Natural Cleaning Products – My Favourites with Recipes

Spring is on its Way!

Spring is arriving soon and my thoughts eagerly leap towards the promise of the new season and the joy of Easter just around the corner. It’s a time that fills me with a sense of renewal and the urge to embrace the age-old tradition of Spring Cleaning. If you’re like me, the idea of freshening up our homes, and creating safe havens free from harmful chemicals, becomes not just a task but a heartfelt mission to embrace natural cleaning methods. After all, our lungs were meant to breathe clean air, not pollutants. Read this New Scientist article about cleaning products and the pollution they cause.

A few years back, I embarked on a journey to make my own cleaning products. Starting with just a basic multi-purpose cleaner, laundry soap, dishwashing liquid, and toilet cleaner, I was shocked to discover the harmful impacts of the commercial cleaning products I had once trusted. The warning labels on a popular brand’s bottle of dishwashing liquid, cautioning about the long-lasting effects on aquatic life, was a wake-up call.

Natural Cleaning…

Give it a Try!

That’s why I’ve decided to share my love for homemade natural cleaning solutions with you. I understand if the natural route isn’t everyone’s cup of tea—I, too, sometimes long for the familiar scent of bleach, much like a vegetarian might yearn for the smell of bacon on a Sunday morning. However, I invite you to try out my recipes. If you haven’t already found your favourites, maybe it’s time to give these a go. cleaning products using ingredients like lemon, liquid castile soap, essential oils, bicarbonate of soda (baking soda), and white vinegar can be both effective and eco-friendly. These natural ingredients are versatile and can be combined in various ways to clean different parts of your home.

Natural Ingredients

I’ll guide you through the ingredients used in my natural cleaning product recipes that might be unfamiliar to you. Each one has been selected for its effectiveness and eco-friendly properties and are widely used in homemade cleaning products, aiming to create safer, greener cleaning solutions for your home.

Castile Soap

Castile soap, named after the Castile region in Spain, is traditionally made from olive oil, making it gentle and effective. It comes in both liquid and solid forms. Modern variations may include other vegetable oils like coconut, hemp, or jojoba to adjust texture and lathering properties. Castile soap is celebrated for being 100% natural, biodegradable, and free from animal products, making it vegan. Its plant-based ingredients and absence of animal derivatives also make it a popular choice for those seeking eco-friendly and ethical cleaning options.

Savon de Marseille Soap

Savon de Marseille is a traditional soap made in the Marseille region of France, reputed for its purity and gentle cleansing properties. It’s crafted from a blend of vegetable oils, typically olive oil, without any animal fats, making it vegan and natural. The production process, which includes boiling the soap in cauldrons and then allowing it to harden, has remained relatively unchanged since the 17th century. This soap is known for being environmentally friendly, biodegradable, and free of synthetic additives.

White Vinegar

White vinegar, also known as distilled vinegar, is made through the fermentation of distilled alcohol. This process yields a clear, acidic liquid, comprising mainly water and acetic acid. White vinegar is celebrated for its versatility, used in cooking, baking, cleaning, and gardening. It’s 100% natural and typically does not contain any animal products, aligning with vegan preferences. Due to its high acidity, white vinegar is an effective natural cleaner and deodoriser, making it a staple in eco-friendly households.

Bicarbonate of Soda (Baking Soda)

Bicarbonate of soda, or baking soda, is a naturally occurring compound known scientifically as sodium bicarbonate. It’s a versatile substance used in baking as a leavening agent, in cleaning for its mild abrasive and neutralising properties, and in personal care products for its ability to absorb odours. Baking soda is considered natural and is safe for various household uses, including deodorising, natural cleaning, and even personal hygiene.

Soda Crystals (Washing Soda)

Soda crystals, also known as washing soda or by its chemical name, sodium carbonate, are a powerful cleaning agent. They are highly alkaline, making them effective for cutting through grease, softening water, and tackling stains. Unlike bicarbonate of soda (baking soda), soda crystals have a stronger base, making them more suitable for heavy-duty cleaning tasks. They are environmentally friendly, non-toxic, and often used for laundry, cleaning surfaces, and unblocking drains. Soda crystals are not suitable for consumption.

Vegetable Glycerine

Vegetable glycerine, derived from plant oils like coconut or palm, is a clear, odourless liquid used in a variety of cosmetic, food, and pharmaceutical applications. It’s known for its moisturising properties, making it a common ingredient in creams, soaps, and lotions. Vegetable glycerine is also used as a sweetener and a solvent in food production. It’s vegan, considered natural, and appreciated for its ability to attract moisture, benefiting both skin health and food preservation.

Essential Oils

Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts obtained through distillation or mechanical pressing. Each oil captures the plant’s scent or “essence” from which it is derived. These oils are widely used in aromatherapy, cosmetics, and natural health products for their various therapeutic properties, including relaxation, mood enhancement, and skin treatment. Essential oils work very well in homemade natural cleaning products, They are highly potent and should be used with care, often diluted before application to the skin or use in diffusers.

Olive Oil

Olive oil, with its roots in the Mediterranean, has been a staple in both culinary and household uses for centuries. Its effectiveness in natural cleaning products comes from its gentle yet powerful properties. Olive oil can lift dirt, grease, and wax without damaging surfaces, making it an ideal ingredient for polishes and cleaners. Additionally, its natural composition is safer for the environment and human health compared to synthetic chemicals. Olive oil’s moisturising qualities also protect and condition wood and leather, enhancing the longevity and appearance of household items.

Lemons

Lemons are a cornerstone of the DIY cleaning product world, revered not just for their fresh, invigorating scent but also for their potent natural cleaning properties. Rich in citric acid, lemons possess inherent antibacterial and antiseptic qualities, making them an excellent choice for disinfecting surfaces and cutting through grease and grime. The acidity of lemon juice effectively breaks down dirt, soap scum, and hard water stains, leaving behind a gleaming, streak-free finish.

Here are some basic recipes to help you begin making your own natural cleaning products. Keep in mind that the measurements provided are estimates; you might need to tweak them slightly based on your local water hardness. Whether you’re in a hard or soft water area can affect the performance of these solutions, so a bit of experimentation may be necessary to find the perfect balance for your needs.

---

Amazon Cleaning Finds…

---

Natural Cleaning

Download my Free Cleaning Planner

The Recipes!

As these recipes are derived from natural ingredients, there are no preservatives added. Mixing water with the castile soap diminishes its natural preservative, shortening these natural products’ lifespan to about 2 weeks. Typically, I use it all before noticing any change in scent, indicating it’s time for a fresh batch!

1. All-Purpose Kitchen Cleaner

Castile soap, with its natural antibacterial and antifungal properties, serves as an excellent foundation for an all-purpose kitchen spray. This easy-to-make solution is perfect for cleaning kitchen surfaces like hobs, worktops, appliances, and sinks without damaging stone or marble, thanks to its alkaline nature. For an aromatic boost, mix in tea tree and lemon essential oils, enhancing the spray’s antibacterial effectiveness and leaving your kitchen smelling clean and fresh. If using in hard water areas, opt for softened or distilled water to prevent any chalky residue.

Ingredients

• 700ml (24 fl oz) spray bottle (approximate)
• water
• 50ml (3 tablespoons) liquid castile soap
• essential oils (lemon and tea tree oils are my favourites)
• Lemon peel (looks pretty if the bottle is transparent)

Method

1. Fill bottle with water until it’s approximately 5cm (2in) from the top.
2. Add liquid castile soap (add the water first, otherwise the mixture goes too foamy).

2. Washing Up Liquid (Dishwashing Liquid)

Ingredients

• 300ml (1¼ cups) hot water
• 1 tablespoon soda crystals (washing soda)
• 100ml (½ cup) liquid castile soap
• ½ teaspoon vegetable glycerine
• 8-10 drops of essential oil (optional)

Method

1. Pour boiling water into a pan.
2. Add the soda crystals and stir until they have dissolved.
3. Add liquid castile soap and mix well.
4. Add glycerine, mix well.
5. Add essential oils and stir to combine.
6. When cool, pour into a repurposed washing up liquid bottle.

3. Cream Cleaner – Kitchen

ingredients

• 160g (¾ cup) bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)
• 50g (¼ cup) liquid castile soap
• 4 drops lemon or lime essential oil
• 4 drops tea tree essential oil

Method

1. Mix the bicarbonate of soda, liquid castile soap and essential oils to create a smooth runny mixture similar in consistency to single cream.
2. Add more liquid castile soap as required to achieve this consistency.
3. Store in a clean repurposed squeezy bottle (washing up bottle, mayonnaise bottle etc.)
4. Use as you would any commercially bought cream cleaner.

4. Cream Cleaner – Bathroom

Ingredients

• 160g (¾ cup) bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)
• 50g (¼ cup) liquid castile soap
• 4 drops pine essential oil
• 4 drops peppermint essential oil

Method

1. Mix the bicarbonate of soda, liquid castile soap and essential oils to create a smooth runny mixture similar in consistency to single cream.
2. Add more liquid castile soap as required to achieve this consistency.
3. Store in a clean repurposed squeezy bottle (washing up bottle, mayonnaise bottle etc.)
4. Use as you would any commercially bought cream cleaner.

5. Grease Buster

Ingredients

• 50g (¼ cup) bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)
• 8 drops lemon essential oil
• 200ml (1 cup) white vinegar
• spray bottle

Method

1. Place vinegar into spray bottle
2. In a bowl, place bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) and add essential oi. Mix well.
3. Spray the greasy area with vinegar.
4. Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) mixture over sprayed area (I use an old tea strainer, a metal sieve would work too).
5. Spray again using vinegar.
6. Wait 15 minutes to allow the reaction to occur.
7. Wipe with kitchen paper.
8. Repeat process on stubborn areas if needed.

6. Liquid Washing Detergent (Laundry Detergent)

Ingredients

• 1 litre (35 fl oz) boiling water
• 50g (2 oz) solid castile soap, grated
• 50g (2 oz) bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)
• 20g (¾ oz) glycerine
• 6 drops rose essential oil
• 6 drops lavender essential oil

Method

1. Bring water to a boil in a pan.
2. Add the grated soap. Stir to combine, making sure the soap is fully dissolved.
3. Add the bicarbonate of soda and glycerine, mix well.
4. Add the essential oils, mix well.
5. Allow the liquid to cool.
6. Pour liquid detergent into a repurposed laundry liquid bottle.
7. Don’t forget to label.

Usage

For an effective dose of homemade laundry detergent, use an old dosing cap or ball with the necessary amount and place it directly in the machine.

• ½ cap for a full load of heavily soiled laundry
• ¼ cap for medium-sized loads (regular soiling)
• 3 tablespoons for light loads.

Note:

Please note: these doses are based on my experience using my washing machine and that I live in a soft water area. The amount you use per wash can vary depending on these factors, so you may need to experiment a little to find your perfect dose. Homemade detergents are often more concentrated than commercially bought versions, so it’s best to start with less…remember, less is more!

7. Glass Cleaner

ingredients

• 100ml (½ cup) white vinegar
• 400ml (2 cups) water
• drop of liquid castile soap

method

1. Put ingredients into a clean repurposed spray bottle.
2. Shake well.
3. Spray on glass and mirrors.
4. Wipe dry with newspaper, paper towel or lint-free cloths.
5. Don’t forget to label the bottle.

8. Tile & Vinyl Floor Cleaner

ingredients

• 100ml (½ cup) white vinegar
• 4 litres (gallon) hot water
• few drops liquid castile soap
• 15-20 drops essential oil of your choice

Method

1. Fill a bucket with hot water (to just under mop wringer component).
2. Add vinegar, liquid castile soap and essential oils.
3. Mix well.

9. Hardwood Floor Cleaner

Ingredients

• 4 litres (gallon) warm water 
• 100ml (½ cup) white vinegar 
• 3 drops lemon essential oil 
• 3 drops lavender essential oil
• 2 teaspoons olive oil

Method

1. Vacuum floors.
2. Fill a bucket with water.
3. Add other ingredients and thoroughly mix.
4. Use mop (microfibre works best), squeeze as dry as possible before using on floor.
5. Wash floor.
6. Leave to dry thoroughly.

Tip!

The trick here is to use a mop that wrings out nearly dry as you mustn’t saturate your hardwood floors. In my experience, mops made from strips of microfibre cloth work best, they’re lightweight and easy to wring. I would advise that you do a tiny test patch, just

10. Carpet Deodoriser

Ingredients

• 200g (1 cup) bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)
• 15-20 drops essential oils

Method

1. Mix ingredients together very well.
2. Place mixture in a sieve and sprinkle over carpet.
3. If you have a clean stiff broom, brush mixture lightly into carpet.
4. Leave as long as you can (overnight if possible).
5. Vacuum.

11. Wood Polish

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon water
• 3-5 drops of lemon essential oil

Method

1. Mix lemon juice, olive oil
2. Add essential oil and mix well
3. Use water if required
4. Use a soft cloth to apply, then buff with a dry lint-free cloth.