Homemade Cleaners
Simple homemade cleaning formulas and practical household staples for a naturally cared-for home.
I was slow to take microplastics seriously. Sure, I knew about them but it seemed so extreme. And then, we had children, and specifically, an immunocompromised child with cancer. We’ll never know how Ro’s cancer came into being but it altered our approach to our children’s health, including the health of their environment.
And then I listened to Good Energy by Casey Means1. I had slowly been adopting “clean” practices at home, such as swapping polyester for cotton and ceramic for plastic, but listening to her research launched me into full pioneer woman mode2.
Below are the homemade cleaner “recipes” that we have adopted and I have adapted to best fit our family’s needs. I have been amazed by how much better these homemade cleaners work. Literally every single one cleans better than the commercial products I have spent the last decade buying. They’re safe to use around our two bigs and our baby, and give me peace of mind knowing that when the bigs “help me clean”, I don’t need to worry about them breathing in chemicals or having chemicals soak into their skin.
The cleaners are incredibly easy, quick, and inexpensive to make. The most expensive parts I have found are the essential oils and the containers used to store the cleaners. However, most often, using essential oils is optional and we approached the glass cleaning containers with the mindset of buying something that is quality and will last.
Note on Essential Oils: The essential oils in the following recipes are safe for children of all ages, including infants. They are also the oils that I have chosen to use, for their safety and for their properties. That being said, there are so many oils out there! I encourage you to do your own research and find what works best for you, your family, and your lifestyle.
- If you are being wary for the sake of little ones, I found this guide to be extremely helpful!
Note on Product Links: I’m linking to the products that we have used. There are multiple versions of all of these “ingredients.” I’ve been pleased with the reliability of what I have used but find what works best for you and your family!
All Purpose Cleaner
This has by far been the easiest cleaner to adopt. It takes no time to make, and it cleans better than any spray or wipe that I’ve previously used. We used to have to wipe down every toy our son played with, and I wish I had had this spray during that season.
Ingredients
- 16 oz Hydrogen Peroxide (3%)
- Swan 3% Hydrogen Peroxide Topical Solution First Aid Antiseptic
- Note: We purchased in bulk because I knew I would be using Hydrogen Peroxide as the main ingredient in this cleaner, as a supporting ingredient in others, and as a staple to have around the house.
- 1/2 teaspoon Rosalina Essential Oil
- 1/2 teaspoon Cedarwood Essential Oil
- 1/8 teaspoon Spearmint Essential Oil
Directions
- Combine all ingredients in a glass spray bottle. Shake. Use!
Window & Glass Cleaner
If possible, I will never purchase a window/glass cleaner again. There’s no need. This cleans better than anything I’ve bought at a store or ordered and it’s a fraction of the price.
Ingredients
- 2/3 Cup Filtered Water
- 1 1/3 Cup Distilled White Vinegar
Directions
- Combine all ingredients in a glass spray bottle. Shake. Use!
Fabric Softener
Ingredients
- 1 Gallon Distilled White Vinegar
- 35 Drops Essential Oil
Directions
- Combine all ingredients into a dispenser. Shake and use!
Stain Remover
This works better than OxiClean! I have used it on every stain and it has removed every trace.
Ingredients
- 3/4 Cup Vegetable Glycerin
- 1/2 Cup Distilled Water
- 1/2 Cup Liquid Castile Soap
- 2 Tablespoons Hydrogen Peroxide (3%)
- 80 Drops Essential Oil
- I used Grapefruit for its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties
- Note: If using Grapefruit Essential Oil, ensure that your container is stored somewhere dark and that the pump used is amber to protect against the oil becoming oxidized.
- I used Grapefruit for its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties
Directions
- Combine all ingredients in a 16oz glass spray bottle. Shake. Use!
Dishwashing Detergent
This one shocked me the most. The first time we used it, it left our plates and glasses literally spotless. When we moved into our home, we inherited a reliable yet old dishwasher. So, in short, we know the level of cleanness isn’t due to the machine. I love not having to re-clean our dishes and having the peace of mind that all of the little cups and tools our children use to consume beverages and food has been washed in a plastic-free way.
Ingredients
- 2 Cups Borax
- 2 Cups Washing Soda
- 1 Cup Citric Acid
- 1 Cup Kosher Salt
Directions
- Combine all ingredients in a glass container. Shake. Use!
- You could also use a 1/2 gallon glass container, or even smaller. I purchased these 1 gallon containers to use for the other homemade cleaners. I don’t mind the size but it is larger than what is needed for this specific recipe.
- Good Energy Audiobook on Spotify ↩︎
- Around the same time I was introduced to Good Energy, I was also audiobooking Little House on the Prairie with the children and was so inspired by how the Ingalls family cooked, cleaned and lived off of the land. Out of necessity but also in a beautiful, healthy way. ↩︎
May your day be filled with what is beautiful and good ~ Caitlyn
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