Recipes for Homemade, Natural Cleaners

Thinking of switching over to a zero waste cleaning lifestyle? That’s great! Most zero waste household cleaners can be made with basic supplies that you already have in your kitchen. Plus, natural cleaners are non-toxic, less expensive and better for the environment!

Here are a few recipes to get you started with the switch to eco-friendly cleaning:

Tub cleaner scrub¹:
¾ cup of Baking Soda
2-3 Tablespoons of Hydrogen Peroxide
2-3 Tablespoons of Liquid Castile Soap

Mix all the ingredients together in a cup or bowl (it will be a thick white paste). Scoop the mixture with a rag and rub it onto the tiles or tub in a circular motion. Let sit for 10-20 minutes and then rinse with water.

Note: this mixture is only meant to be used on the same day. It does not keep.

All purpose cleaner²:
1 cup warm water
1 Tbsp Liquid Castile Soap ie. Dr. Bronners)

Mix together in a spray bottle. That’s it!

Window cleaner³:
2 cups water
½ cup white vinegar
10 drops essential oil

Combine all ingredients together in a spray bottle and gently shake. Spray on windows and wipe with a microfibre cloth.

Notes on vinegar
Did you know that cleaning with white vinegar “naturally keeps homes germ and bacterial free”⁴? Not only is it tough on bacteria and mildew, it is inexpensive and likely already in your kitchen! Read more about this amazing natural cleaner here.

Footnotes:

1. https://www.goingzerowaste.com/blog/diy-tub-scrub/
2. https://www.goingzerowaste.com/blog/zero-waste-all-purpose-cleaner/
3. https://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/house-cleaning/cleaning-products-tools/best-homemade-window-cleaner/
4. https://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/house-cleaning/tips/cleaning-with-vinegar/