Cleaning has become a new hobby for many during this time of social distancing. Since you have to stay home, now is a great time to declutter, organize and remove the accumulated dust and grime from your home. Instead of loading up your Amazon cart or searching the empty store shelves for traditional chemicals and cleaners, try to make your own! Ditch the harmful chemicals, which are bad for the environment and harsh on your pipes, and get creative with these do-it-yourself (DIY) cleaning product ideas.
With just a few ingredients, you can mix and match to create the customized eco-friendly cleaner that is sure to get the job done. Here is a list of ingredients you’ll need:
- Aloe Vera Gel
- Baking Soda
- Essential Oils
- Herbs and Fruits such as lemons, oranges, rosemary
- Liquid Dish Soap
- Rubbing Alcohol
- White Vinegar
The magic is in the name! This All-Purpose Cleaner is safe for cleaning most surfaces in your home.
What you’ll need:
- 1-part white vinegar
- 1-part water
- Lemon rinds
- Rosemary Sprigs – feel free to substitute this for 5 – 10 drops of your favorite essential oil. I like peppermint!
Buying local organic fruit and vegetables is always encouraged, but sometimes our fruit and veggies travel a long way. Use this homemade fruit and veggie wash to help remove any excess dirt or bacteria from your produce before consuming.
What you’ll need:
- 2 cups of water
- ½ cup of white vinegar
- Juice of 1 lemon
Although washing your hands is the best way to fight against germs and viruses, hand sanitizer is a great substitute in a pinch. Here is an eco-friendly, moisturizing hand sanitizer you can customize with your favorite scent!
What you’ll need:
- 2/3 cups of 99% rubbing alcohol
- 1/3 cups of Aloe Vera gel
- 8 to 10 drops of your favorite essential oil
Toy Cleaner (for plastic toys)
Ditch the harsh chemicals and disinfecting wipes and choose a natural alternative for your children’s toys. This disinfectant works to remove germs, dirt, and dried up food from toys in a safe and environmentally-friendly way.
What you’ll need:
- 1-part baking soda
- 1-part water
Food spills, drink spills, and the occasional mysterious stain are a thing of the past with this DIY cleaner.
What you’ll need:
- 1 teaspoon of liquid dish soap
- 1 tablespoon of vinegar
- 1 cup of warm water
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
DIY products are not only cheaper and more environmentally-friendly, they can also be a lot of fun! Mix and match your own products to make your own earth-friendly cleaning concoctions. Get creative with ingredients, essential oils, and packaging while still making your home germ-free and pristine.
Let’s get social! Share your DIY cleaning products with us on Facebook or Twitter @HRSDVA.
Blog submitted by Lacie Wever, HRSD Community Education and Outreach Specialist.