Are you ready to start using green cleaning products around your home and space? Well, you are in luck! In celebration of Earth Day, we have decided to create a list of 15 eco-friendly cleaning solutions that will leave your space sparkling clean. From a natural rust remover to a homemade carpet refresher, we have got you covered. These simple DIY cleaning products not only benefit the environment but also deliver outstanding results. Keep reading if you are ready for a greener and cleaner home.
Benefits Of Green Cleaning
There are many benefits to switching to green cleaning solutions. These homemade cleaners are not only better for the environment, but they are also gentler on your health and help you save money. Plus, when you use natural ingredients such as baking soda and vinegar, you can create a variety of environmentally friendly cleaners for spaces around your home without dealing with extra chemicals. Also, by making your own eco-friendly cleaning products, you cut down on plastic packaging and help to create a healthier environment for you and your household. By making this switch, you are on your way to a more sustainable home.
Are you ready to get started? Then take a look below to get started on making your first eco-friendly cleaning product (we advise that you test your desired cleaning hack in an inconspicuous area prior to see how it affects different surfaces in your home).
Natural Rust Remover
Did you know that you can create your own rust remover at home? All you need is lemon juice. Surprising, isn’t it? However, this natural cleaning solution works because of the acidic nature of lemon juice. Follow the steps below to get rid of rust in your space.
- Apply Lemon Juice: Squeeze the fresh lemon juice onto the rusted areas and let the citric acid work its magic for a few hours.
- Scrub Away: After the wait, grab a brush or sponge and scrub the affected area.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the surface well with water.
Depending on the severity of the rust, you may see results in as little as 2 to 3 hours.
Natural Carpet Stain Remover
If you have a toddler or furry friend, you may have had a few “accidents” occur on a carpet or rug in your home. Luckily, there is a natural solution that is easy to use and affordable. It works great at getting rid of odors too. You can use 20 Mule Team’s easy carpet stain removal recipe below.
- First grab the following ingredients to create your DIY stain removal solution: salt, borax, and vinegar
- Then mix an equal part of each ingredient together to form a paste.
- Apply the paste onto the stain on the carpet and work the paste into the stain with a sponge, brush, or cloth. Then let the mixture dry.
- Once it has finished drying, you can take your vacuum cleaner and vacuum it up.
Source: 20 Mule Team Laundry
Easy DIY Drain Cleaner
Now, let’s move on to an easy DIY drain cleaner using baking soda and vinegar, perfect for keeping your pipes clear and clog-free. This natural solution is not only effective at breaking down buildup and deodorizing your drains, but it’s also safe for the environment and your plumbing. Simply pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by half a cup of vinegar. Let the mixture fizz and work its magic for about 30 minutes before rinsing with hot water. Keep your drains running smoothly with this eco-friendly and budget-friendly cleaning hack.
Eco-Friendly Toilet Cleaner
If you are looking for natural, homemade cleaning products for your bathroom, then try this solution! An eco-friendly alternative to harsh toilet cleaners is borax. Borax is a natural mineral that has been used for various cleaning purposes for generations. Just sprinkle borax into the bowl and use your toilet brush to scrub around the inside of your toilet. It’s a simple and environmentally safe way to keeping your toilet clean and fresh.
Eco-Friendly Cleaner
White vinegar is not only a staple in the kitchen, but it also serves as a versatile and eco-friendly cleaner for various surfaces in your home. With its natural acidic properties, white vinegar can effectively cut through grease, grime, and soap scum, making it a great option for cleaning kitchen countertops, bathroom fixtures, and even windows. Plus, white vinegar is non-toxic and safe for your family and the environment.
Trash Can Refresher
To keep your garbage can smelling fresh and clean, consider using essential oils on a cotton ball as a trash refresher. Simply place a few drops of your favorite essential oil, such as lavender, lemon, or tea tree, onto a cotton ball and toss it into the bottom of your trash can. The natural fragrance of the essential oil will help mask any unpleasant odors that may be lingering in your garbage can.
Simple And Effective All-Purpose Cleaner
Another versatile and eco-friendly cleaning solution to add to your arsenal is a simple and effective all-purpose cleaner made with castile soap. Castile soap is a natural, plant-based soap that is gentle yet effective at cleaning a variety of surfaces in your home. To create this all-purpose cleaner, simply mix a few tablespoons of castile soap with water in a spray bottle. This gentle yet powerful cleaner can be used on countertops, floors, and even as a detergent for laundry. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a cleaning solution that is safe for your family and the environment.
Shower Cleaner
For a natural and effective shower cleaner, look no further than a combination of soap, water, and vinegar. This powerful trio can work wonders in removing soap scum, mineral deposits, and mildew from your shower walls and doors. By mixing equal parts of liquid soap and water in a spray bottle, adding a splash of vinegar, and giving it a good shake, you’ll have a potent cleaner that cuts through grime and leaves your shower sparkling clean.
Natural Bleach Alternative For Laundry
If you are looking for a natural bleach alternative for your laundry, try using Borax. Borax is a mineral compound that can help brighten and freshen your clothes without the need for chlorine bleach. Simply add half a cup of Borax to your laundry load along with your detergent to boost cleaning power and remove stubborn stains. Not only is Borax effective in whitening your whites and brightening colors, but it is also gentle on fabrics and the environment. This miracle product also can help with stubborn odors in clothes too!
Natural Fabric Softener
White vinegar is a versatile and eco-friendly ingredient that can help soften fabrics, reduce static cling, and eliminate odors in your laundry. Simply add half a cup of white vinegar to your washer’s fabric softener dispenser or during the rinse cycle to enjoy softer and fresher clothes without the use of synthetic chemicals. Not only is white vinegar gentle on your clothes and skin, but it is also safe for the environment, making it a sustainable choice for your laundry routine. Please ensure that you DO NOT combine vinegar with bleach as this will produce a toxic gas.
DIY Carpet Refresher
Baking soda is a powerhouse when it comes to cleaning carpets as it absorbs odors and helps to lift stains. Simply sprinkle baking soda generously over your carpet, let it sit for at least 15 minutes to absorb any odors, and then vacuum it up. Not only will this leave your carpets smelling fresh, but it will also help to rejuvenate and brighten the fibers.
Eco-Friendly And Natural Oven Cleaner
You can use baking soda as a natural oven cleaner for your home if you are looking for non-toxic cleaning solution . Baking soda is a gentle abrasive that can help to remove the baked-on grease and grime in your oven. Simply mix baking soda with enough water to form a paste, spread it over the interior of your oven, and let it sit for at least 30 minutes before wiping clean. This homemade cleaner will leave your oven sparkling without the need for harsh chemicals or fumes.
Natural Mold And Mildew Spray
To tackle pesky mildew or mold in your home, you have two natural options to choose from: borax or vinegar. Borax can effectively kill mold and inhibit its growth. To make a natural mold and mildew spray with borax, simply mix 1 cup of borax with 1 gallon of hot water in a spray bottle. Shake well to dissolve the borax and then spray the solution onto affected areas. Let it sit for a few hours or overnight before wiping clean.
If you prefer to use vinegar, you can mix an equal part of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and apply it directly to the moldy areas. Let the solution sit for at least an hour before scrubbing and wiping away the mold. The acidity of the vinegar helps to kill spores from most mold species and prevent them from coming back.
Whether you choose borax or vinegar, both options offer a natural and eco-friendly way to combat mold and mildew in your home.
(Please reach out to a professional mold specialist, conduct proper research, and wear appropriate protective gear before treating your home).
Floor Cleaner
For a gentle yet effective floor cleaner, consider mixing together equal parts of white vinegar, water, and castile soap. Castile soap is a plant-based soap that is safe for both you and the environment. This combination will not only clean your floors but also leave them smelling fresh and free of harmful chemicals.
Natural Window Cleaner
For sparkling windows without the use of harsh chemicals, you can easily create a natural window cleaner using either vinegar or castile soap. These ingredients are safe for both you and the environment, making them a perfect choice for eco-friendly cleaning. Simply mix vinegar with water in a spray bottle for a streak-free shine or combine castile soap with water for a gentle, yet effective window cleaner. With these homemade solutions, you can keep your windows clean and clear without any harmful residues left behind.
Conclusion
And there you have it! We’ve shared 15 eco-friendly cleaning solutions that you can use to clean your home. Not only are these solutions simple, but they are extremely cost effective. Which one did you like the most?
