Lately, I've found myself feeling a little overwhelmed by all those harsh chemicals lurking under my sink. I mean, do we really need all those toxic sprays to keep our homes clean? Isn’t there a more natural way? I’ve been thinking, what if I could whip up my own cleaning supplies with things I already have lying around? I remember the first time I tried to make a homemade lemon and vinegar cleaner — the smell took me right back to my grandmother's kitchen, where everything felt fresh and safe. It’s wild how something so simple can evoke such warmth, right? Plus, knowing I’m doing something good for the planet makes my heart a little happier. Who's with me in this DIY cleaning adventure?
Items You’ll Need
- Glass spray bottles
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Funnel
- Mixing bowls
- Labels
- Distilled water
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Essential oils
- Castile soap
- Spray nozzle
- Old rags or cloths
- Gloves
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Gather Your Equipment
I'm starting my DIY natural cleaning supplies adventure! First, I gather all my equipment: the glass spray bottles, measuring cups, measuring spoons, funnel, mixing bowls, labels, and of course my natural ingredients like distilled water, white vinegar, baking soda, essential oils, and Castile soap. Don't forget my gloves and some old rags for cleaning!
Step 2: Mixing a Vinegar-Based Cleaner
For my first cleaner, I'm going to make a vinegar-based all-purpose cleaner. I grab a mixing bowl and measure out 1 cup of distilled water and 1 cup of white vinegar. I pour them into the mixing bowl, and then I add 10 drops of my favorite essential oil for a fresh scent. Today, I'm using lemon oil! I give it a good stir!
Step 3: Transfer to Spray Bottle
With my funnel in hand, I carefully pour the vinegar mixture into my glass spray bottle. I make sure to fill it up without making a mess! Once it's filled, I screw on the spray nozzle tightly. Now, I have my first natural cleaner ready to go!
Step 4: Label Your Creation
Next, I label my cleaner. I take a label and write "All-Purpose Vinegar Cleaner with Lemon" on it. It looks cute and helps me remember what it is! I stick it on the bottle, and now it's all organized.
Step 5: Make a Baking Soda Scrub
Next up, I want to make a soft scrub using baking soda! I grab another mixing bowl and add 1 cup of baking soda. Then, I slowly add a little water until it forms a paste. I can add a few drops of essential oil to this mix as well; I think I'll use tea tree oil for its antibacterial properties!
Step 6: Storing the Scrub
Once my paste is ready, I transfer it into a small container that I can use to scoop it out. I make sure to label this too so I won't forget what it is. Now I have my baking soda scrub for tough spots!
Step 7: Create a Castile Soap Cleaner
Now I want to make a gentle dish soap using Castile soap. I measure 1 tablespoon of Castile soap into my spray bottle, add 1 cup of distilled water, and a few drops of essential oil to enhance the scent. I shake it well to mix everything together!
Step 8: Final Touches and Clean Up
With all my cleaning supplies ready, I glance around at the mess I made. Time to clean up! I wash my mixing bowls, measuring spoons, and funnel. I take off my gloves and make sure to recycle any waste.
Step 9: Enjoy Your Natural Cleaners
Now that I've made my natural cleaning supplies, I’m ready to clean the house! I can't wait to use my new lemon-scented all-purpose cleaner, the scrub for tough stains, and the gentle dish soap. Cleaning just got a lot more fun!