July 20, 2023

The Magic of DIY Cleaning Products

Have you ever paused to think about the myriad of plastic containers that silently pile up at home? From your dish soap to your shampoo, each comes in a plastic container that is mostly designed for a single use. And once the product is finished, where do these containers go? Yes, you guessed it - most of them end up in the landfill, contributing to the mounting problem of plastic waste.

But what if I told you that there is an incredibly easy and creative way to help reduce this problem? One that is not only kind to the environment but also light on your pocket. Well, welcome to the world of DIY (Do-It-Yourself) cleaning products!

Natural cleaning products

Why Choose DIY Products?

      1. Reduce Plastic Waste: When you make your own products, you can repurpose containers that would otherwise end up in the trash. Think about using that empty jam jar to store your DIY scrub or a finished-off dish soap bottle to house your homemade cleaning liquid. This practice adheres to the three R's of sustainability: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and aids in minimizing your overall plastic footprint.

      2. Save Money: You might be surprised to find that many DIY cleaning products can be made using everyday items found in your pantry. Baking soda, vinegar, salt, essential oils, the list is endless. This makes DIY an economic choice and brings an end to frequent runs to the store, saving fuel and reducing pollution!

      3. Know What's Inside: When you make your own products, you know exactly what's inside them. This means you can choose environmentally friendly, biodegradable ingredients over harsh chemicals. This not only is a win for your health but also ensures that any product residue that goes down the drain won’t harm the planet.

Vinegar

Getting Started

Excited about the prospect but unsure where to start? Don’t worry, diving into the world of DIY doesn’t mean you need to transform everything overnight! It’s all about taking small, manageable steps. Start by choosing one or two products that you use frequently. Research simple DIY recipes online or in eco-friendly living books, gather your ingredients, and get mixing!

Let's kick off our DIY journey with two straightforward recipes: an citrus all-purpose cleaner and a toilet bowl cleaner.

Citrus All-Purpose Spray

  • 2 cups white distilled vinegar
  • 2 cups water
  • 15-20 drops citrus essential oils (orange and lemon work well)

Mix all these ingredients in a reusable spray bottle. Shake well, and voila, you have a cleaner ready to tackle most surfaces in your home.

Toilet Bowl Cleaner

  • 1/4 cup Castile Soap
  • 1 3/4 cup water
  • 2 tbsp. Baking Soda
  • 8-10 drops Essential Oils of choice
  • 8 oz. or larger Squeeze Bottle

Fill bottle halfway with water, then add all of the ingredients. Gently fill the bottle with water the rest of the way, being careful to keep it from bubbling too much. Add this mixture into the toilet bowl and scrub with a toilet brush. Finish with a flush for a clean and fresh toilet.

Natural cleaning products in a basket

Bonus Tip

An eco-friendly cleaning routine isn't just about the products we use to clean; it's also about the tools we use in the process. Paper towels are often used once and then discarded, which can contribute significantly to landfill waste over time. Not to mention, producing these items consumes a large amount of water, energy, and resources. Please consider switching to Swedish dishcloths.

Reusable Paper Towels, Swedish Dishcloths Set of 6 in Watermelon Designs

 Why Swedish Dishcloths?

  1. Eco-Friendly: Swedish dishcloths are a fantastic, eco-friendly alternative to paper towels and sponges. They are made from cellulose and cotton, making them biodegradable and compostable at the end of their life.

  2. Reusable and Durable: One Swedish dishcloth can replace up to 17 rolls of paper towels. They can be used again and again, and when they're dirty, simply pop them in the dishwasher or washing machine to clean.

  3. Versatile: These dishcloths are super versatile. They're excellent for wiping up spills, cleaning countertops, or washing dishes. Their absorbency and durability make them a perfect companion for your DIY cleaning products.

By switching to Swedish dishcloths, you're taking another significant step in reducing waste and making your cleaning routine even greener. They are a small change, but over time, they can make a massive difference in the amount of waste we produce.

Final Thoughts

Making your own cleaning products is a journey of exploration and creativity, one that rewards you with the knowledge that you’re doing your bit for the planet. It’s an active way of choosing sustainability, reducing plastic waste, and promoting healthier living.

Natural Cleaning products for DIY

An even greener cleaning routine is as simple as combining your DIY cleaning products with sustainable tools like Swedish dishcloths. Let's continue to make these positive changes for ourselves and our beautiful planet! 🌍

Remember, each small step you take towards reducing plastic waste at home brings us a step closer to a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable planet. So, get those DIY gloves on and start making magic!

Happy DIY-ing, friends!