Go Green: How to Make Your Own DIY Natural Cleaning Products

Keeping the house clean while raising a little one can be tough and when you have a new baby, your house seems a lot dirtier than it did before. The first time your little one licks the floor or slobbers on some furniture, you’ll be wanting to make sure everything is squeaky clean! However, before you start scrubbing every surface in sight, remember that not all house cleaners are child or pet-friendly. Many household cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can cause skin and eye irritations, allergies, poisoning, and other adverse health effects to your baby. We want our homes to look and smell clean, but we don’t want to introduce dangerous chemicals into our family’s lives, either. What’s a mama to do? Well, the answer is DIY! It sounds complicated and difficult but it’s not. Read on for some great DIY recipes!

Scented All-Purpose Cleaner

• One-part white vinegar
• One-part water
• Lemon rind
• Essential Oil (For Scent)

Simply combine the above ingredients together and pour into a spray bottle.  Shake well and then let infuse for a week before using it. Once done, you can use the solution to remove hard water stains, clean rubbish bins, wipe away wall smudges, and clean toys. The fruit's acid adds extra cleaning properties — perfect for stubborn stains. You’ll happily let your baby roam around and be free to touch whatever they like, no bad chemicals here!

Glass Cleaner

• 3 cups white vinegar
• 1 cup distilled water
• 10 drops clove oil
• 5 drops rose or lavender oil

Again, simply mix up all the above ingredients and pour into a spray bottle. The good news is that it’s not necessary to infuse for a week, get to using straight away! The vinegar’s acidity helps clean deep and disinfect, and the clove can kill viruses and harmful bacteria. The lavender or rose oil will give a pleasant scent while you’re doing some dirty work! Your baby will be free to look out and bang on as many windows as they please!

Bathroom and Tile Scrub

• 2 1/4 cups baking soda
• 3/4 cup unscented liquid castile soap
• 3 tablespoon water
• 3 tablespoon vinegar
• 25 drops citrus oil

This bathroom solution cleans faster and better than anything you could buy at a store and most importantly it’s safer too. Remember your baby's skin is super sensitive and it should give you peace of mind to know that the bathroom is completely chemical-free.  Combine all the ingredients together, pour into a spray bottle and get to cleaning. It makes your grout, shower, and tiles sparkle like new. I recommend using quality citrus essential oils since they are known for their ability to disinfect.

Laundry Detergent

• 1 bar of natural soap (Castile Soap works great), shaved or grated
• 1 cup of borax
• 1 cup of washing soda

It’s time to make the switch from store-bought detergent to homemade, it may sound complicated but is easier than you think. Thoroughly mix the grated soap with the other ingredients for several minutes, you can even use a food processor for more of a powdery consistency. Store in a sealed container and watch how efficiently it keeps clothes clean whilst being gentle on the skin. Zero harsh chemicals equal zero skin irritation for your baby. If your baby has sensitive skin, we highly recommend making the switch to an au naturel laundry detergent.

Floor Cleaner

• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• Bucket of warm water
• 1 tsp all-natural liquid soap

It’s impossible to keep your floors constantly clean, but it’s also impossible to stop your baby from crawling all over and exploring the world around him or her. When you do get the chance to clean your floors, opt for this baby-safe solution. Just add the white vinegar and all-natural liquid soap to the warm water and soak a clean mop in the solution, then get to cleaning!  

These are just a few of our favorite DIY natural cleaning solutions, there are SO many out there and all very easy to do.  These DIY cleaning solutions keep the air you breathe clean and result in a healthier home. Both you and your baby will benefit as no chemicals will be absorbed into the skin or breathed in, resulting in fewer health problems such as asthma or eczema. It not only saves you money in the long term but it also makes for a more environmental-friendly household! It’s time to take control and make the switch to green cleaning products.  If you have any good recipes, please share it in the comment box below!