DIY Cleaning Products

Below is a listing of less toxic alternatives to some common household products.

  • All Purpose Cleaner: ½ cup vinegar, ¼ cup baking soda, ½ gallon water
    • Mix all ingredients together in a spray bottle and store
  • Laundry Detergent: 1 cup Castile bar soap grated into flakes, 2-4 tablespoons washing soda or borax (use more washing soda for hard water)
  • Air Freshener: Baking soda or vinegar with lemon juice in a small dish. Simmer water and fresh spices like cinnamon on the stove.
  • Drain Cleaner: ½ cup baking soda followed by ½ cup vinegar
    • Let set for 15 min., follow with boiling water, snake or plunger.
  • Oven Cleaner: 2 Tbsp. Castile soap, 2 Tsp. Borax, and 2 cups water
    • Set in oven for 20 min, scrub with baking soda and salt.
  • Furniture Polish: 3-parts olive oil to 1-part vinegar (water stains: toothpaste on a damp cloth).
  • Toilet Bowl Cleaner: 1 cup Borax, ¼ cup vinegar or lemon juice (optional)
    • Pour into toilet, let sit for a few hours, scrub with toilet brush.
  • Soft Scrub: ¼ cup baking soda, vegetable oil soap (enough to make baking soda into a creamy paste)
    • Scoop onto a sponge and wash surface, rinse thoroughly.
  • Window Cleaner: ¼ - ½ Tsp. vegetable oil soap, 3 Tbsp. vinegar, 2 cup water
    • Mix together in a spray bottle, spray on windows, wipe dry with a cotton cloth or newspaper.
  • Lemon Linoleum Floor Cleaner: ¼ cup liquid vegetable oil-based soap, ½ cup lemon juice, 2 gallons warm water;
    • Wash floors as usual.
  • Houseplant Insecticide: Mix 2 Tbsp. Dishwashing liquid with 2 cups water and spray on leaves.