100% Home-made ecological cleaning products

100% Home-made ecological cleaning products

By Mélissa Toutant, collaborator

Common household products often contain several elements that are harmful to the environment and to our health. Have you ever thought to create your own cleaning products? Natural, efficient and economical, they have many advantages to maintain your interior – and help the environment! In this article, discover the 5 essential ingredients to have on hand and some ideas of home recipes.

Choosing the Right Natural Ingredients

The racks of the shops overflow with several products for various uses: glass, floors, bathrooms, kitchen, degreaser, deodorizer, etc. A large majority contain chemical products. With only a few ingredients – which you probably already own – you will be able to create the cleaning products you need. A single multi-purpose product is often enough to clean the entire household. Here is a list of the essential ingredients to make cleaning products that are both environmentally friendly and affordable.

1. White vinegar

It is ideal for disinfecting, deodorizing and descaling most surfaces, including tiles, glass and plastic. The vinegar has a strong odor, but it fades quickly.

2. Baking soda

Also useful for descaling, deodorizing, degreasing and disinfecting, it can be used to clean dishes, such as glasses, silverware, pots and plastic containers. It also neutralizes bad odors.

3. Lemon

Effective stripper and descaling agent, lemon mixed with salt forms a paste that cleans enamel and whitens soiled joints. Diluted in water, it can make the copper shine. Then, the fruit cut in two makes it possible to deodorize the refrigerator.

4. Marseille Soap

This type of soap, composed of vegetable oil and soda oil, is bought in bulk and can be grated. Chips become very useful for cleaning. Among other things, Marseilles soap degreases, detaches and preserves the colors of clothing.

5. Essential oils

Essential oils have enormous benefits. They have antiseptic, antibacterial and antifungal properties when added to cleaning products. They also serve to deodorize and clean the air. There are several kinds, including eucalyptus, peppermint, Scots pine and lavender.

A recipe for all-purpose disinfectant

  • 2 tablespoons of baking soda
  • A few drops of white vinegar
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons of essential oils
  • 1 liter of water

A recipe for laundry detergent

  • 100 grams of Marseille soap
  • 1 tablespoon baking soda
  • 1 liter of water
  • 30 to 40 drops of essential oil (such as lavender or sweet orange)

In addition to being good for your wallet, homemade cleaning products are also good for the environment. They also allow you to simplify your life. Some ingredients are enough to restore cleanliness and radiance to your home. So, will you step into ecological products?