alcohol for cleaning, but I don't prefer to use petroleum products, so I often clean with a high proof vodka instead).

• Essential Oils

Recipes

• All Purpose Cleaning Spray (16 Oz)

Need: Glass spray bottle, distilled or filtered water, 151 Proof Vodka, Essential Oils (optional)

1:1 Ratio of Water to Alcohol (8 Oz each)

Essential Oils I often use for cleaning include Lemon, Lavender, Peppermint, Basil, Eucalyptus, Tea Tree, Orange and Rosemary. If you have pets in your home or small children, make sure you only add a few drops of essential oils to the mixture so they are heavily diluted and safe for everyone in the home.

• Glass & Mirror Cleaning Spray (16 Oz)

  Need: Glass spray Bottle, Distilled White Vinegar, Distilled or filtered water, Essential Oils (optional)

  2 Oz of Distilled White Vinegar

  14 Oz of Water (Distilled, purified or filtered all will be fine for this recipe)

  Essential Oils are optional of course, but I especially like to add them to a homemade glass cleaner to help freshen up that strong & acidic vinegar scent. Common EO's I use for this recipe are Orange, Lemon, Bergamot and Grapefruit.

• Cleaning Paste for glass stoves, countertops, around bottoms of toilets and more

  Need: Baking Soda, Castile Soap, Water, Essential Oils (optional)

  1:1 Ratio of Baking Soda and Castile Soap

  Gradually add water to create a thicker, paste-like consistency

  Adding essential oils can help boost degreasing power, provide anti-bacterial properties and create a nice aromatic scent.

• Scent Boosting Powder for Laundry (30 Oz Batch | Add 1/4 cup to a large load)

  Need: Borax, Washing Soda, Baking Soda, Essential Oils (optional)

  1:1:1 Ratio of each powder ingredient

  10 Oz Borax

  10 Oz Washing Soda

  10 Oz Baking Soda

  If you want to add a nice fresh scent to your laundry powder, try a blend of Jasmine, Peppermint and Lavender essential oil. This is our favorite scent for laundry in my family.

Other uses for your ingredients:

• Hydrogen Peroxide can be used to whiten and remove stains

• Baking Soda + Essential Oils mixed can be sprinkled on the carpet and upholstery as a deodorizer

• Castile Soap can be used to make dish soap, hand soap or even in a solution to mop the floors

• Distilled White Vinegar can be used sparingly for a fabric softener if you have hard water

Precautions to take when making DIY cleaning products:

• Do not mix hydrogen peroxide and white vinegar together.

• Always be cautious when using essential oils in a home with pets.

• Make sure you are using ingredients safe for each area in your home. For example- white vinegar should not be used on certain stone surfaces, wax finished wood or to clean rubber seals of any kind due to its acidic nature.