Clean and Green: Do-It-Yourself Household-Friendly Cleaners

Article By: Dr. Joan Bradshaw
University of Florida/IFAS Extension Service Director

Most homeowners strive to maintain a clean healthy haven for their families and it is not surprising that a wide-variety of new miracle products have turned up at supermarkets to help homeowners achieve their goal. Data indicate that the average American home has more than 100 different chemical cleaning products tucked away under the sink, in the shower, launder room and garage. Not surprising after decades of applying many of these household cures, we are now learning that there can be a high price to pay for getting our homes squeaky clean. Some of our favorite household cleaners can be toxic to our environment prompting us to take a closer look at our household cleaning practices. We don’t need to sacrifice clean living for a healthy environment.

Now is a good time to take a second look at some household cleaning favorites from times gone by. Many of these gentler cleaning products are also good choices when it comes to the health of your septic system. Consider some of the following alternative cleaning solutions. Use the ingredients listed below when making your own alternative cleaners. Most are inexpensive and you probably already have many of them in your kitchen cupboards. If not, all can be found at your local supermarket, natural food store or drugstore. Used individually or combined, these cleaners are safe, effective and cost-efficient.

• BAKING SODA (sodium bicarbonate): An all-purpose, non-toxic cleaner. Cleans, deodorizes, removes stains and softens fabrics.
• BORAX (sodium borate): A natural mineral that kills mold and bacteria. An alternative to bleach, it deodorizes, removes stains and boosts the cleaning power of soap. Please note that borax is the most caustic of the cleaners on this list. Store it with special care in cabinets out of the reach of children and use it well diluted. Latex gloves are advisable.
• CASTILE and VEGETABLE OIL BASED SOAPS: Cleans everything
• CORNSTARCH: Starches clothes, absorbs oil and grease
• LEMON JUICE: Cuts through grease and removes perspiration and other stains from clothing. A bleach alternative.
• SALT (sodium chloride): A mild abrasive
• VINEGAR (acetic acid): Cuts grease, removes stains and is an excellent water softener.
• WASHING SODA (sodium carbonate): Cleans clothes, softens water, cuts grease and disinfects. Increases the cleaning power of soap.

Hints:

• To save time and money, make your cleaners in advance and buy the ingredients in bulk for cost savings and to avoid excess packaging..
• Make large batches of the recipes and store them in reusable airtight plastic containers and spray bottles. Using a decorative spray bottle or container makes cleaning days more fun and pleasant.
• Label all of your ingredients and keep them out of reach of children. While most of these natural cleaners are not poisonous, some can be harmful or even fatal if swallowed by children or pets. See specific safety precautions at the bottom of this page.
• Add your favorite essential oils or herbs to any of these formulas for fragrance

While there are many "recipes" for all purpose cleaners, try a few of these gentler green cleaning formulas:

1. Vinegar and Salt. Mix together for a good surface cleaner.
2. Baking Soda. Dissolve 4 tablespoons baking soda in 1 quart warm water for a general cleaner.
3. Baking soda on a damp sponge. Baking soda cleans and deodorizes all kitchen and bathroom surfaces.
4. Use liquid castile soap and baking soda or Borax in different ratios. Use a little soap and soda/borax with lots of water on floors, walls and counters. Use more soap, soda/Borax for tubs sinks, cat boxes, anything that can be well rinsed.
5. For a general, all-purpose cleaner, try a paste made from baking soda and water or mix salt and water with a little vinegar.
6. 3 tbsp. vinegar, 1/2 tsp. washing soda, 1/2 tsp. vegetable oil based liquid soap, 2 cups hot water. Mix ingredients in spray bottle or bucket. Apply and wipe clean.

Citrus County Extension links the public with the University of Florida/IFAS’s knowledge, research, and resources to address youth, family, community, and agricultural needs. Programs and activities offered by the Extension Service are available to all persons without regard to race, color, handicap, sex, religion, or national origin. Citrus County – Providing Solutions for Your Life.

All programs and related activities sponsored for, or assisted by, the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences are open to all persons with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions, or affiliations.

For persons with disabilities requiring special accommodations, please contact our office at least five working days prior to the program so that proper consideration may be given to the request. For hearing impaired, please contact the Florida Relay Center at 1-800-955-8770 (voice) or 1-800 –955-8771 (TDD).

«Back