Green cleaning products are much more readily available today than ever before.  You will find green cleaners on the shelves of grocery stores, discount stores, and just about everywhere else that sells cleaning supplies.  While this is a wonderful development for the environment and for the indoor air quality of your home, you might have noticed that many of these cleaners are rather expensive.  Fortunately, you can easily and cost-effectively make all the cleaners you typically should need.

Before “better living through chemistry” came along in the middle part of the last century, homes were cleaned, disinfected, and deodorized with simple ingredients, most of which were already in the house for other purposes.  These natural cleaners are as effective, and in some cases more effective, than commercially available cleaning products.  In addition, they pose no threat to your family or to the environment.  A quick look at my previous article on green cleaning provides an overview of some of the dangers of commercial cleaners.

Here’s a list of ingredients to keep on hand for making all the cleaners you’ll need:

• Distilled water
• Baking soda:  Because of its fine, gritty texture, it makes a wonderful mild abrasive that’s safe for just about any surface.  Baking soda is also weakly alkaline, thus it helps to neutralize acids and break down proteins.
• White vinegar:  It is an excellent disinfectant, killing 99 percent of bacteria, 82 percent of mold, and 80 percent of viruses. (1)
• Vegetable-based liquid soap, such as Dr. Bonner’s
• Tea tree oil:  It is a potent germicide, fungicide, and bactericide derived from the leaves of the melaleuca tree.
• Lavender essential oil:  It is a very robust antiseptic.
• Lemon essential oil (or any other scent you like)

The recipes:

General disinfectant:
2 cups water
1/4 cup white vinegar
1/4 tsp. tea tree oil
1/4 tsp. lavender oil

Store in a spray bottle and shake occasionally while using.  I use this on all surfaces in the bathroom and kitchen, though it can be used anywhere a disinfectant spray is needed.

Tub and tile cleaner:
1 2/3 cups baking soda
1/2 cup liquid soap
2 tbsp. white vinegar
1/2 cup water
A few drops of tea tree oil

Mix the baking soda and soap first, then add water, vinegar, and oil.  Store in a squirt top bottle and shake before using.  I also use this on the toilets, glass top stove, and porcelain sink. 

Glass cleaner:
1 1/2 cups white vinegar
1/2 cup water
8 drops essential oil (this is for scent only)

Put everything in a large spray bottle and shake well.  Spray and wipe dry with a lint-free cloth. 

Oven cleaner/pot and pan cleaner:
Baking soda
Water

Wet surface lightly, sprinkle with baking soda.  Let stand overnight.  You will still have to do some scrubbing but it should be considerably reduced.

Drain cleaner:
1 cup baking soda
1 cup white vinegar
Boiling water

Pour baking soda into clogged drain; try to get as much of it down the drain as you can.  Slowly add the vinegar. There will be a lot of fizzing and foaming; let it continue until finished.  Pour a pot of boiling water down the drain.  Repeat as needed.

Air fresheners:
Both vinegar and baking soda make wonderful air fresheners.  Just leave an opened container of either one in the offending room for a few hours. 

When you begin using natural cleaners, you’ll have to work a little more.  I’ve found cleaning on a regular basis—that is scrubbing the shower or toilet even if it doesn’t look as if it needs it—helps to cut the work.  Something you’ll notice right away is the lack of toxic fumes—no burning eyes or hands.  Your house will be clean without hurting your family or the environment.  Your children can help you clean without worrying about adverse side effects.  Once you start cleaning naturally, you’ll never go back to the chemical way.

Source:
(1)  http://www.ehow.com/how_4619829_make-natural-disinfectants.html