I’ve been putting off doing a weekly shop for the last couple of weeks until the crazy stockpiling died down. Unfortunately I’m now low on everything so ventured into Sainsburys this morning. I managed to get enough of most things but all the kitchen surface spray was sold out. My Mum recommended making my own so I’ve pulled together ideas from some lovely bloggers in the know. They’re more environmentally friendly and cheaper options too.
How To Make Your Own Kitchen Surface Cleaner
One of the great advantages to making your own surface cleaner is that it’s more environmentally friendly as well as cheaper too. Emma Reed is my go to guru for easy tips to follow to become more environmentally responsible. Her blog has lots of eco cleaning tips including this easy homemade surface cleaner instructable.
- Empty spray bottle
- Cooler boiled water
- White vinegar
- Lavender oil
Half fill an empty spray bottle with cooled boiled water and half with white vinegar. Add 10-15 drops of lavender oil and give it a shake. It’s as easy at that.
How to Make Your Own Hand Sanitiser Gel
Hand sanitiser gel seems to be one of the hardest things to get at the moment as Coronavirus fears increase. This tutorial on how to make your own DIY hand sanitiser gel comes from A Rose Tinted World.
- some 99% isopropyl alcohol – sometimes called rubbing alcohol or surgical spirit
- some 99.9% or pure aloe vera gel
- a couple of drops of essential oil (tea tree oil or citrus) – this is optional
Add 50ml of aloe vera gel to 100ml of the alcohol (2 parts alcohol to 1 part aloe vera)
Add a couple of drops of essential oil if you wish – some people don’t like the smell of the alcohol, but it does disperse very quickly when using.
How To Make Your Own Toilet Cleaner
For this cleaner, you will need some sort of squeezy bottle. A honey bottle, squeezy shampoo bottle, old baby lotion bottle or similar. These top tips to make your own toilet cleaner come from Whimsical Mumblings who also have a recipe to make your own toilet bombs.
- Bicarbonate of Soda
- Borax
- Castille Soap
- Essential Oils
- Distilled Water
- Funnel
- Bowl
Mix together 2 cups distilled water, 1/3 cup borax & 1 cup bicarbonate of soda until all the powder has dissolved.
Use a funnel to pour this mixture into your squeezy bottle.
Next, you need to funnel in 1/3 cup Castile soap & 15-20 drops of your chosen essential oil.
Close the bottle and give it a good shake!
Before you use the cleaner, each time you’ll need to give it a quick shake. Then just do a quick squirt around the rim of the toilet bowl, leave for a few minutes, scrub with a toilet brush & flush.
How To Make Your Own Bathroom Cleaner
This simple mixture shared by My Money Cottage works really effectively at shifting soap scum and leaves the bathroom sparkling.
- 2 cups baking soda
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup liquid soap
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
Mix all the ingredients together until all lumps are removed and pour into a spray bottle. And then get to work! Spray onto the surface to be cleaned, scrub and rinse well.
How To Make Your Own Air Freshener
If opening the window for a good air out doesn’t work Chilling With Lucas recommends filling small ramekins with baking soda and leaving them in rooms throughout the home.
It is possible to replace all conventional store-bought cleaners. This will save you money, lower your toxin exposure, and still produce the perfectly clean home that you want. Check out the blog post from A Few Favourite Things for great alternatives.
