Chemical Free Household

These ingredients pack a lot into themselves alone, and combining them creates cleaners that have worked better for us than any chemical containing cleanser we have used. Below is a list of all of the ingredients we keep under the sink to make our cleaners!

- White Vinegar: antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, removes stains and odors, grease cutter, lime and mineral deposit remover, environmentally and budget friendly, hella versatile. We buy it by the gallon because we use it for so much.

-Baking Soda: natural abrasive compound, deodorizer, disinfectant/antimicrobial, eco/budget friendly

- Borax: versatile, natural cleaning power, natural insect repellant, mold and mildew remover, eco/budget friendly

- Isopropyl Alcohol: We use this in our glass cleaner for its degreasing properties along with it's ability to evaporate quickly leaving behind zero residue. 

- Corn Starch: Used in our carpet deodorizer because two dogs and a baby. A natural odor absorber/deodorizer, non-toxic/environmentally friendly 

-Hydrogen Peroxide: a natural stain remover, eco and budget friendly

-Castile soap (Liquid and Bar): used for MANY of our household products beyond cleaners (hand soap, dish detergent, face/body wash) It is biodegradable, non-toxic, gentle on skin and surfaces, effective degreaser, safe for fabric, eco friendly. 

-Essential Oils: we use these for a naturally good scent. We use a high quality brand that contains no fillers or other chemicals. Safe for breathing in, non-toxic to skin

Cleaning supplies

All Purpose Cleaner:

• White vinegar 1 part
• Rosemary sprigs
• Water 1 part
• Lemon rind

Combine the above ingredients together, pour into a spray bottle, shake, and then let infuse for a week before using. Strain out the rosemary and lemon rind and pour into reusable glass spray bottle. Once done, you can use the homemade all-purpose cleaner to remove hard water stains, clean trash cans, wipe away wall smudges, and almost anything else. I have used it for carpet stains and to clean M's highchair/wipe counters etc. Avoid any cleaner containing vinegar for wooden surfaces such as butcher blocks or cutting boards! Besides a fresh scent, the lemon rind may help boost cleaning power.

Kitchen cleaner

• 4 tablespoons Baking soda
• 1 quart Warm water

This is a great option for wood surfaces unable to be cleaned with the vinegar listed above. 

Glass cleaner

• 2 cups water
• 1/2 cup white vinegar
• 1/4 cup isopropyl alchohol 
• Essential oil (orange)

-Simply combine these ingredients and pour them in a spray bottle to make a homemade cleaner with ingredients you already have on hand. Not only does it do a great job cleaning but the orange essential oil gives it a pleasant natural citrus scent and the rubbing alcohol helps it evaporate quickly to minimize spots and streaks. Hint: Avoid cleaning windows on a hot, sunny day or in direct sunlight, because the solution will dry too quickly and leave lots of streaks. For mirrors, spray the solution on a soft cloth first before wiping

Carpet deodorizer

• 1 cup baking soda
• 1/2 cup corn starch 
• 5 drops essential oil

-Combine the baking soda and cornstarch in a medium bowl, then add 5 drops of your favorite essential oil. Stir to combine the ingredients, and pour the mixture into a Mason jar using a funnel. Using a hammer and nail, punch small holes into the jar's lid. Sprinkle the homemade deodorizer onto carpets as needed. Let the mixture sit for at least 30 minutes before vacuuming up.

Upholstery freshener

• 1/4 cup baking soda
• 10 drops essential oil
• 1.5 cups water

-Use a funnel to add the baking soda to a 12 oz spray bottle. Add the essential oil. Fill the bottle with water and shake gently to combine. Test on a small, inconspicuous area of upholstery (such as on the back or under a cushion) to ensure it won't leave a mark. Spray over upholstery whenever it needs freshening

Carpet stain remover

• 1/4 cup salt
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 1/4 cup borax

Mix ingredients into a paste and apply to the stained area. Let it dry for 24 hours and vacuum. The paste kills bacteria and acts as a deodorizer as it removes the stain. After vacuuming, clean the area with water to remove residue. Blot well with a clean, dry cloth. Always test in an inconspicuous spot first.

I have also used my all purpose cleaner recipe for many carpet stain and it works like a *charm*.

Laundry detergent

• 4 Cups borax
• 4 cups washing soda
• 1 bar grated castile bar soap 
• Lavender essential oil 
• 2 cups baking soda

Combine all ingredients by layering them and mix together in a large glass jar with a wooden spoon.  For a standard washer use 3 level tablespoons, for a HE washer use one table spoon. Add detergent to bottom of washer before adding clothes. 

Laundry Stain Remover

• 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide
• 1/4 cup baking soda
• 1 tablespoon liquid castile soap (or any mild liquid dish soap)

In a small mixing bowl, combine the hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. Stir well to dissolve the baking soda completely.

Add the liquid castile soap to the mixture and gently stir to combine. The soap will help emulsify the ingredients and improve their stain-fighting capabilities.

Carefully pour the mixture into an empty and clean squeeze bottle or spray bottle for easy application.

Products

Dish soap

• 1 part liquid castile soap
• 10 parts water

Combine in a glass soap dispenser and keep at the sink for the best dish soap