Green Cleaners that Are Safe for the Environment

Making natural cleaners is more common and inexpensive than you think, although this concept may seem rather obscure to society at large. In green, alternative, and naturally minded circles, this type of thing is well known and implemented often.

In a brochure I picked up at my local health food store, I found a number of easy formulas to follow for making natural cleaning creations that those with allergies, as well as those that are environmentally aware will find useful. Feel free to add essential oils to any of the following recipes that you decide to try. They'll add a aromatic angle that will leave your home smelling fresh and inviting.

Wonder Spray ( For Sinks, Tubs, and Toilets)

32 ounces hot water

1/4 cup white vinegar

2 tsp. borax

¼ dish soap (added last)

20 drops of favorite essential oil

First, dissolve the borax into the water (this will prevent graniness throughout the spray). Next, add vinegar, borax and water combination to a 32 ounce spray bottle. Add essential oil and dish soap to the mix and shake well.

Drains

This concoction is great for slow drains. You'll need to pour a cup of baking soda, a cup of salt, and a cup of vinegar down your drain. Let it sit in there for 15 minutes, then use boiling water to flush out the drain. A great tip is to regularly pour boiling water down the drain every two weeks for the prevention of build up.

Scouring Powder

¼ cup of borax

1 cup baking soda

Drops of your favorite essential oil

Combine both ingredients in a bowl with your essential oil and wipe on surface with a clean rag or towel. This substance can be used from a shaker to be shook onto the surfaces your cleaning.

Glass Cleaner

1 quart of warm water to to ¼ cup of vinegar combined in an easy spray bottle. This is a great formula for windows or eyeglasses, glass cabinets or any other glass.

You can also find pre-made cleaning formulas at your local health food store or co-op by Ecover, Dr. Bronner's, Citra-Solv, Bi-O-kleen, Seventh Generation, Country Save, Lifetree, and Earth Friendly.

Using natural cleaners to clean your home with is a great way to practice green living, as well as prevent allergic reactions. Making your own is inexpensive, but if you choose to purchase some pre-made varieties, you'll be pleasantly surprised at how well they work.

Source: Natural Cooperative Grocers Association 2010 Brochure