Simple recipes – how to make natural cleaning products at home?

Homemade cleaning products have many advantages. First and foremost, they are eco-friendly, as they use natural and biodegradable ingredients that are safe for the environment. This makes them a good choice for those who care about the environment and wish to minimise their negative impact on nature. Furthermore, homemade cleaning products are usually cheaper to make than their commercial equivalents. How can you make natural and inexpensive cleaning products at home?

Homemade cleaning products – an alternative to expensive chemical products

Many homemade cleaning products can be easily prepared using just a few basic ingredients, providing a quick and effective solution to various cleaning problems. They can be used to clean a range of surfaces, from the kitchen to the bathroom.

Natural cleaning products made at home are often safer for your health. They do not contain harmful chemicals that can cause allergies, skin irritation or other health problems. This makes them ideal for families with young children, people with allergies or sensitive skin. It is also a way to promote a more conscious and responsible lifestyle.

Natural cleaning products – simple and inexpensive recipes

Sodium percarbonate

Sodium percarbonate is a natural bleaching and stain-removing agent that works perfectly in homemade recipes. Here is a simple recipe for an all-purpose cleaner using sodium percarbonate, which is particularly effective at removing stains, whitening and freshening fabrics, as well as cleaning surfaces in the kitchen and bathroom. As a natural product, it is also safe for the environment.

Ingredients:

• 1 glass of warm water
• 1 tablespoon of sodium bicarbonate
• A few drops of essential oil (e.g. lavender, lemon or eucalyptus)
• Nitrile gloves (sodium percarbonate must not come into contact with the skin)

Method:

1. In a small bucket or bowl, dissolve the sodium percarbonate in warm water (sodium percarbonate reacts with water to release hydrogen peroxide, which has bleaching and disinfecting properties).
2. Add a few drops of your chosen essential oil (essential oils not only add a pleasant scent but can also enhance the solution’s antibacterial properties).
3. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly.
4. Pour the solution into a spray bottle for easier application. Shake the bottle before each use to remix the ingredients.

The cleaner is ready to use on most hard surfaces. It’s always a good idea to test it on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t damage the surface.

Baking soda

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a natural cleaning agent that effectively removes grease and dirt, whilst being safe for the skin and the environment. Here is a simple recipe for an all-purpose cleaner:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 glass of bicarbonate of soda
• 1/4 glass of warm water
• 1/4 glass of white vinegar (optional, for extra cleaning and disinfecting power)
• A few drops of essential oil (e.g. lavender, eucalyptus) for fragrance

Recipe:

1. In a small bowl or bucket, mix the bicarbonate of soda thoroughly with the warm water to form a thick paste.
2. If you want to boost the cleaning power, add vinegar. The vinegar, when combined with the bicarbonate of soda, will cause it to fizz – this is normal and helps with the cleaning.
3. Add a few drops of your chosen essential oil to give the mixture a pleasant scent and any additional properties, such as antibacterial effects.
4. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly to form a smooth paste.
5. To use the cleaner, apply a small amount of the paste to a cloth or directly onto the surface to be cleaned, then scrub and rinse with water. Store the prepared mixture in a tightly sealed container.

This homemade baking soda cleaner is ideal for cleaning hard surfaces such as kitchen worktops, bathroom tiles and sinks. Cleaning products made with baking soda are environmentally friendly and gentle on the skin, making them a great alternative to commercial cleaning products.

Soda ash

Soda ash is the colloquial name for sodium carbonate; it is primarily used as an all-purpose cleaner that can easily replace many commercial products. It is worth remembering that soda ash is not suitable for all types of surface. The product should not be used on wood, laminates, aluminium or fibreglass. Here is a simple recipe for an all-purpose cleaner:

Ingredients:

• 1/4 glass of soda ash (soda ash)
• 1/4 glass of warm water
• 1/2 glass of apple cider vinegar (for additional cleaning and freshening properties)
• 10–15 drops of essential oil (e.g. tea tree or eucalyptus) for fragrance

Method:

1. In a small bowl, dissolve the soda ash in warm water. Stir until completely dissolved.
2. Add the apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar will not only help remove dirt and grease, but will also give the cleaner a pleasant, fresh scent.
3. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle.
4. Add essential oil. Essential oils not only enhance the scent but can also provide additional benefits, such as antibacterial or refreshing properties.
5. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly by shaking the bottle.

The solution is now ready for use. You can use it to clean various surfaces, such as worktops, ceramic tiles and washbasins. It is advisable to test it on a small, inconspicuous area before using it extensively. It is particularly effective in areas requiring extra degreasing and freshening up, such as the kitchen or bathroom.

Citric acid

A homemade cleaning solution using citric acid is easy to make, eco-friendly and effective, particularly at removing limescale and water deposits. Citric acid is a natural descaler:

Ingredients:

• 1/4 glass of citric acid
• 1 glass of warm water
• A few drops of essential oil (e.g. lavender or lemon) for fragrance

Method:

1. Dissolve the citric acid in the warm water. Stir until completely dissolved.
2. Add a few drops of essential oil. Essential oil will not only improve the scent but can also add additional properties, such as antibacterial properties.
3. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle.
4. Shake the bottle before use to remix the ingredients.

The resulting cleaner can be used to clean various surfaces, particularly those prone to limescale build-up – such as bathroom fittings, tiles or kettles. Remember to rinse the cleaned surface with clean water after use.

L-ascorbic acid

L-ascorbic acid, more commonly known as vitamin C, can also be used to make a homemade cleaning solution. Its antioxidant properties make it effective at tackling stains, and it also helps to restore shine to various surfaces. Here is a simple recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of L-ascorbic acid powder
• 1 glass of warm water
• 1/4 glass of white vinegar (optional, for extra cleaning and disinfecting power)
• A few drops of essential oil (e.g. orange or lemon) for fragrance

Recipe:

1. Dissolve the L-ascorbic acid in the warm water. Stir until completely dissolved.
2. Add white vinegar if you wish to boost the cleaner’s cleaning and disinfecting power.
3. Add a few drops of your chosen essential oil to give the solution a pleasant scent and additional benefits, such as refreshing properties.
4. Pour the solution into a spray bottle.
5. Shake the bottle before use to remix the ingredients.

This cleaner can be used on surfaces such as worktops, ceramic tiles and bathroom fittings. It is excellent at removing greasy stains and restoring shine. It is recommended that you test it on a small, inconspicuous area before using it extensively.

Decahydrate borax

Decahydrate borax, also known as sodium borate or sodium tetraborate, is a natural mineral that can be used as an effective ingredient in homemade cleaning products. It is a substance known for its cleaning, disinfecting and deodorising properties. Here is a simple recipe for a borax-based cleaning solution:

Ingredients:

• 1/4 glass of decahydrate borax
• 1/4 glass of bicarbonate of soda
• 1/2 glass of warm water
• 1/2 glass of white vinegar
• A few drops of essential oil (e.g. lemon or peppermint) for fragrance

Method:

1. Mix the borax and bicarbonate of soda in a bowl.
2. Add the warm water and stir until the ingredients have completely dissolved.
3. Add the white vinegar, which will act as a natural disinfectant and help remove stubborn dirt.
4. Add the essential oil to give the solution a pleasant scent and any additional benefits.
5. Pour the finished solution into a spray bottle. Shake the bottle before use to ensure the ingredients are well mixed.

The cleaner is ideal for cleaning and freshening up various surfaces – it can be used on most hard surfaces, including worktops, tiles and bathroom fittings.

Essential oils

Homemade cleaning products using essential oils are becoming increasingly popular thanks to their numerous benefits. Essential oils not only add a fresh, pleasant scent, but can also have antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties, which enhance the effectiveness of homemade cleaning products.

When using essential oils, it is important to bear in mind their potent effects and the risk of allergic reactions. They should be used in moderation, and before applying them to larger surfaces, test them on a small area to ensure they do not damage the material or cause any adverse reactions.

How should natural cleaning products be stored?

Natural cleaning products are best stored in airtight containers. You can use spray bottles for liquids or jars with screw-top lids for powders. Some ingredients in natural cleaning products, such as essential oils, can break down when exposed to light and high temperatures. It is therefore best to store them in a cool, dark place.

Although natural cleaning products are generally safer than commercial ones, they can still be dangerous to children and pets, so they should be kept out of their reach.

Eco-friendly household cleaning products

As well as natural cleaning products that we can make ourselves at home, we can also choose to buy ready-made eco-friendly cleaning products. Eco-friendly and safe household cleaning products have many advantages, which are making them increasingly popular amongst conscious consumers.

By choosing eco-friendly cleaning products, consumers help to promote sustainable development and support companies that prioritise sustainable production and social responsibility. They are safer for users, particularly children, the elderly and pets. And whilst some eco-friendly cleaning products may be more expensive at the point of purchase, they are often more concentrated and economical to use, which can lead to savings in the long run.

Using eco-friendly cleaning products can also serve as an educational tool for children and adults, teaching them about the importance of environmental protection and a sustainable lifestyle.