cleaning recipes

Making your own cleaning products can save you buckets of money over the long run, and you'll most likely feel resourceful, creative and awesome while doing so. It's also great because: 

• it can reduce water pollution - no harmful sustances are going down the drain

• there's little to no packaging to recycle

• you'll know that your household surfaces are a lot safer (particularly important if you've got young children)

• if a product runs out, you can quickly make some more without needing to leave the house (assuming you buy in bulk!)

• less resources are needed to produce the handful of raw materials you need, versus the complex chemical cocktail of commercial cleaning products

• there's less products to clog up your laundry (baking soda can tackle almost any job!)

• you'll know exactly what's inside - no hidden surprises

• there's lots of anecdotal evidence that using natural cleaning solutions can help alleviate skin conditions and some allergies

• you can tailor them to suit your own preferences (hate the smell of lavender? Use peppermint or orange instead!)

• you might already have the ingredients you need at home

• sometimes the homemade version works more effectively than its supermarket counterpart!

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While I firmly believe making your own cleaning products can be quick and easy, sometimes the initial trial-and-error is time consuming and can be discouraging. I'd love to share my favourite cleaning recipes that I use within our home, to cut out some of the hard work for you. While my favourites may not be everyone else's, it will be a great place to start if you're new to this and keen to give it a go.  

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supplies

My cleaning recipes centre around a small number of ingredients, so there's not much to buy, and nothing goes to waste. While I've got a pretty good stash of essential oils now, when I first started out I bought just lavender and lemon, and that was all I needed to get going. The key ingredients you'll need to start are:

• Baking soda - you can buy it package-free from Bin Inn, or have a search for a local supplier on Trade Me. I buy 5kg for $12 from this seller on Trade Me (they're based in Palmerston North and allow pick-ups, so I don't need to pay for shipping). If you want to go super budget-friendly and have a few friends to share it between, you can purchase 25kg for $25 at NZ Farm Source 

• Soda ash - this is a fine powdered version of washing soda, which often comes in the form of larger crystals. I also purchase this from the Trade Me seller listed above, and I buy 5kg for $15. You could alternatively purchase it from Eco Freaks, which is a good option if you need to also purchase...

• Sodium percarbonate (oxygen bleach) - I buy this from Eco Freaks

• Liquid castile soap - I buy this from either Pure Nature or Go Native

• Essential oils of your choice - I also purchase these from Pure Nature or Go Native

• Citric acid, if you want to make dishwasher powder - I get mine from a local bulk foods retailer Davis Trading. This is readily available, but if you struggle to find it, Eco Freaks also sells it

• Cleaning soap, for dishwashing detergent or washing powder. I currently use Sunlight Soap, however once my current box has been used up I will be switching to Aoraki Natural's Coconut Oil Laundry Soap. I have chosen to avoid palm oil (which is in Sunlight Soap) and I am also keen to support a small NZ- made business

• Large jars - either reuse what you already have, buy a few from your local op shop, or have look at Arthur Holmes 

• Vinegar - I either buy a 2L bottle of Pams vinegar from the supermarket, or get it refilled at Bin Inn

• Borax - not essential, but you if you want to give this a whirl as an alternative option listed in some of the recipes below, you can purchase it from Eco Freaks or off Trade Me

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Dishwashing detergent

• 3 cups boiling water

• 1/2 cup soap (grated, tightly-packed)

Combine, lightly swirl for around 10 seconds and set aside for 5-10 minutes. Once all the soap has dissolved (you may need to gently stir it again), add to the mixture:

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• 1/2 cup liquid castile soap

• 40 drops essential oil (I use lemon and lime)

• 2 Tbsp soda ash/washing soda

Stir to combine. After you add the washing soda, the mixture will begin to solidify. Pour into a large jar and leave it to fully set without a lid on. To use, just dissolve a heaped Tbsp into a sink of hot water.

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This recipe is originally based on this one by Mommy Potamus.

Dishwasher Powder

The right recipe depends a lot on the type of water you have. This one works best for us in Palmerston North, but I'll also include a variation underneath.

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In a large jar, combine:

• 1 cup soda ash (washing soda)

• 1 cup baking soda

• 1/4 cup citric acid

• 1/4 cup salt

• 10 drops lemon or orange essential oil (optional)

Give it a good shake and use 1 Tbsp per load.

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If that doesn't do it for you, try this one from Wellness Mama:

• 1/2 cup borax

• 1/2 cup soda ash (washing soda)

• 1/4 cup citric acid

• 1/4 cup salt

• 5 drops lemon or orange essential oil (optional)

​Give it a good shake and use 1 Tbsp per load.

All-purpose cleaning spray

There are a million different ways to make your own Spray and Wipe, but these two are my regular go-to versions:

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Option 1 - Baking Soda

Combine in a spray bottle:

• 500ml water

• 1 tsp liquid castile soap

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 15 drops of essential oil (I use lavender, peppermint or orange)

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Option 2 - Borax and Washing Soda

Combine in a spray bottle:

• 500ml water

• 1 tsp borax

• 1/2 tsp washing soda

• 1 tsp liquid castile soap

• Essential oils: 4 drops lemon, 4 drops lavender, 10 drops orange

This recipe is by Wellness Mama - check her out, she's got some amazing resources!

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Antibacterial spray

I spray this concoction inside the nappy bucket after it has been wiped, over the toilet once it has been cleaned, and inside the laundry tub. It is designed to be sprayed onto the surface and left to set (you don't need to wipe away).

Combine in a spray bottle:

• 1/2 cup vinegar

• 1/2 cup water

• 25 drops tea tree essential oil

• 25 drops lavender essential oil

Still to come...

• Goo-Be-Gone by 1 Million Women

• Peppermint Toilet Scrub by Wendyl Nissen 

• Baking soda "Jif"

• Laundry soak (washing soda)

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