Greenwashing is pervasive in all sectors of products, even cleaning supplies. Even when you know exactly what to look for, companies can easily swap chemicals in their ingredients lists for lesser known but just as if not more harmful ingredients–it’s a sneaky trick that allows them to add an amalgamation of ingredients that may be harmful to the environment, particularly fragrances. Labeling such as “all natural” or “organic” or “toxin free” may also be misleading and an inaccurate representation of what the product truly contains. The only way to know for sure exactly what’s going into the products that you’re using to clean your own home and space is to make the products yourself! What better way to freshen your space, save money, and keep your cleaning all natural? Use these following, simple recipes the next time you go to clean your home, sustainable style:
1) All Purpose Cleaner
Mix the following ingredients in a glass or reusable spray bottle for easy cleaning!
- 2 cups white vinegar
- 2 cups water
- Essential oils (i.e. lemon, orange, eucalyptus, lavender, tea tree, thieves, peppermint, etc.)
2) Bathroom Soft Scrub
Mix the following until smooth and creamy and use with a sustainable brush!
- ¼ cup baking soda
- 1 tablespoon liquid Castile soap
- Distilled white vinegar (to desired consistency)
3) Carpet Refresher
Mix the following and let sit overnight after sprinkling over carpet with a reusable carpet shaker, then vacuum the next day!
- 1 cup baking soda
- 10 drops essential oil
4) Silver Cleaner
Mix the following, rub on silver (pro tip: use microfiber cloth), and rinse and dry with a cloth to restore the shine!
- ¾ cup baking soda
- ¼ cup water
5) Towel Freshener
Mix the following and add generously to a load of old or smelly towels to boost both scent and softness!
- One cup baking soda
- One cup vinegar
6) Goo Remover
Mix the following and rub on sticky labels or any residue with a microfiber cloth to remove unwanted goo!
- ½ cup borax
- ¼ cup water
Bonus tip: run one cup of distilled white vinegar through your coffee maker as needed to deep clean and remove bacteria and grime. We hope that these tips will help you create a squeaky clean and sustainable lifestyle!
Photo by everdrop GmbH on Unsplash
Written by Carole Wilay (’25)
When it comes to keeping the home clean, sometimes natural is better. You can use this citrus-infused vinegar all-purpose cleaner on most surfaces except natural stone, cast iron, aluminum, or wax. Shake before use .