How to Make All Natural Cleaning Solutions

If you are a close friend or family member of mine you know how much I love a clean and well organized home. Earlier this year I started experimenting with all natural cleaning solutions and I am surprised how well the below cleaning solutions work for keeping our home sparkling clean. I also like that I am no longer purchasing throw away plastic bottles each time I need more cleaning supplies. Win win!

One common ingredient you’ll find in all natural cleaners is vinegar. I was a bit hesitant at first since I’m not a huge fan of the smell but I don’t even notice it when I add citrus or essential oils to my cleaners. Vinegar is such an effective cleaning agent since it is acidic allowing it to dissolve grease & dirt.

Another Option – Maybe you just don’t have the time or don’t want to make your own cleaning supplies, that’s totally okay! I really love Grove Co. concentrated plant based floor cleaner, concentrated all purpose cleaner, and their bamboo toilet paper (see my post Low Waste Simple Living Bathroom Solutions for more information).

All Purpose Cleaner

• 1 cup of orange, lemon, lime, or grapefruit peels
• Distilled white vinegar
• 12 oz. Mason jar and lid
• Note: If you are using a metal lid with your mason jar then you’ll need to use a small piece of parchment paper to protect the lid, if it comes in contact with the vinegar it can cause it to rust.

Step One: Put the citrus peels in a 12 oz. mason jar and then fill the jar with distilled white vinegar. Let it sit for a minimum of 2 weeks – this can be on your countertop, on a shelf, or in your pantry. I like to make a note of the date that it will be ready on the top with a small sticky note.

Step Two: On or after the ready date remove the citrus peels from the vinegar. I like to put a small colander over a measuring cup and then pour out the contents of the jar. Toss the peels in the compost.

Step Three: See how much citrus infused vinegar you have in the measuring cup, add 1:1 ratio of water. For example, if it measures 1/2 cup then add 1/2 cup filtered or distilled water.

Step Four: Put your all purpose citrus cleaner in a glass spray bottle and use as needed. I love to use this on my kitchen countertops.

All Natural Floor Cleaner

• 48 oz. warm water (6 cups)
• 1 tablespoon Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Soap (I like the lavender version)
• Large bottle or recycled milk jug to store the cleaner in

Step One: Find a clean empty bottle or recycled milk jug and fill with 6 cups of warm water.

Step Two: Add 1 tablespoon Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Soap to the water. Put the lid on and shake well to mix. Note: Pure Castile soap means that it is made from plant oils without synthetic detergents.

Step Three: Pour the floor cleaner into the refillable container on your mop and you’re ready to go!

Tip: I use a microfiber spray mop for cleaning the floors in my house – if your mop does not have a refillable container you can put the floor cleaner into a spray bottle and spray as you go. This is the mop I use, just $18 on Amazon. It comes with microfiber cleaning pads that you can just pop in the laundry when you are done mopping. Note: I do not have a partnership or receive compensation if you purchase this product from Amazon.