Looking for easy natural and eco friendly cleaning solutions? Well look no further! We have compiled a list of simple DIYs for every cleaning activity, not only are they natural and better for the environment, but they are also cheap to make...
All Purpose Cleaner
- 60ml white vinegar
- 1litre warm water
- 1tbsp bicarbonate of soda
- Juice of half a lemon (sieved through muslin or a coffee filter to avoid clogging up the spray nozzle with lemon pulp)
Simply mix together in a spray bottle and get spraying! Leave to work for 5 minutes before wiping with a damp cloth.
Tip: purchase your bicarbonate of soda from a zero waste shop to reduce your plastic consumption!
Toilet Cleaner
- 4tbsp bicarbonate of soda
- 1tbsp liquid soap or washing up liquid
- Warm water
Combine the soap and bicarbonate of soda and then add warm water until you have a medium paste. Pour into the bowl of the toilet and scrub well with your toilet brush until any stains are removed, then flush. This can also be very effective if you have heavily stained sinks or baths.
Tip: use liquid soap or washing up liquid from a zero waste shop for extra eco brownie points!
Glass Cleaner
- 50ml white vinegar
- 50ml warm water
- Dry cloth
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water and spray onto glass. Wipe with a dry cloth and say goodbye to streaks and smears!
Tip: repurpose an old sheet or t-shirt as your dry cloth to reduce your waste!
Kettle Deep Clean
- 80g citric acid
- Half a lemon
Fill the kettle halfway and boil it. Then place it in the sink and drop the citric acid into it and leave it for approximately 30 mins. Pour the citric acid away, and your kettle is completely descaled! For the spout, rub with half a lemon and leave overnight. The lemon will dissolve any limescale residue on the spout, so all you need to do is give it a wipe! It is important to keep your kettle free from limescale as it takes more energy to boil water in a kettle full of scale.
Tip: use a spent lemon from cooking, to help reduce your food waste!
Kitchen Sink Cleaner
- 1tbsp bicarbonate of soda
- Damp cloth
Sprinkle the bicarbonate of soda in your sink and rub into the surface with a damp cloth. Once all stains are removed, rinse your sink and you are finished!
Mould and Mildew Remover
- White vinegar
- Salt
- Bicarbonate of soda
- Toothbrush
- Damp cloth
Spray the mould with white vinegar and sprinkle your cloth with salt before rubbing in circular motions on the mould. For more stubborn mould, sprinkle with bicarbonate of soda and scrub with an old toothbrush. Wipe with clean soapy water and your surface should be as good as new!
Tip: when you need a new toothbrush, keep you old one in a box with your cleaning essentials for occasions just like this!
Please note that as these eco friendly cleaning solutions are natural and chemical free, they won't last as long as ordinary cleaning solutions, so make sure you only make as much as you need. Hopefully you found some (or all!) useful, and will be tempted to include them in your cleaning routine in the future!