DIY Green Cleaning Options 

 

Looking to go a little more green in 2022? You can read our post on eco-friendly plumbing upgrades and start by looking under your bathroom and kitchen cabinets! Switching to natural home cleaners is the perfect jumping-off point.

The green cleaning products you can make at home often cost a fraction of the price you pay for comparable store-bought cleaning products, especially if you buy earth-friendly options. They are also surprisingly easy to make, safer for the kids, and effective! Homemade or natural cleaning solutions use simple ingredients to remove grime, deodorize, and even disinfect your household. They’re great for making surfaces look sparkling-clean. For everyday cleaning, these homemade solutions might be just what you need.

We’re bringing you a list of our favorite green cleaning products you can make at home. 

Natural Bleach Replacement

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups of 3% hydrogen peroxide
  • 1/2 cup of lemon juice
  • 1 Tbsp. of citric acid 
  • Slightly less than 1 gallon of distilled water
  • 10-30 drops of lemon essential oil or another essential oil of your choice

Directions:

  1. Pour all ingredients except water into a gallon jug. Swirl until citric acid is dissolved.
  2. Add distilled water to fill the jug.
  3. Use in place of bleach around the home and in the laundry room.

Note: Test a little on any fabric before using it for stain removal – just like regular bleach, this is a powerful cleaning agent and germ killer. Don’t use it on anything you wouldn’t normally bleach.

 

Eco Glass Cleaner

Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup of rubbing alcohol (optional: increases the effectiveness of the formula, but if you hate it, skip it)
  • ¼ cup of white vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp. of cornstarch
  • 2 cups of warm water

Directions:

  1. Mix all ingredients in a plastic spray bottle until evenly dissolved.
  2. Shake before using, and spray as you would regular glass cleaner.

Note: Do not forget to shake this cleaner before each use. If the corn starch settles on the bottom and you don’t shake it before using, it can plug the spray nozzle.

 

Green All-Purpose Cleaner

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of distilled water
  • 1 tsp. of borax
  • ½ tsp. of washing soda
  • 1 tsp. of liquid Castile soap
  • A few drops of your favorite essential oils

Directions:

  1. Mix all ingredients in a plastic bottle. Cover, and shake well.
  2. Spray where you need it, and wipe clean with a dry rag.

 

If you’ve got toys to clean, a kitchen in need of some elbow grease, or a dirty bathroom…this is the answer! 

 

DIY Air Freshener

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz. of distilled water
  • 1 Tbsp. of baking soda
  • 2-3 drops of your favorite essential oil

Directions:

  1. Mix baking soda and oil thoroughly in a small dish.
  2. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and add water. Shake thoroughly until baking soda dissolves.
  3. Use in the air, on upholstered furniture, in stinky shoes, or even on your carpets.

 

Keep your bathrooms, kitchens, pipes, and more in tip-top shape! Severson Plumbing provides both residential and commercial plumbing service and repair for the entire Central Oregon region including Bend, Redmond, LaPine, Prineville, and Madras. We are here to help with all of your plumbing issues and emergencies. If you are in need of plumbing help, contact our team today, 541-382-3720!