How To Make Your Own Household Cleaner
Who would have guessed that the products we grew up around could have a negative impact on our health just by cleaning our homes with them? Many household cleaners are dangerous as they contain toxic chemicals such as ammonia, bleach and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs and other toxic substances are harmful as they contribute to allergic reactions, headaches, chronic respiratory problems, and eye, nose and throat irritations.
Not everyone can afford to buy numerous all-natural products. And you shouldn’t have to spend a fortune just to clean your house. That is where this DIY all-purpose household cleaner comes in. Say goodbye to the strong chemical and bleach smell. The best part is you can make a small patch for one-time use or a large batch to store in your cupboards until it is time to clean again.
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DIY Household Cleaner
Let’s face it, we all want a squicky, clean home, but everyday cleaning products can leave our homes with harsh chemical smells and contains toxic chemicals that lead to serious health conditions. It is hard to stray away from your favourite cleaning products, especially if you do not know where to begin and what is safe to use. This DIY household cleaner is easy, natural and only contains three to four ingredients. Plus, you get to pick your own scent.
The key disinfecting ingredient in this DIY cleaner is essential oils. They are strong but mighty, and a little goes a long way. While one bottle may range anywhere from $5 – $20 USD, it will last you months and can serve multiple other uses around your home and in your daily routine.
This household cleaner is quite straightforward and only contains three to four ingredients.
What You Will Need
- 1/2 cup pure white vinegar
- 2 cups water
- 4-5 drops of tea tree oil
- 3-5 drops of oil of your choice (optional)
Directions
Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle and gently shake together to combine. Add 3-5 drops of your favourite essential oil to create your own scented household cleaner.
Which Essential Oils Are Best For Household Cleaners?
When it comes to creating your own household cleaner, there are many different oils to choose from that will help disinfect your home while making it smell incredible! We suggest using a combination of tree oil, as it has antiseptic and antiviral properties, and a fresh scent such as peppermint, lemon or orange.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a great addition to any DIY cleaner as it is a natural way to kill off bacteria, viruses and fungi. It can help clean everything from kitchen counters to bathtubs and remove pesky mould and mildew without containing harmful chemicals or bleach.
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil has many benefits, along with smelling amazing. It has been associated with relieving headaches and pain, relaxing and calming the mind, sinus relief and respiratory benefits, improving energy and much more. If these benefits are not enough to convince you to incorporate peppermint oil into your life and cleaning products, then this will. It also acts as a natural pest and insect repellent.
Cleaning your home with peppermint oil will keep away critters such as spiders, mosquitoes, ants, mice and much more. It also has an antibacterial and antiviral component, all while making your home smell minty fresh.
Lemon Oil
Lemon oil is one of the most popular oils for natural cleaning products due to its clean, fresh scent and numerous benefits. It is antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial and cuts through grease, making it an overall excellent cleaning agent.
Lemon oil is one of the more affordable oils on the market. But do not be fooled by that. It has many health benefits, such as reducing anxiety, easing morning sickness, helping cold symptoms and more. It is worth having in any home. Similar to most citrus oils, this is toxic to pets.
Orange Oil
Orange oil has a zesty and fresh aroma that almost everyone will enjoy. This oil can be used to spruce up the scent of your cleaner. Orange oil is antibacterial and antifungal. It also has been known to boost your mood and keep ants away. This oil is not recommended for households with pets.
Pets And Essential Oils
If your household contains pets, consider researching which essential oils are pet-safe. Many oils are toxic to cats and dogs, even if only inhaled. Animals have a sensitive skin barrier that does not react the same as humans towards essential oils and can lead to serious health issues and, in extreme cases, death.
Please consult your local veterinarian if you have pets in your household and plan on using essential oils to clean your home. Oils that are pet-toleratable in small doses are:
- Frankincense Oil
- Rosemary Oil
- Ginger Oil
- Chamomile Oil
- Bergamot Oil (Dogs only)
