We have taken a closer look at our cleaning products lately. We set out to learn all that we could on “green cleaning” using natural, non-toxic products. After all, we prep our food on our kitchen surfaces, eat off of our dishes and sit on our carpets and floors – all typically cleaned with chemicals we wouldn’t dream of putting in our bodies!
Below, you will find what you will need to replace the vast majority of your daily cleaning products (including bleach – gasp!) straight from your pantry, grocery or garden.
This was originally published on February 27, 2013, and updated April 4, 2018.
Stock your Green “Clean” Cleaning Supplies Cabinet
Shopping List
Liquids:
Powders:
Fresh Produce:
- Grapefruit
- Oranges
- Lemons
Optional:
- Peppermint Oil – used for fragrance
- Lavender Oil – used for fragrance
- Empty Squirt Bottles (I recommend 4-5 for different mixtures)
- Old Rags (Can also use cut-up T-Shirts)
- Sponges
- Paper Towel
Recipes to Help You Clean
It’s hard to go from using your old cleaning products to new, natural ones! I found myself wanting to revert back to what I know works – bleach, formulated granite cleaners/polish, chemical-laden window, and toilet cleaners, but alas! Here are my favorite “recipes” for disinfecting your home!
In case you want to copy and paste these recipes into a word document, here they are in text format!
All Purpose Cleaner
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp Dawn dish soap
- 4 TBSP white vinegar
- 400 mL warm water
Stir/shake to mix well. Use a squirt bottle for optimal usage.
Dusting Spray
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup warm water
Stir/shake to mix well. Use a squirt bottle for optimal usage.
Toilet Bowl Cleaner
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 1/4 cup borax
- 1 cup white vinegar
Place ingredients directly into the toilet. Mix gently with bowl brush. Let sit at least 30 minutes before scrubbing.
Granite Cleaner
- 1/2 cup rubbing alcohol
- 8 drops Dawn dish soap
- 2 cup warm water
Combine in a squirt bottle.
Glass Cleaner
- 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1 TBSP cornstarch
- 2 cup warm water
Stir/shake to mix well. Use a squirt bottle for optimal usage.
Tub Cleanser
- 1/2 cut grapefruit
- 1/4 cup kosher salt
Place salt directly on grapefruit half. Scrub your tub!
Grout Cleaner
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
Mix in a small, open container. Using a toothbrush, apply the paste to grout and allow to sit for 5 minutes. Rinse off.
Do you have a favorite green cleaning recipe to share?
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