by E.D. Cameron

Created on: May 05, 2008   Last Updated: May 26, 2012

Good for the environment. Great for your wallet. Reduce your under the sink clutter. No more chemical smells. Non-toxic (safe for kids and pets).

All these things sound good, of course! And with raised awareness about green cleaning, its not just for hippies anymore.

I started out using homemade natural cleaning products a year ago. Then, as a student, I needed a part time job and agreed to clean for an eco-friendly company.

As a turn over cleaner for low income and middle income apartments, I have seen the worst of the worse of dirty homes. And while other folks may think to tackle it with heavy duty chemical cleaners, the reality is that homemade or natural cleaning products often work better, faster, and leave a real sparkle!

Here is what you need:

  • 3 Spray bottles
  • 1 gallon of white vinegar 
  • 1 large box of baking soda
  • 1-2 lemons
  • 1 box of corn starch
  • 1 box of borax
  • 1 bottle of bleach
  • 1 bottle of baby oil
  • 1 bottle of olive oil
  • Old tooth brush
  • Sponges with scouring side
  • Washable micro-fiber cloths

Many of these items you may already have around your home. If not, a quick trip to the grocery store to stock up on these items should only set you back five to ten bucks, and these cleaning products should last you several months.

Here are applications by room:

• Bathroom

For your bathroom, you should add to one spray bottle with one cap of bleach and fill with water. In the other spray bottle add half white vinegar, half water. Finally, make a multipurpose cleaner for most surfaces using: 2 tablespoons of borax, 2 tablespoons of white vinegar and fill with water.

  • Clogged drains: Remove stopper and pour two tablespoons of baking soda in drain. Let sit for five to fifteen minutes (while you clean other areas!). Add 1/2 cup of vinegar, and watch it foam! Once the bubbles have stopped, rinse thoroughly with warm water. Repeat as needed.

  • Toliet: Get rid of your toilet wand, and use a little elbow grease! Sprinkle around the bowl baking soda and scrub with the scour side of your sponge. No more rings, and a fresh, clean smell and look! Don't forget to clean the outside base and sides. For a sparkle, use your vinegar and water spray liberally and wipe up with your microfiber cloth or use your multipurpose

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