I am not too sure when I got started with being conscious over what cleaning products I was using and what chemicals
Are included in the ingredients. I do think it was around the same time as when I started doing research into and purchasing organic food.
I looked at the amount of chemicals that were being used in each product that I was using in the kitchen and bathroom and thought could do this as natural as possible.
It wasn’t too long before I figured out that most of the cleaning products had similar ingredients, take a look for yourself. I compared laundry liquid to dishwashing liquid and hand soap, they were all very similar or the same.
I started using vinegar, water and lavender oil as mopping liquid and it was brilliant and smelt amazing. Also you can get a 2 litre bottle of vinegar for dirt cheap so your winning in the bank department.
Recommended DIY Natural Products Book
If you are looking for a book that will help you on your natural cleaning journey, I recommend Home by Natural Harry: DIY Recipes for a Tox-Free, Zero-Waste Life by Harriet Birrell. This book helped me a lot and provides exactly what you need in a simple list format.
The author also provides a wide range of home DIY recipes from deodorant, dishwashing liquid, washing liquid and powder, all-purpose cleaner and many more.
How To Get Started on Using Natural Products
Work out what you use in your home and what you want to try out first. For me the easiest swaps to begin with were the following products:
- Hand wash
- Dishwashing liquid
- Floor cleaner
- Bathroom cleaner
- Kitchen cleaner
Also bear in mind that you do need reusable bottles for liquid and spray to start you off. A tip is to reuse the bottles you have around the house when you finish the contents. Otherwise you can easily purchase the bottles.
My recommended Natural Products
The below products are what I use every day. Because the products are highly concentrated you don’t need to use much when you mix it with water. The products will last you a very long time. I would say for a two person household more than 6 months if it's used correctly.
I have also listed the ways you can use each individual product or combine them to create a natural cleaning product.
Sal Suds
Dr. Bronner's - Sal Suds Biodegradable Cleaner (16 Ounce) - All-Purpose Cleaner Amazon $18.95
- You can use about 75ml in combination with Castille soap to create dishwashing liquid and hand soap
- Mix with vinegar, water and an essential oil to create an all-purpose cleaner for the bathroom and kitchen
Pure Castille Soap
Dr Bronners Sandalwood Jasmine Liquid Soap 473ml Amazon $27.95
- You can use about 75ml of this in combination with Sal Suds soap to create dishwashing liquid and hand soap
- Mix with vinegar, water and an essential oil to create an all-purpose cleaner for the bathroom and kitchen
Essential Oils
I love lavender oil when cleaning the house but choose what essential oil you prefer. Just make sure it's 100% pure.
Thursday Plantation 100 Percent Pure Lavender Oil 25 ml Amazon $8.54
Tea Tree oil smells great and also acts as a disinfectant. Just remember some pets may be allergic to tea tree oil, so double check this. I use tea tree oil only in areas in which my dog can't get to.
Thursday Plantation Tea Tree Oil, 50 millilitres Amazon $13.94
- Use the essential oils when creating your cleaning product
- Use drops of tea tree oil (15 drops) when creating a cleaning disinfectant
- Use lavender oil (15 drops) when creating mopping liquid or hand soap
Washing Soda
Lectric Washing Soda 1 kg Amazon $3.85
- Use the washing soda for an alternative to dishwasher powder
- I use about a table spoon for more than 25 dishes
Bi-Carb Soda
5 Pack of Mckenzie's Bi Carb Soda 500g Amazon $55
- Use as an alternative to harsh cleaning liquids to remove mould and stains
- It can be used with vinegar to create a paste
- Works wonders for the bathroom, kitchen and toilet and does not leave a chemical smell or residue
- Simply sprinkle bi-carb soda on areas you want to clean and mix with water, wipe or scrub off at desired time
Vinegar
Black & Gold Vinegar White 2l Amazon $2.95
- Vinegar can be used with a mixture of water with any of the listed cleaning products
- Use with water and lavender/tea tree oil to clean floors
- Vinegar mixture can also be used to clean bathroom tiles and glass without the need for strong chemicals