As part of Earth Week, I've committed myself to replacing some of my regular chemical cleansers in the closet with homemade cleansers that are safer for my family, safer for the planet, and kinder to my wallet! I've scoured the Internet (no pun intended) to find the best homemade alternatives to the everyday products we use. Will you join me in replacing at least one of your regular cleansers with something homemade? (Be sure to check out my special hints below!)
Orange Vinegar - Good as an all-purpose cleanser and especially for wood, the recipe for this concentrate utilizes the cleansing power of vinegar and orange oil.
All-Purpose Cleaner & Antibacterial Cleaner - Clean a host of things around the house, including your oven with these easy recipes.
Mold and Mildew Removers - Remove mold and mildew from tile, paint, and even leather and luggage with this simple recipe.
Bathroom Cleaners - Find simple recipes to clean everything from your bathroom mirror, down to your toilet and everything in between (include a calcium and lime remover).
Antibacterial Soft Scrub - Perfect to use on sinks and tubs, this smells great and gets everything squeaky clean.
Laundry Detergent - Three simple ingredients gets a load of laundry clean for about a nickel per load.
Dishwasher Detergent Cubes - Use this recipe and some ice cube trays to make your own dishwashing detergent.
Stainless Steel Polish/Cleanser - The right cloth and some olive oil clean up your stainless steel appliances and buff out trouble spots.
HINT: In my research, one theme seems to keep emerging about limited shelf life of homemade cleansers. Because they aren't made with strong chemicals or preservatives, the potency of liquid cleansers can start to fade after a few months. A simple solution is to make smaller batches.
HINT: Before using any new cleanser on fabrics, granite, or hardwood, test them in an inconspicuous spot and give them 24 hours before proceeding.
HINT: If you have trouble finding tea tree oil mentioned in a few of the recipes, lavender or eucalyptus essential oils have similar properties.
{Image via Google}
