January is upon us, and that means New Year’s resolutions. This time of change often goes hand in hand with the resolution to keep a cleaner house and to become more eco-conscious. In the spirit of starting afresh, we have some tips and tricks for keeping your bathroom clean and tidy in the New Year and beyond, by way of homemade bathroom cleaners.
Many homeowners are turning to homemade cleaning supplies in an effort to reduce toxic chemicals in the home, especially if they have children or pets. This decision also helps individuals with asthma, skin irritations, chronic ailments like migraines, or sensitivities to strong chemical odors. Natural cleaning solutions are also eco-friendly; not only are the supplies free of environmentally-damaging toxic chemicals, but the spray bottles can also be reused time and time again, reducing the amount of trash in our landfills.
Homemade cleaning solution s can be created quickly and easily with very few ingredients—most of which you likely already have in your home. Ingredients vary depending on recipes, but the most commonly used include:
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Lemon juice
- Rubbing alcohol
- Baking soda
- Castile soap
- Essential oils
Below, see our eco-friendly and budget-friendly bathroom cleaning tips and recipes:
All-purpose natural cleaning solution
One of the most common all-purpose recipes in natural cleaning is the 50/50 vinegar and water mixture. White vinegar is great at cleaning, but is non-abrasive on most surfaces (do not use on marble counters or other marble surfaces). Vinegar is inexpensive, available in small bottles and giant jugs at all grocery stores, and able to clean the toughest of bathroom scenarios.
Non-toxic disinfectant
Another popular homemade bathroom cleaner is a non-toxic disinfectant, commonly used to clean sinks and countertops. Simply mix three ingredients together in a spray bottle and you’re ready to clean without the harsh aromas of store-bought scrubbing chemicals. The ingredients include:
- 16 ounces of water
- 3 tablespoons of liquid castile soap (Dr. Bronner’s is a popular all-natural, fair-trade choice available in multiple scents in the natural food sections of most grocery stores)
- 30 drops of tea tree oil
A natural remedy for tough stains on bathroom surfaces
A natural cleaning solution for tough toilet stains is a pumice stone; they’re readily available at hardware stores and usually cost less than $5. Textured floors can be a bear to clean even if you’re using store-bought chemicals, but a quick solution of vinegar and baking soda paste will remove tough stains and dirt in no time.
Natural deodorizing and air-freshening solutions
Invest in essential oils for deodorizing your home and eliminate caustic chemicals that mask smells and negatively affect your health. You can either set out a bowl of white vinegar to absorb odors, or whip up a recipe on your stovetop that will make your house smell divine. This recipe requires you to boil water, add a few cinnamon sticks, some cloves, and orange peels, and then simmer. Keep this pot of delicious homemade fragrance on your stove for a few hours and your home will smell divine.
Reusable, microfiber cleaning cloths
Natural cleaning also means a focus on reusable materials, like microfiber cloths for cleaning counters and mirrors (no fuzz or streaks!). These cloths are available in a variety of sizes and can also be used to wipe up spills and clean your floors instead of the disposable, pre-moistened cloths you may currently favor.
Creating your own homemade bathroom cleaner and investing in eco-friendly ingredients and materials is a refreshing and reinvigorating way to begin the New Year, starting your journey toward a cleaner and more eco-friendly home. These DIY methods will help your bathroom look, feel, and smell great long after you finish cleaning; plus, you save money by using budget-friendly ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen or cleaning closet.