Cleaning up your act: 7 more simple & natural DIY cleaners May 28, 2016 00:17
After receiving numerous requests for additional recipes following Part 1 of this feature, we've finally gotten round to putting down more of our not-so-secret home recipes! These make much safer alternatives to toxin-laced conventional cleaners, and we like how gentle they are on our hands (and nostrils).
Whip your house in shape with common household ingredients, using our simple recipes below!
1. Laundry brightener
Throw in 1 cup lemon juice with your laundry, in addition to your detergent.
We're really not fond of optical brighteners often found in conventional laundry brighteners because they contain toxic compounds and are harmful to aquatic life!
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2. Fabric softener and deodoriser
Add about 1/2 to 1 cup vinegar to your softener dispenser - and voila! The sour smell dissipates fast so you won't smell like vinegar, promise.
Conventional fabric softeners often contain a cocktail of toxic chemicals, including artificial fragrances with undisclosed ingredients.
3. Collar stain remover
Because you know they don't just come off in the wash... Make a paste with distilled white vinegar and baking soda, and add a couple drops of eucalyptus essential oil. Then scrub the stains out with a toothbrush for gentle stain removal!
4. Fabric or carpet deodoriser
Sprinkle baking soda generously on the fabric or carpet, let it sit for 15 minutes, then vacuum. You can also add a few drops of essential oil, if you want some scent aid.
5. Cutting board cleaner & sanitiser
To clean, disinfect or remove tough food stains from wooden cutting boards, sprinkle salt liberally on the cutting board, slice a lemon in half, squeeze it onto the soiled surface, rub, and let sit for 10 minutes before rinsing.
6. Chrome cleaner
For your chrome bathroom and kitchen fixtures, mix 1 cup water, 1 cup vinegar and 1/2 tsp liquid castile soap in a spray bottle. Shake well and clean away!
7. Air freshener
Mix 2 parts water, 1 part isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol and a few drops of an essential oil you like in a spray bottle. Not for use on silks or delicates!
What I love about making my own cleaners? Besides the safety to children and pets, the eco-friendliness and the cost savings (which can be significant especially when you’re now buying “green”-branded cleaners!), it’s awesome that my under-sink cupboard is no longer stuffed with single-use cleaning products!
Want to detox your household pest control too? Check out tried-and-tested natural repellents to common household pests here!