Lately, I've found myself staring at all those harsh chemicals in my cleaning supplies and wondering, why am I exposing myself and my family to these toxic concoctions? You know those moments when you just want a breath of fresh air while cleaning, not a lungful of who-knows-what? Just last week, I accidentally knocked over a bottle of all-purpose cleaner, and the smell nearly knocked me out! So, I thought, why not try making my own natural cleaning supplies at home? It feels like a quest for a healthier living, doesn’t it? I mean, who wouldn’t want to scrub their counters with something that smells like a garden instead of a chemical factory? Plus, there's something incredibly satisfying about mixing simple ingredients and knowing exactly what you’re using. And honestly, it just sounds fun, right?
Items You’ll Need
- Glass spray bottles
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Funnel
- Whisk or stirring stick
- Essential oils (like tea tree oil, lavender oil)
- Vinegar
- Baking soda
- Castile soap
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Old cloth rags or microfiber cloths
- Gloves
- Labels
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
First things first, let's gather all the awesome equipment we need for our natural cleaning supplies. I grab my glass spray bottles, the mixing bowls, and of course, the measuring cups and spoons. I make sure to also get my funnel ready - it’s going to be a mess-free adventure!
Step 2: The Power of Vinegar
I'm starting with a super easy all-purpose cleaner using vinegar. Into a mixing bowl, I measure out 1 cup of white vinegar. This stuff is like magic for cleaning! It cuts through grime like a charm.
Step 3: Add Essential Oils
Now for some scent! I love lavender, so I add about 10 drops of lavender essential oil to my vinegar. It not only makes my cleaner smell heavenly but also adds a bit of antibacterial properties. Just perfect!
Step 4: Mix It Up
With my whisk, I give the mixture a good stir. Now it’s time to pour it into the spray bottle. That’s where the funnel comes in handy, making sure I don’t spill a drop!
Step 5: Label Your Cleaner
Once the cleaner is in the bottle, it’s time to get my labels. I write 'Lavender Vinegar Cleaner' on the label, and it looks so professional! I stick it right on the front of the bottle.
Step 6: Let’s Make a Baking Soda Scrub
Next up is a gentle scrub using baking soda. I take another mixing bowl and measure out 1 cup of baking soda. This is fantastic for scrubbing away tough stains.
Step 7: Add Soap and Essential Oils
To my bowl of baking soda, I drizzle in 1/4 cup of Castile soap. It’s all-natural and works great! Then, to top it off, I add a few drops of tea tree oil for its antiseptic properties.
Step 8: Mix and Store
I mix this up really well with my stirring stick until it forms a paste. I can’t wait to use this! I’ll store it in a small jar and label it 'Baking Soda Scrub'.
Step 9: Hydrogen Peroxide Spray
For my next cleaner, I’m going to make a disinfecting spray using hydrogen peroxide. I measure 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide and pour it right into a spray bottle.
Step 10: Add Some Freshness
To my hydrogen peroxide, I’ll add 10 drops of tea tree oil too. This will give it a great aroma and enhance its disinfectant properties.
Step 11: Final Touches
After shaking it all together, I label this bottle 'Disinfecting Spray' so I know it’s for the heavy-duty cleaning. I can’t wait to use all of these on my cleaning day!
Step 12: Cleanup and Celebrate
Now that everything is made and labeled, I take a moment to clean up my workspace. I wash my bowls and utensils, feeling proud of my green cleaning supplies. It's a great day in my home!