Simple Non-Toxic Household Cleaners

Non-toxic household cleaner formulations can be both simple and effective. They’re usually made up of only a few ingredients, many of which you probably already have on hand. These common and simple ingredients are the same ones our mothers or grandmothers also used for the same reason-they worked.

I used these simple non-toxic household cleaners years ago but gradually shifted away from them. I basically got lazy and then out of the habit of making them. It felt easier to just buy bottles of premade cleaners. Because of health concerns and greater awareness of the effects of chemicals in our water supply, I recently realized it’s time to get back to basics with household cleaners. And it really is so easy to do — which is perfect for home cleaners like me — conscious but reluctant.

I make it a point to remind myself that being an environmentally conscious consumer doesn’t have to be an all or nothing scenario. If you like the homemade all-purpose cleaner but prefer premade glass cleaner – that’s okay. Making some changes are better than making none at all. I personally haven’t been able to break my paper plates and paper towels habit. I have cut down considerably though—on the paper plates, that is. My paper towel use is an ongoing struggle. I’ll keep working on it!

Below are the basic ingredients found in these simple non-toxic household cleaners along with their functions:

1. 1. Pure soap – cleans *Pure soap comes in liquids, flakes, powders, or bars. It is free of synthetic detergents. I like Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Soap in lavender. Lavender not only smells good, it has disinfectant/antimicrobial properties.
   2. Baking soda – cleans, deodorizes, and softens water
   3. Borax – cleans, deodorizes, disinfects, and softens water
   4. Washing soda – cuts grease, removes stains, disinfects, and softens water
   5. Vinegar – cleans, cuts grease, loosens mineral deposits

Related: 3 Uses for Dr. Bronner’s Soap

Formulations:

1. All-Purpose Cleaner: Mix 2 tsp. borax and 2 tsp. soap into 1 quart of warm water.
2. Glass Cleaner: Mix 3 Tbsp. vinegar into 1 quart warm water.
3. Bathroom Cleaner: Mix 2 Tbsp. borax and 2 Tbsp. washing soda into 1 quart warm water.
4. Sink and Tub Scrub: Mix equal parts baking soda, washing soda, and borax.

Related: 10 Personal Care Uses for Baking Soda

TIP: Write the formulation recipe in permanent marker directly on the dispenser bottle.

What are some of your go-to house cleaning products? Let me know in the comments below – have you ever tried any of these kinds of cleaning recipes? What do you think?

This post contains affiliate links. Affiliate links help support From Under A Palm Tree and help pay for web hosting, email delivery, domain registration, and other various fees that help keep From Under A Palm Tree operational. We appreciate your support!

Lisa

Lisa is a mother of three lovely young women and is a new grandmother to a baby boy! She has been married to her high school sweetheart for more than thirty years. Lisa is originally from Dearborn Heights, Michigan, but has lived in the Tampa Bay area since 1984. Running a small business for over 25 years and raising a family has made for a busy, busy life with many ups and downs; it’s definitely been an adventure.

Lisa’s always involved in one project or another whether it’s work related or serving her community. She also recently went back to school to finish her bachelor’s degree in American Studies. Lisa tries to make every day a good day—that means learning something new, practicing kindness, and enjoying the present moment.