Spring - the season of new life, fresh starts and the sort of cleaning that feels unbelievably satisfying… Especially if you’re DIY-ing all your household cleaners!
Why DIY your cleaning products?
While it might feel like an avoidable extra task, choosing to make these products yourself has plenty of upsides. You’ll know exactly what is going into it - and it will all be natural! This is better for you and the environment!
You’ll be reducing your plastic waste. The most sustainable choice is always the one you already have (and now you have a good purpose for those bottles and jars sitting at the back of your cupboard!). Finally, DIYing your cleaning products will save you money. So, let’s get started!
What you’ll need:
- Baking Soda
- White Vinegar (Cider Vinegar will also work)
- Lemons
- Corn Starch (optional)
- Essential Oils (optional)
- Old rags (chop up those old t-shirts for a fluff-free clean)
1. All Purpose Cleaner:
Add ½ a cup of white vinegar and a ¼ cup of baking soda to 4-8 cups of hot water for a mild all purpose cleaning spray. Baking soda is a natural deodoriser but adding a few drops of bergamot or your favourite citrus essential oil to the mix for a lovely aroma with every spray.
2. Window Cleaner:
Simply add ½ a cup of vinegar to 3 litres of warm water for a quick and effective window cleaner. However, for a streak free clean, combine ¼ of a cup of vinegar and 1 tablespoon of corn starch to 4 cups of warm water and mix well. Finish windows with a second wipe with a dry cloth.
3. Kitchen Surfaces:
For an antibacterial surface cleaner, combine ½ a cup of vinegar and 5 drops of your favourite antibacterial essential oil (we suggest tea tree or clove). Spray your surfaces and let sit for one minute. Wipe dry.
Caution: Never use vinegar, lemon, or any other acidic cleaner on marble or granite surfaces. (Alternatively, you can use mild soap and warm water OR ¼ cup vodka to 2 ¾ water)
4. Drains:
Pour ¼ of a cup of baking soda, then ½ a cup of vinegar down your drain. Cover for 15 minutes. Uncover drain and finish with 2 litres of boiling water.
5. Microwave:
Add ¾ of a cup of vinegar and the juice of one lemon to a microwaveable cup/container. Microwave on high for two minutes and leave for a further minute for some extra steam action. Stubborn food splashes will now easily wipe away.
6. Chopping Boards:
The easiest trick in the book: cut a lemon in half and rub it over your chopping board. Let sit for a minute or two then wipe clean.
7. Carpet Deodoriser:
Fill a jar with baking soda and 10 drops of your favourite essential oil (we’d recommend lemongrass or bergamot). Shake well. Shake mixture over your carpet or rug and leave for 30 minutes. Vacuum and enjoy a fresh smelling home.
Make your spring clean a DIY clean and enjoy the extra satisfaction today!
Important safety tip: Before mixing anything, read the product labels first. Always clearly label any bottles of DIY cleaners.