There are tons of “green” bathroom cleaners on the market, but most of the time it’s cheaper and just as effective to make your own. Armed with a few simple non-toxic and biodegradable ingredients, you can keep your bathroom fresh and sparkling with natural bathroom cleaners.
If you’ve got a little extra time today, grab this shopping list, head to the store, and make a few batches of healthy cleaners to keep your bathroom (or any room) healthy!
SavePin ItSee More ImagesCredit: Federico PaulWhat You NeedIngredients Baking soda – cleans, deodorizes, scoursBorax – cleans, deodorizes, disinfectsCastile soap or vegetable oil-based liquid soap – cleansDistilled white vinegar – cuts grease and soap scum, dissolves mineral deposits, inhibits mold, freshens; reportedly kills 99% of bacteria, 82% of mold, and 80% of virusesEssential oils – freshen, disinfectKosher salt – scours, disinfectsWater Equipment or Tools Measuring cups and spoonsJarsSpray bottlesInstructionsTub and Tile Cleaner
In a jar or spray bottle, combine:
1 2/3 cup baking soda1/2 cup vegetable oil-based liquid soap1/2 cup water 2 tablespoons vinegar
Combine baking soda and liquid soap together first before adding water and vinegar. Shake before using. Apply with a cloth or sponge and rinse well.
Scouring Powder1 cup baking soda1 cup borax1 cup kosher salt
Combine in a jar. Sprinkle on area to be cleaned, wipe with a sponge, and rinse.
Toilet Bowl Cleaner1/4 cup borax or baking soda 1 cup vinegar
Mix directly in the toilet. Let it sit for 15 minutes (or longer, if necessary), scrub, and flush.
Glass Cleaner1/4 cup vinegar 4 cups warm water
Combine in a spray bottle. Use to clean glass or mirrors with a dry cloth or piece of newspaper.
Drain Cleaner1/2 cup baking soda 1 cup vinegar
Pour baking soda into drain followed by vinegar. Let it sit and fizz for 15 minutes, then rinse with hot or boiling water. May need to repeat or leave baking soda and vinegar in overnight.
Floor Sanitizer1/2 cup borax2 gallons hot water
In a bucket, mix borax with hot water. Apply with a mop or sponge. Rinsing is not necessary.
Soap Scum Remover
Sprinkle baking soda over surface, scrub with a cloth or sponge, and rinse. Vinegar or kosher salt also work.
Calcium or Lime Remover
For calcium or lime deposits on a chrome faucet, soak a towel in vinegar and wrap it around the faucet. Let it sit for a couple of hours or overnight.
Mold or Mildew Remover1/2 cup borax 1/2 cup vinegar
Mix to make a paste. Scrub with a brush or sponge and rinse with water. For tough mold, let it sit for an hour before rinsing with water.
Where to Find Ingredients at the Grocery Store Baking soda: baking sectionBorax: laundry sectionVegetable oil-based soaps: cleaner sectionVinegar: salad dressing section Essential oils: health food storesKosher salt: spice sectionAdditional TipsAdd a few drops of essential oil for fragrance and/or cleaning power. Eucalyptus, lavender, lemon, tea tree, and thyme are among the essential oils considered to be antiseptic and antibacterial.Using a label or permanent marker, write recipes directly on jars and bottles for future reference.
Do you have any bathroom cleaner recipes or tips to share? Leave a comment!
Re-edited from a post originally published as a Home Hack 2010-02-08 – AB
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