We live in a world filled with chemical cleaning products packaged in plastic. Many sustainable cleaners are available to purchase, but unfortunately, not everyone has access to those products or the budget to purchase them. Thankfully, Mother Earth offers us amazing alternatives to add zero-waste and sustainable cleaners to our cleaning routine. We have selected four main cleaners that you can use around your house to ditch chemical cleaners. Let’s keep our planet fresh and clean!

Check out our selection of sustainable cleaning products available in supermarkets here, and our post on sustainable spring cleaning tips here.

What are the stable ingredients to make natural cleaners, and why?

Baking Soda

Great to absorb odours and stains from fruit juices and other mild acids, it can also be used on glass, tile and refrigerators. This mild alkali can be used for almost all household cleaning purposes, and it works great to remove food from pans and ovens. 

Lemon Juice

The natural juice can be a great addition to cleaners to give them a fresh, lemony scent. It can also be used to lighten stains and cut grease. Its properties can kill bacteria and remove tarnishes from metals, but it should not be used on silver. 

Vinegar

It is great for killing germs, deodorising, and removing limestone stains. It can also be used to clean countertops, kitchen drains, glass surfaces, and more.

All-Purpose Cleaner

• One part white vinegar
• One part water
• Lemon rind
• Rosemary sprigs

For your all-purpose cleaner, combine the natural power of white vinegar, water, lemon rind, and rosemary sprigs in a spray bottle. Let these ingredients infuse for a week, creating a potent yet safe cleaning solution. This cleaner is effective for removing hard water stains, smudges, and more, and it leaves a fresh scent from the lemon rind, which also enhances its cleaning power. However, it’s important to note that it’s not suitable for use on granite, as the acidity can damage the stone. Exercise caution on stainless steel surfaces, as some manufacturers advise against using vinegar. 

Glass Cleaner

• 2 cups water
• 1/2 cup white or cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol (70% concentration)
• 1 to 2 drops of essential oil for smell (optional)

Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle and create a glass cleaner that’s not only easy to make but also highly effective. This DIY glass cleaner will leave your windows and mirrors sparkling and streak-free, thanks to the quick-drying properties of rubbing alcohol. Hint: Avoid using it on hot sunny days or surfaces in direct sunlight, as the alcohol might dry quickly and leave streaks. For best results, use it with a soft microfibre cloth. 

Bathroom Cleaner

• 1.5 cups of baking soda
• 1/2 cup of warm water
• 1/2 cup of sustainable liquid soap
• 2 tablespoons of white vinegar

Mix all the ingredients into a spray bottle and use it on your shower, tub, or tile floors. You can also add a bit of lemon to clean grimey grouts. 

Stainless Steel Cleaner

• 2 tablespoons of baking soda
• 950ml of water

To clean and polish your stainless steel surfaces, dissolve the baking soda in water and use a gentle microfibre cloth to wipe the mixture onto the surfaces, then rinse. 

What do you think of natural cleaning products? Have you introduced any of them to your cleaning routine?