Natural Cleaners

Natural Cleaners

Clean your whole house without smelly fumes or harsh chemicals.
Studio 5 Contributor, Teresa Hunsaker, says DIY natural cleaners are
inexpensive, environmentally friendly and they really work!

Every now and then it is nice to know that you can rely on a few options for
replacing commercial cleaners and still have a great end result; saving money
and “going green”.


Disinfectant Wipes

1 cup witch hazel (can also use plain white vinegar—it is a disinfectant)

½ cup water

1 tsp tea tree oil (a natural disinfectant)

Castile soap or liquid hand dish detergent -a few squirts…optional

Paper towels (heavy duty works best)

Cut paper towels in half. Place in a stack in an airtight plastic container—like
a Rubbermaid type. Mix solution together in a mixing bowl and pour over
paper towels.

Instead of the paper towels, to save on paper in the landfills, cut up an old
white tee shirt into usable size squares…these work great and can be
laundered with great success for use over and over again.

Homemade Liquid Dishwashing Detergent

1/3 cup soap flakes

2 1/3 cup hot water

1/3 glycerin

3-4 drops lemon essential oil (grapefruit, lime, or orange)

In medium mixing bowl combine soap flakes and hot water (hot is key here).
Stir until the flakes dissolve. Cool 10 minutes. Add in the glycerin and
essential oils. Stir well. Place in a 10 ounce pump bottle.

“Soft Scrub” for Tubs and Sinks

2 cups baking soda
½ cup liquid castile soap (soap made from vegetable oil, not animal)*
4 teaspoons vegetable glycerin (acts as a preservative)
5 drops antibacterial essential oil such as lavender, tea tree, rosemary or any
scent you prefer (optional)

Homemade Dishwasher Detergent

¼ cup borax

¼ cup baking soda

¼ cup citric acid

1 TBS salt

6-8 drops essential oil of your choice…I like citrus ones

Stainless Steel Sink Cleaner

2 TBS cream of tarter

2 tsp hydrogen peroxide

Mix together in a small bowl to form a paste. With a soft rag spread on sink.
Let dry, then wash off with water and polish with a soft dry cloth.



If you have any questions, contact Teresa Hunsaker at the Family and
Consumer Science Education Department at the Weber County USU Extension
office at (801) 399-8203 or online at extension.usu.edu/webe
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