Boston Home Improvement Blog

Homemade household cleaning products

A number of years ago, I learned that common chemicals in household items such as air fresheners, most detergents, most cleaning products, pest sprays, and outdoor fertilizers and weed killers caused some health problems for a family member. The Household Products Database from the National Institutes of Health can tell you more about the ingredients in your household products.

A good friend shared the amazing book Better Basics for the Home with me. The book opened my eyes to the many ways we could make our own common household cleaning products, using older techniques used by generations past, and newer techniques that are simply cheaper, healthier, and better for the environment.

I haven't given up everything commercial. I still can't get dishes clean in the dishwasher without using more mainstream products (the eco-friendly versions don't cut it), and we use name-brand laundry detergents, but the scent- and dye-free versions now.

If you look in my cabinets you might find a cinnamon perimeter (wards off sugar ants), I have scrubbed my bathtub with lemons and salt to get rid of soap scum (it works!), and I use this recipe that I created from trial and error to use as a general household cleaner.

12 oz. COLD water (warm water will make the soap foam too much)
2-3 oz. white vinegar
10-12 drops of Tea Tree oil or Lavender oil
1 tbsp. Murphy's Oil Soap

Combine in a spray bottle, shake, and use! Lavender smells MUCH better than tea tree oil, but tea tree oil has antibacterial AND antifungal properties, so if mold-fighting is a concern, tea tree oil is better.

I use an old stain remover spray bottle (rinsed very carefully and labeled "Cleaning Solution" on it). My kids can help clean and I don't need to worry about their touching the harsh chemicals.

House cleaning companies are turning toward green products more and more, as customers ask for them. If you use housecleaning services - or are in the market for such services - check out the listings here. For Green Products and Services, go here for more information.

Posted by Melanie Zoltan
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