Cleaning products are full of chemicals that can make you sick. They often also come in plastic packaging. They are bad for you and for the environment. As we mentioned in our previous article on how to be plastic free in the kitchen, big companies’ marketing is there to make you believe you need a special cleaning product for every surface, appliance, and room in your home. In fact, your cleaning routine is much more simple than big companies want you to believe!
Together with our aim to be a single use plastic free company by the end of 2019, we want to take it one step further and inform our guests on how to adopt a plastic free lifestyle to reduce our impact on our blue planet. This month’s article is dedicated to our cleaning and laundry routine!
What are the basics for making your own cleaning products?
- Vinegar
- Baking soda
- Castile soap
- Lemons
- Essential oils (optional)
Make your own plastic free cleaning products with this multipurpose cleaning product recipe
• 4 part warm water
• 1 part white vinegar
Mix together in a spray bottle. Use it for general surface cleaner, to mop your floor and clean your windows and mirrors!
If you are worried the vinegar might damage your marble or granite surfaces, you can use this recipe:
• 1 cup of warm water
• 1 tablespoon of liquid Castile soap
For the kitchen
Dishes
There are many recipes out there but with just castille soap, your dishes will be clean. Either as a bar or in a liquid form. You can also use it in your dishwasher machine. Your dishes will be clean and degreased.
Oven
Spray it with vinegar and then sprinkle it with baking soda. Leave it for a few hours and then scrape it clean with a spatula. Wipe it clean afterwards.
Electric hobs
The above vinegar multipurpose cleaning product will work. If you are still struggling, pass some lemon on it.
For the bathroom
Toilets
The above vinegar multipurpose cleaner will work. Add some lemon peels if you would like to add some more disinfectant power and a more citrus smell.
For tougher jobs, sprinkle the surface with baking soda, leave it for a while and then scrub.
Drain Cleaner
To clean and unblock the drains use 1/4 cup of baking soda plus 1/2 cup of white vinegar. Leave until it bubbles then flush with boiling water.
For the rest of the house
Simple fabric/carpet spray (similar to Febreze)
- 1 part water
- 1 part vodka or witch hazel
- 4-5 drops of your favourite essential oil (optional)
Mix all the ingredients together in a spray bottle. Don’t worry about the smell, it goes away as vodka evaporates. Vodka is a disinfectant. When it hits your carpet, trainers, curtains or sweaters, it will destroy the bacteria causing odor.
Laundry time
Laundry detergent
- Bar of Castile soap (grated or thrown in food processor)
- 1 cup of baking soda
- 1 cup of washing soda
- 5-10 drops of your favourite essential oil (optional)
Simply mix all the ingredients together and 1-2 tablespoons per load.
Liquid version: Add 2/3 cup boiling water to grated castile soap and dissolve. Then add other ingredients.
Fabric Softener
Just vinegar! If you want to add some smell, add some drops of your favourite essential oil.
Dryer Sheets
To keep your clothes soft and static-free, place cloth in a container with vinegar + essential oils. Use 2-3 sheets per load and then re-soak as needed.
Bleach
- juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide
- 1 tablespoon of liquid Castile soap
- 4 litres of boiling water
Mix all of the ingredients and submerge your stained items. Let them sit for a couple of hours. Rinse them out under cool running water and hang to dry in the sun.
The champ of the plastic free cleaning products: enzyme cleaner
Have you ever heard of an enzyme cleaner before? Enzyme cleaners are powerful all-purpose cleaners that break down protein, starch, or fat based stains. These environmental friendly cleaners are safe to use on most surfaces, including metal and glass. They are ideal for removing stains and odors caused by blood, grass, chocolate, coffee, sweat, mold, cat urine and biological materials. It can also be used as a replacement of bleach. You can make your own enzyme-style cleaner at home with a few simple ingredients, but the cleaner will need a couple of weeks to ferment before it’s ready to use.
- 10 parts warm water
- 3 parts citrus peels
- 1 part brown or white sugar
- 1 tablespoon yeast
Once all the ingredients are mixed together, vent the bottle several times a day and shake it as well. After 2 weeks, strain the mixture.
How to use it as an all-purpose cleaner
- 118ml of enzyme cleaner
- 1 litre of water
Shake before each use. It can be used on all surfaces to clean bathrooms, kitchens, carpets and minor stains.
How to use it as for deeper cleaning
- 1 p[art of apple cider
- 4 parts of enzyme cleaner
It can be used to clean bathrooms, kitchens, and tough stains.
How to use it as for laundry
Directly add 60 ml of enzyme cleaner to your washing machine drum.
As you can see it is easier than it looks! You will not only reduce the amount of plastic you use but also reduce the number of chemicals in your home and improve your health. It is very easy to do your own plastic free cleaning products and it will save you tons of money too!
As we always say, every little change is a big change!
