Natural, Clean, Eco-Friendly DIY Cleaning Solutions

Common household cleaners are often riddled with toxic chemicals and pollutants that aren’t so great for our health or the environment. Not only that, grocery stores are stocked with a colossal assortment of these products oftentimes at staggering price points, making it difficult to purchase anything different. If you’re like one of the many people across the United States that suffers from asthma, allergies, sinusitis, or any other breathing maladies, you know these common cleaners can be triggers for these ailments. Because of this, households should focus on using more nontoxic cleaning products to prevent complications. The good news is that these cleaning solutions can be easily made with everyday items you probably already have in your home! The cleaning experts at Berk are sharing some natural, clean, and eco-friendly DIY cleaning solutions that you can make at home. 

Natural, DIY Cleaner Basic Ingredients

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a nonprofit organization that empowers people to live healthier lives through their research and advocacy efforts. Examining over 1,000 household ingredients used in common cleaning products, they found that over half of them were harmful to people's health. With that being said, if you’re ready to start a nontoxic cleaning product pantry, we’re revealing the green staple products that you should include. 

• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Hydrogen peroxide 
• Washing soda
• Lemon juice
• Vegetable or olive oil
• Alcohol
• Castile soap
• Essential oils

Using some combination of the above ingredients can make almost any type of homemade, DIY cleaning solution! From your bathroom to your kitchen, having a sparkling clean space can be achieved naturally and, in most cases, moderately priced, using these ingredients that you may already have on hand. Before use, it's best to test these formulas in a small, hidden area. Below, we’re sharing some simple recipes for our favorite homemade, natural cleaning solutions: 

All-Purpose Cleaner

In a 24 ounce spray bottle, mix ¾ cup of hydrogen peroxide, ½ cup white vinegar, 1 teaspoon castile soap, 10 drops of tea tree oil, 20 drops of lavender essential oil and 2 cups of water. Shake well before using.

Laundry Detergent 

Mix 2 cups of washing soda with gratings from a castile soap bar. Use 1 tablespoon for small loads and 2 tablespoons for larger loads. 

Clothing Stain Remover

In a spray bottle, combine 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide, 1 tablespoon baking soda and ½ cup of dish liquid. Shake to combine. Work into the stain then wash normally. 

Window and Glass Cleaner

In a 24 ounce spray bottle, add 2 cups of water, ¼ cup white vinegar and ½ teaspoon of dish soap. Shake well before using. 

Dishwashing Soap

Combine 1 ¼ cups of boiling water with ¼ cup grated castile soap. Add 1 tablespoon of washing soda, ¼ cup liquid castile soap and 10-30 drops of your favorite essential oil. Transfer to a recycled soap dispenser.

Cleaning, sanitizing, and deodorizing doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg, and it doesn’t have to jeopardize our health and environment. Try making these easy, nontoxic cleaning products the next time you run out of your commercial products. Don’t forget to stock up on all your wiper essentials and more by contacting us today.