Easy DIY Natural Cleaning Products

 
We love a warm and welcoming home.
For us, having a nice clean home helps achieve this. A beautiful smelling home that is clean and dirt-free is easily attainable, and with no need for the noxious chemical-filled products that flood the market. Home cleaning products can be expensive and because of their ingredients, need to be kept away from children and animals. There are many natural cleaners that you can make easily and quickly at home. These cleaners are not only effective, but the ingredients can be sourced relatively cheaply – we love the bonus that they save you money, are better for the environment and so much better for you and your loved ones! Wins all around!!
 
The Kitchen
 
Let’s start with the kitchen. It is often said that the kitchen is the heart of the home. It is the place where we cook and prepare food and is usually the place where we gather to eat. This means mess, grease and spillages. The kitchen is also a place where we definitely don't want to use harsh chemicals as they can contaminate our delicious food. Not the sort of thing we want to do! So with this in mind, we like to use the below cleaning recipes to keep our kitchen clean and safe.
 
Dish Soap
This dish soap is a fantastic cleaner and the lavender essential oil does not stick to the dishes once they are clean.

• 2 cups of warm water 
• 3 tablespoons of Liquid Castile Soap
• 2 tablespoons of White Vinegar  
• 2 teaspoons of Glycerine 
• 10 drops of Lavender Essential Oil

 
Multi-Purpose Cleaner
All kitchen surfaces are prone to sticky spills, so a great cleaner is needed. This cleaner is nice and can be used in all areas of the home.

• 1 tablespoon of baking soda
• ¼ cup of white vinegar
• 1 litre of hot water
• ½ of a lemon

 
Oven Cleaner
I hate the thought of using the majority of store bought, toxic oven cleaners – toxins so close to our food – yuck! All you need for this natural solution to a shiny clean over is:

• Baking soda
• Water in a spray bottle

 
Spray the whole oven down with a water bottle so that it is damp, and pour on a thick layer or baking soda, especially on the bottom, until there is about 1/4-inch layer of baking soda paste on the bottom. If any of the baking soda is still dry, mist it with the water bottle. Leave the baking soda to work its magic for a few hours and then simply wipe up the paste with a cloth and all the grime comes with it. For really baked on grime, this may take a couple applications, but it always works and it is 100% natural! It’s important to make sure that the baking soda residue has been completely removed before using the oven as any remaining baking soda may smoke if left in contact with the heating element

​The Bathroom
 
The bathroom is a room that can easily become dirty and damp. This causes streaky glass and damp smells, amongst other unwelcome odours.
 
Window Cleaner
This is a good, natural window cleaner that works on windows and also on shower screens and mirrors. This cleaner is great and has a light clean smell due to the vinegar. Do not be tempted to add essential oil for scent as the oil can leave smears and streaks on the glass – not the look we are aiming for! Mix together, spray and wipe.

• 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
• ¼ cup of white vinegar
• 2 cups of warm water

 
Toilet Cleaner
The best way to use this cleaner is to mix all the ingredients together and using a toilet brush, lightly scrub the mixture all over the inside of the bowl. Leave for an hour then rinse. The toilet will smell lovely and the oil will keep unsightly substances from sticking to the bowl!

• 10 drops of tea tree oil
• ¾ cup of baking soda
• 10 drops of lavender essential oils
• ¾ cup of white vinegar

 
Natural DIY Floor Cleaner Recipes
 
Wood Floor Cleaner
Combine the ingredients, mix well and rub lightly into floors to bring back shine and clean spots. Add a few drops of essential oil of choice for nice scent. (Make sure to wipe off completely to avoid slippery floors!)

• 1/2 cup white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
• 1 cup of water

 
Natural Carpet Stain Removal
Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water. Spray on stains, let sit for 5 minutes, and scrub with soft brush. Add 1-2 drops of dishwashing liquid for tough stains.
For tough grease stains, pour cornstarch liberally on the stain and let sit until dry. Vacuum up and then use method above.
For heavy-duty stains that won’t come out, mix 1/4 cup each of salt, borax, and vinegar. Rub into the stain. Let sit until dry and vacuum up. Use methods above if any part of the stain remains.
 
Other tips to leave your house smelling clean, beautiful and fresh

• Use essential oils in a diffuser or oil burner
• Burn beeswax candles
• Use a Himalayan salt lamp
• Air out your home – open those windows and doors when you can
• Get some indoor plants and keep that air fresh and your house looking pretty!