Posted on Dec 8, 2023 at 4:04 pm by James T
Nowadays, more and more people are looking to adopt environmentally friendly practices by incorporating ecological alternatives into their daily lives.
Homemade cleaning products fit perfectly into this approach, as they help reduce waste and the consumption of harmful chemicals for our health and the health of our planet. We will explain how to make your own cleaning products using natural ingredients here.
Table of Contents
The advantages of homemade cleaning products
First, it is important to highlight the numerous benefits that homemade cleaning products can bring. Among them:
Money savings
Making your own cleaning products generally costs less than buying industrial products. Many necessary ingredients are inexpensive and can be used to make several different types of cleaners, which saves money in the long run.
Environmental friendliness
The use of natural and organic products helps reduce pollutants in water and air. Indeed, the chemical substances contained in industrial cleaning products are often devastating to fauna and flora. In addition, making your own products avoids overconsumption of plastic packaging, which is also very polluting.
Health of the occupants of the house
Natural and homemade products generally contain fewer toxic compounds than industrial cleaners, thus reducing the risks of allergies, skin irritations, and respiratory problems. This alternative is particularly interesting for reducing exposure to harmful products for children, sensitive individuals, or those with health problems.
Natural ingredients to use for creating household products
Here is a non-exhaustive list of the main natural substances that can be used to make your own cleaning products:
White vinegar
White vinegar is a must-have for ecological household cleaning thanks to its multiple properties: disinfectant, descaler, deodorizer, degreaser… It can be used for cleaning surfaces as well as maintaining textiles or pipes.
Baking soda
This multi-purpose product has degreasing, deodorizing, whitening, and softening properties. It is ideal for replacing scouring creams, fabric softeners, and many other commercial products.
Marseille soap
Marseille soap can be used pure or in the form of flakes to make liquid or powder detergents. It is also effective for cleaning and degreasing hard surfaces.
Citric acid
Citric acid is a powerful anti-limescale and antimicrobial agent. It is used to dissolve tartar deposits and remove stubborn stains on different materials.
Examples of homemade cleaning product recipes
To start creating your own products, here are some ideas for simple and effective recipes:
All-purpose cleaner
Mix 50% water, 50% white vinegar, and a few drops of essential oil (such as lemon or eucalyptus) in a spray bottle to lightly scent your preparation. This cleaner can be used on most surfaces in the house.
Liquid laundry detergent
In a large container, mix 1 liter of hot water, 50g of Marseille soap flakes, and 1 tablespoon of baking soda. Let it cool before transferring it to a suitable container and optionally add a few drops of essential oil to scent your laundry detergent.
Bathroom descaler
Mix 200g of citric acid with 1 liter of hot water in a spray bottle. Spray on the surfaces to be descaled (sink, faucets, shower) and leave on for several minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
Tips and precautions for making and using homemade products
To succeed in your preparations and get the most benefits, there are some important tips to follow:
Regularly ventilate
When mixing ingredients or using your homemade products, remember to ventilate the rooms well to avoid any concentration of potentially irritating or allergenic substances.
Clean with care
Make sure to properly clean the containers and utensils you use to make your preparations. This will ensure better preservation and optimal effectiveness of the products you make.
Respect the dosages
Follow the quantities indicated in the recipes carefully to obtain optimal results. If you wish to adjust the measurements, be patient and don’t hesitate to conduct several experiments before finding the formula that suits you best.
Take necessary precautions
Some natural ingredients, such as citric acid or essential oils, can be irritating or allergenic. It is therefore recommended to handle these substances with caution and avoid prolonged contact with the skin or eyes.
In summary, making your own homemade cleaning products offers numerous advantages for our planet, health, and wallet. Don’t hesitate to embark on this ecological approach by following our advice and recipes presented above.
