One thing I have to take into account when cleaning my home is Parker’s chronic lung disease, and his trach. Kids with trachs don’t have the filtering and humidifying benefit that comes with our natural noses. That trach acts as a direct path straight into Parker’s lungs.
Which means that the less caustic fumes found in my cleaning products, the better.
I love products such as Seventh Generation, but they come with rather prohibitive price tags.
So, what’s a Mama to do?
Make her own, that’s what!
I’ve tried a lot of recipes for homemade cleaners and have been verydisappointed in their ability to really clean. But after a lot of research I’ve found (finally!) a couple of tried and true alternatives that I’ve been very happy with.
Multipurpose Disinfectant Cleaner
-2 teaspoons borax
-1/2 teaspoon washing soda (NOTE: Washing soda is NOT baking soda. Washing soda can be found in the laundry section of most grocery stores. I purchase mine locally at Macey’s. They keep it way up high on the top shelf. Arm and Hammer Brand in a yellow box.)
-2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 4 tablespoons white vinegar
-a few squirts of dish washing detergent (I like Dawn)
-a few drops of grapefruit (or other citrus) essential oil/s………I love peppermint and lime too! (optional)
– 3 cups very hot water
-1 clean 24 ounce spray bottle
Combine borax, washing soda, lemon juice, dish washing detergent, essential oil/s and vinegar in the spray bottle. Slowly add the hot water, then shake the bottle well until all the contents have blended and/or dissolved.
The hot water helps your dry ingredients dissolve. You may want to wait until your solution cools off before adding your essential oil/s. Heat and essential oils aren’t the best match.
Shake the bottle before each use, spray on tile and ceramic surfaces and wipe with a clean cloth. Very good for sinks, toilets, showers, etc.
Another thing I like about this recipe is that I always have these ingredients stored in my food storage room. And because I stock my food storage room with bulk purchased sale items and use coupons this cleaning solution is very budget friendly.
And it smells good too!
Anybody else trying to use more natural, less caustic cleaners in their home? I’d love to see your recipes too!
Thanks for posting this! I went to get the ingredients. Still have to find the washing soda though. I’ve been looking for alternatives to our cleaners.
I’m excited to try your recipe! I use a lot of vinegar to clean but my husband doesn’t like the smell.
Create a paste wtih cream of tartar and water, or vinegar and that will get all your water spots, grease, grime, you name it. Just a little elbow grease and the paste, VOILA. Clean and easy on the lungs and kids. Hardly any smell
I’ve become chemically sensitive and had to get rid of all chemical cleaners, air fresheners, scented lotions…you name it. I only use baking soda, vinegar, and Seventh Generation. THANKS for this recipe. I need to find the washing soda. I no longer buy Dawn. Is there a subsititute for that? Would Seventh Generation dish soap work? What is Dawn’s purpose in your recipe? I also use Bar Keepers Friend. I make my own version of chlorox wipes too. I buy a cheap brand of baby wipes, unscented…rinse them out and then pour vinegar water over the wipes. I have a box in each bathroom and in the kitchen.
Tammy says: Steph, many people use Dr. Bronner’s liquid soap. I bet the Seventh Generation soap would just as well. It just gives this cleaner a bit more ‘umph’.
Thanks Tammy. Dr. Bronner’s Castile soap is another staple in our house. It is part of Joey’s daily enema cocktail. I also started putting it in our foam soap pumps at every sink and also use it for soap/shampoo for younger kids. Good stuff. Have you heard of Basic H by Shaklee? A friend of mine loves it so I ordered some today online. It passes the “safety test” and is reasonable as a little goes a long way. LOVE that.