The Best DIY Natural Cleaning Products for Busy Moms
As a stay-at-home mom, most of the cleaning and household management falls on my shoulders. That’s okay, I’m not complaining! But that also means that I am responsible for researching the products we use in our home. I am always looking for ways to save money while reducing our exposure to harmful chemicals, and that’s why I started using natural cleaning products for safe cleaning. They are budget-friendly and contain no harsh ingredients! Natural cleaners get the job done with natural products instead of toxic chemicals.
Why should I use natural cleaning products?
Traditional cleaning products often contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful to both your family’s health and the environment. Switching to natural cleaning products for your cleaning routines reduces exposure to these toxins and contributes to a greener and more sustainable lifestyle.
Essential ingredients used in natural cleaning products
Make sure you stock up on these simple ingredients for your natural cleaning arsenal:
- Vinegar
- Baking Soda
- Lemon
- Castile soap (Liquid and bar)
- Essential oils
- Hydrogen peroxide
Recipes for natural cleaning products
The cleaning recipes I’m sharing today are the ones I use daily! I love their simplicity and cost-effectiveness. Switching from conventional to natural cleaning products has helped reduce headaches from synthetic fragrances, reduce our exposure to harmful chemicals, and remove any fear I had over my children inhaling dangerous ingredients or exacerbating allergy symptoms.
Basic DIY All-Purpose Cleaning Spray Recipe:
Create your all-purpose cleaner with the following simple recipe!
- Mix one cup water and one cup vinegar in a spray bottle.
- Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil.
- Shake well before use.
While this solution is safe for a variety of surfaces, always test on a small area first!
DIY Natural Disinfectant Spray:
For a natural disinfectant, try this recipe.
- Combine one cup of water, one cup of white vinegar, and ten drops of tea tree oil in a spray bottle.
- Shake well and use on high-touch surfaces.
Natural Air Fresheners for a Clean Home:
Freshen up your home with DIY air fresheners:
- Fill a spray bottle with water and add a few drops of your preferred essential oil.
- Spritz in rooms for a natural and inviting scent.
DIY Green Glass Cleaner:
Achieve streak-free windows and mirrors with this recipe:
- Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a glass spray bottle.
- Add a teaspoon of lemon juice.
- Shake well and use for any surface you want to sparkle! Use microfiber cloths for even better cleaning results.
Homemade Natural Scrub for Tough Stains:
Tackle stubborn stains like soap scum with this effective DIY scrub:
- Combine baking soda with warm water to create a paste.
- Apply to stains, let sit for 10 minutes, and scrub away. Make sure you test a small area first!
DIY Laundry Detergent for a Greener Clean:
Opt for a natural laundry detergent with this recipe:
- Mix one cup of baking soda, two cups of borax, three cups of washing soda, and 2 grated castile soap bars. Add 10-20 drops of your favorite essential oils in any scent if you’d like!
- Use two tablespoons per load.
Tips for Incorporating Cleaning into a Busy Schedule:
- Set aside specific times for cleaning tasks to avoid being overwhelmed.
- Involve your kids in age-appropriate cleaning activities. Like the ones I share in this post!
- Consider creating a cleaning schedule to stay organized.
Storage and Safety Considerations:
Even though the ingredients used in natural cleaning products are safer than commercial cleaning products, remember to always lock up household products like cleaning supplies and laundry room supplies to protect your children. Always exercise caution and follow safety guidelines when using essential oils in cleaning solutions.
Additionally, when using hydrogen peroxide in household cleaners, it’s best to store it in a dark or amber-colored glass spray bottle. This will help prevent the solution from losing its strength over time.
Additional DIY Cleaning Hacks:
- Use lemon halves to clean stainless steel appliances.
- Sprinkle baking soda in shoes to eliminate odors.
- Place a bowl of vinegar in the microwave for easy cleaning and deodorizing.
- Use hydrogen peroxide for an effective stain remover for clothes.
- Use the natural paste recipe above for hard water stains, then spray vinegar over the stains. Once it begins bubbling, spray the solution away and wipe it with a cloth.
- The Environment Working Group has an excellent database to search for safe products like hand soap, multi-purpose cleaner, and more!
Safe brands for cleaning supplies
If making your own natural cleaning products doesn’t interest you, here are a few brands I have tested and enjoy. I have found that while they are effective, making my homemade cleaning solution tends to be more affordable than any natural alternatives offered by varying brands.
Conclusion
As a busy mom, making the switch to DIY natural cleaning products is a simple yet impactful way to create a healthier home environment. You can enjoy the benefits of a clean and toxin-free living space with just a few key ingredients and some basic recipes. Homemade cleaners are safe and effective with natural ingredients, reducing exposure to toxic ingredients. Take small steps, integrate these natural cleaning supplies into your routine, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a greener and safer home for your family. Happy cleaning!
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Anna
January 24, 2024 @ 7:01 pm
Thank you! I have been working on switching to natural products more and more so this is quite helpful!
Tiffany
January 24, 2024 @ 8:36 pm
Oh I love learning how to make and use natural cleaners. It really makes a difference in the health of the body and wallet.
Sarah @ Exploring All Genres
January 24, 2024 @ 10:26 pm
I make a few of these already but I have been wanting to make more cleaning products, so I’ll be referencing this again so I can make these. Love cleaning with homemade things, they work so much better than store-bought ones.
Maryanne
January 25, 2024 @ 12:39 am
Everyday I think about the toxic effects of cleaning products – especially when you have children and pets around. This post is very useful for me – thanks for sharing!
Lucie
January 25, 2024 @ 2:51 am
I do make myself some diy cleaners and beauty products as well to reduce the amount of harmful chemicals..I especially like using diy glass cleaner.
Trisha
January 25, 2024 @ 12:23 pm
Thankyou so much for the tips!