Squeaky Clean & Green?

Another chapter in my journey to 'greening' our home:

I've been gathering recipes/info for homemade, all natural, cleaning options- let me just say that everything I've tried thus far, I love!

I was pleased to discover that our current window cleaner was on 'the list'! We've been using the 1:1 ratio of vinegar to water for a window cleaning solution for some time now, so no need to change this- I did read that straight club soda works well too and has no vinegar smell:)

I've switched over to scrubbing/mopping the floors with water + Castile soap (currently using an all natural one I found on clearance at Sprouts and then plan to try Dr. Bronner's). Works really well, no fumes and totally green:) Steam mops are also a great option.

The homemade laundry stain remover I've starting using has been working well for the past few weeks- kids clothes look great:)

Still on my 'to do' list for homemade cleaners was a disinfectant though so I was thrilled to see the following recipe, which I plan to try immediately (love that surfaces don't have to be wiped/rinsed afterwards with this!):

Disinfectant Cleaner:
Fill a 16 oz spray bottle with distilled white vinegar
Add 2-50 drops of Tea Tree, Lavender or Lemon essential oil or a mixture of these totaling no more than 50 drops. (This is optional- if you're wanting a natural fragrance. The vinegar has enough cleaning power on it's own.)

For an all purpose cleaner, check this out (also on my list to try!):

All Purpose/Bathroom Cleaner:
Fill a 16 oz spray bottle mostly full with filtered water
Add 1-2 tbsp liquid Castile soap
Plus 1 tbsp baking powder
And 10-15 drops Lavender essential oil (antibacterial/anti-fungal)
And 20-30 drops Tea Tree essential oil (antibacterial/anti-fungal)

And check this out- no more need to 'pledge':

Dusting Cleaner:
Use a damp microfiber cloth ( found in cleaning aisles at the grocery store) to wipe surfaces.

This can't get much easier and once you start acquiring a few of these supplies you'll be set for ages! I love cleaning our home using all natural products, at a fraction of the cost to use commercial cleaners and knowing that our little angels are not at risk from harsh fumes/toxins etc.... And there's no chemical residue!

Check out more green cleaning recipes using essential oils here!

Thanks,
Tiffany