Homemade Cleaning Supplies for the Kitchen
Baking soda is a natural cleaning essential that powers away stains and removes odors. For a fresher, cleaner kitchen, combine:
- 4 tablespoons baking soda
- 1 quart of warm water
This formula is safe enough to use near food. Mix it up and add it to your stock of homemade cleaning supplies.
Hand Sanitizer
Another easy-to-make homemade cleaning product is hand sanitizer. If you read the ingredients list for many store-bought hand sanitizers, you’ll see they’re filled with complex chemicals. When you make your hand sanitizer, you have control over its content.
Another reason to make your own hand sanitizer is to ensure it is strong enough to be effective. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that hand sanitizers contain at least 60% alcohol.
Mix together the following for a quick, natural way to keep your hands clean:
- 2 ounces isopropyl alcohol with a concentration greater than 90%
- 1 ounce of aloe vera gel
- 3-4 drops essential oil
All-Purpose Cleaning Spray
All-purpose cleaning spray is a convenient way to keep multiple surfaces in your home clean. Many commercially-available brands contain artificial colors, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and chemical fragrances.
Combine the following in a spray bottle, store it in a cool, dark place for one week, and remove the solids before use:
- 1 lemon rind
- 3-4 rosemary sprigs
- 16 ounces white vinegar
- 16 ounces water
Storing Homemade Cleaning Supplies
Since homemade cleaning supplies don’t contain artificial preservatives, they must be stored in a cool, dark place out of the reach of children. With the exception of homemade hand sanitizer, they should be used within a couple of weeks. Mix a new batch of cleaners a couple of times a month and you’ll be good to go! Using homemade cleaning products is a safe and effective way for everyone to maintain a healthier home.
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