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Homemade Cleaning Products & Recipes
For the first few years of business, Ecolistic Cleaning made our own cleaning products with our all natural, non-toxic, earth-friendly signature recipes. Below are some of the ingredients we used and information on why they are effective cleaners, as well as recipes to make your own cleaning products at home!
BAKING SODA
- odor absorbing mineral made from soda ash
- deodorizing, absorbs odors from the air
- gentle, mild abrasive cleanser
- inexpensive, found in the baking supplies section non-toxic
SEA SALT
- grease buster
- effective, non-scratching cleaner
- antibacterial, through a dehydrating action
- absorbs oils readily
- cleans copper
- natural whitener
- least expensive
VEGETABLE OIL-BASED LIQUID SOAP
- coconut oil-based soaps biodegrade quickly
- dirt remover
- dissolve the oils that bind dirt to an object
- gentle on hands
- Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Soap scented with lavender is highly recommended
WHITE VINEGAR
- cuts grease and grime
- dissolves soap film build-up and leftover mineral deposits from evaporated water
- great cleaning rinse
- inhibits mold growth and prevents mildew
- freshens air, powerful deodorizer
- can use essential oils like peppermint and lavender to soften its naturally strong scent
PEPPERMINT ESSENTIAL OIL
- antiseptic, bacteria inhibiting properties
- refreshing, and even edible, food-grade peppermint essential oil makes a great cleaning fragrance
- uplifting and energizing, which can be helpful when cleaning bathrooms
LAVENDER ESSENTIAL OIL
- antiseptic, bacteria inhibiting properties
- a relaxing and pleasant fragrance that enhances the smell of cleaning solutions
AUSTRALIAN TEA TREE ESSENTIAL OIL
- broad spectrum fungicide and bactericide
- disinfectant
- anti-mildew and antiseptic
- smells super clean
PURIFIED WATER
- the universal solvent
- increases effectiveness of cleaning recipes
- devoid of the minerals in tap water that can inhibit the cleaning action of any soap or detergent
Recipes
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Non-Toxic, All-Purpose Cleanser Recipe
This recipe can be varied to your own specifications. You can substitute
another cup water for the club soda, or add more club soda and less water.
Ingredients:
|
½ tsp
1 tsp |
Epsom salt
Baking Soda |
|
½ tsp
1 cup
1 cup
5 drop |
Liquid castile soap (scented lavender or peppermint)
Warm purified water
Club soda (rich in alkaline minerals)
Lavender, peppermint or tea tree essential oil drops |
Directions:
1. To a spray bottle: Combine the epsom salt, baking soda and soap. Add the warm water to dissolve the minerals. Shake. Then add the club soda and oils.
2. Shake to blend. Shake well before each use.
Shelf life: indefinite.
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All-Purpose Window Cleaner Recipe Card
This recipe can be varied to your own specifications. Play with which
essential oils you use or add more vinegar and less water.
Ingredients:
|
¼ cup |
White vinegar |
|
½ tsp
2 cups
5 drops |
Liquid castile soap (scented lavender or peppermint)
Purified water
Lavender or peppermint oil, for scent (optional) |
Directions:
1. To a spray bottle: add water, then vinegar, soap and finally oils.
2. Shake to blend. Shake well before each use.
Shelf life: indefinite.
· Variation: substitute 1 cup club soda for 1 cup water
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Basic Soft Scrubber/Scourer Recipe Card
This recipe can be varied to your own specifications. To make a large
amount, quadruple the recipe and save the unused soft scrubber. It will
dry out and once shaken and stirred, can be used as a scourer.
Ingredients:
|
1 cup |
Baking soda |
|
3 TBSP
½ cup
15drop |
Liquid castile soap (scented lavender or peppermint)
Sea Salt
Lavender, peppermint and/or tea tree essential oil drops |
Directions:
1. Mix baking soda and salt.
2. Add castile soap to make a frosting-like consistency.
3. Add essential oil and stir well. Use as a soft scrubber immediately. Remainder can be stored in a sealed container and will dry out to become a great scouring powder.
WHAT’S WRONG WITH CHEMICAL CLEANING PRODUCTS?
The EPA has documented that indoor air carries a higher risk for personal exposure to toxic chemicals than outdoor; partly due to toxic cleaning products we touch and inhale. Visit http://www.epa.gov for the most updated information.
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Disposal of hazardous household products is becoming an increasingly expensive problem for many municipalities, as they try to avoid contamination of local water and air.
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The VOC’s and POP’s found in many chemical cleaners are… simply put… endangering our earth!
PLEASE NOTE
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Although Borax is natural and works very well for household cleaning and making your own laundry or dish detergent, it is not non-toxic, which is why it is not included in this list of safe cleaning materials.
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Essential oils are natural but powerful cleaners and they should be treated with respect. If you are chemically sensitive, you may want to avoid them.
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Information compiled and written by Courtney Kellogg Sunborn, founder and manager of Ecolistic Cleaning, from information found in the following books:
Clean & Green by Annie Berthold-Bond
Better Basics for the Home by Annie Berthold-Bond
Clean House, Clean Planet by Karen Logan |
