If you have followed me for a while now, you will probably know that I make a lot of households products including cleaning products. Not only does this reduce costs and the use of chemicals, but also the use of plastic. Does it completely get rid of using plastic, no. This is because things like white vinegar come in plastic bottles. However, by reusing plastic bottles repeatedly with simple and easy DIY's, we can definitely significantly reduce the amount of plastic going into landfill compared with purchasing all our cleaning products.
We all know that we have a problem with plastic in our landfill, but, single-use plastic from household cleaning products creates a whole other issue with chemicals also being put into the environment. So, let's help to reduce two significant problems and help to take care of the amazing animals and nature we are blessed to enjoy.
In this blog post I am going to share my most common DIY cleaning products that will save you hundreds of dollars a year, help to create a healthier and safer home for you and your family, and take care of our environment.
Toilet bowl cleaning
Mirror and glass cleaner
All-purpose surface spray
Shower cleaning
Other plastic free alternatives
Helpful video
1. TOILET BOWL CLEANER
This is perhaps the easiest replacement for a chemical cleaner. Only two household ingredients required, and no pre-making anything!
Simply pour approximately 1/2 cup baking soda into the toilet bowl, and then pour approximately 1/2-1 cup white vinegar into the toilet bowl as well and allow to soak while we clean the rest of the bathroom.
2. MIRROR AND GLASS CLEANER
I've never been a fan of the smell of commercial glass cleaners. They have always made me wrinkle my nose. This DIY glass and mirror cleaner just makes me want to eat hot chips!
Mix 1 part white vinegar to 1 part tap water in a spray bottle. Spray directly on glass or mirrors and use a paper towel to clean.
3. ALL PURPOSE SURFACE SPRAY
This is probably where people spend the most money when it comes to cleaning, as a good surface spray can be used everywhere in the house. Some of them actually smell quite nice, but who can pronounce even a quarter of the ingredients on the list! This homemade surface spray is not only friendly to nostrils and children, but also to the bank account. I use this surface spray for all the surfaces my bathroom, as well for cleaning the bathtub and shower. If mould is an issue in your bathroom, simply add 10 drops of clove essential oil to your mixture.
Ingredients
Hot water
½ tsp Borax
White vinegar
½ tsp Castile soap
20 drops Essential oils – Options: Thieves (Young Living blend), tea tree, citrus, sweet orange oil, lemon, eucalyptus, clove (for mould prone areas)
Method
Half fill a glass spray bottle with hot water, add borax and mix till dissolved. Fill the rest of the bottle with white vinegar, leaving enough room to add castile soap and essential oils.
4. SHOWER CLEANING
The shower has always been my lest favourite place in the house to clean as it usually takes the longest and is just a pain to clean! Several years ago I was introduced to the "Enjo" brand, much like "Norwex". I instantly became a fan of the shower glove. No chemicals or sprays necessary at all. The Enjo glove is about $55, so on the pricey side, but on the upside it only needs replacing about every two years.
There is an even cheaper way which is just as effective and quick.
Shower Glass
Simply use the previously made glass cleaner with one part white vinegar to one part water and spray directly on the glass. Use a microfibre cloth to clean.
Tiles
Spray previously made all-purpose surface spray directly onto the tiles and clean with a microfibre cloth. Don't forget to add about 10-15 drops of clove essential oil if mould is an issue in your shower, and get into the grout lines with your cloth.
5. OTHER PLASTIC FREE ALTERNATIVES
Looking for other ways you can reduce plastic and other single-use items from your cleaning routine? Here are some more tips you might find useful:
• Use re-usable microfibre cloths or natural cotton cloths
• Replace plastic scrubbing brushes with wooden ones
• Use compostable sponges made from cellulose, or a natural loofah (you could even grow your own loofahs!)
6. HELPFUL VIDEO:
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