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Make Your Own Green Cleaning Products

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October 25, 2011

Choosing appropriate cleaning products can be one of the most important decisions you make for your family. Party of being an eco-conscience parent is being aware of the impact that your choices have on not only your family’s wellbeing but also your wallet.

I have many people tell me they “can’t be green because it costs too much money.” This, however, is simply not true. In fact, being eco-conscience and being frugal can go hand in hand. One way that I have learned to save money and be kind to Mother Nature is by making my own cleaning products.

Here are a few recipes for common household cleaners that are environmentally-friendly and won’t break the bank.

Laundry Soap

Laundry detergent can be horrible for the environment and unfortunately the companies making these detergents do not have to disclose all the ingredients. Therefore, it can be very difficult to determine the environmental impact of a certain detergent. If you make your own detergent you know what goes in the product; therefore, you can be sure you are making an environmentally sound choice. Here are two of my favorite laundry soap recipes.

Basic Powdered Laundry Soap Recipe:

  • 1 cup Oxiclean
  • 1 cup Borax
  • 1 cup Washing Soda

Liquid Soap Recipe:

  • 1 quart Water (boiling)
  • 2 cups Bar soap (Fels-Naptha grated)
  • 2 cups Borax
  • 2 cups Washing Soda

Add finely grated Fels-Naptha to the boiling water and stir until soap is melted. Keep on low heat until soap is melted. Then pour the soap water into a large and add the Borax and Washing Soda. Stir well until all is dissolved. Next you will add approximately 2 gallons of water, stir until well mixed. Cover pail and use 1/4 cup for each load of laundry. You will want to stir the mixture before each use.

All Purpose Cleaning

If you are looking to clean just about any hard surface you can use any of the following natural products alone or mix them to create your own unique cleaning product.

  • Borax
  • Baking Soda
  • White Vinegar
  • Lemon Juice
  • Isopropyl Alcohol

The powdered ingredients like Baking Soda or Borax can be mixed with a little water and will be create an easy to use and natural cleaning agent.

Favorite All-Purpose Cleaner recipe:

  • 1/2 cup vinegar
  • 1/4 cup baking
  • 1/2 gallon water

Carpet Stain Remover

Carpet stains are inevitable in my home. Therefore, it is nice to know that I have a natural cleaner hanging out in my kitchen cabinet that will help remove most carpet stains. This magic ingredient is white vinegar. Simple mix equal parts white vinegar with equal parts water and apply to the stain. Let it set for 5-10 minutes and scrub.

Dishwashing Machine Soap

Most people don’t realize this, but you can make your own dishwashing machine friendly soap. It is simple and will leave your dishes clean and sparkling.

Basic Powder Dishwashing Machine Soap Recipe:

  • 2 cups Borax
  • 2 cups washing soda
  • *If you have hard water add ½ extra washing soda.

Bleach Alternative

If you have moldy patches in your bathroom and are looking for something that can kill the mold without using bleach, hydrogen peroxide is your answer. Simply mix 1 cup hydrogen peroxide with 2 cups water. Straight lemon juice and white vinegar also work wonders on mold. If you are looking for something to help whiten your laundry try adding full strength lemon juice to your load. If you have a juicer, you can juice your way to not only health (https://www.socialmoms.com/food/juice-health/) but to whiter clothes.

Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Cleaning the toilet can be a dreaded task, but it doesn’t have to be a chemical hazard. Try this simple recipe for a sparkling white porcelain thrown.

Toilet Bowl Cleaner Recipe:

  • 2 cups borax
  • 1 cup lemon juice

Your toilet will end smelling lemony fresh.

Cleaning will always be a chore, but with homemade cleaners it doesn’t have to be a health hazard. What are some of your favorite homemade cleaning recipes or products?

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