The Benefits of Creating Your Own Eco Friendly Cleaning Products at Home

Let's face it, if you are going to buy "eco friendly cleaning products" at the end of the day you have no idea what is in it whether it says eco friendly or not. To be confident you are truly using an eco friendly product is to make one yourself. Surely you have glanced at the ingredient list on your cleaning products? It sounds like a pain in the arse and time consuming but to truly understand the unnecessary crap in these products that can be harmful to you and the environment is to take a moment to look up what each individual ingredient is. You may be surprised to find harsh chemicals that can harm your health and the environment. As more people are starting to understand the health benefits of sustainable living, creating your own eco-friendly cleaning products should become a way of life not just a trend. Why wouldn't you want to clean your home with simple, natural ingredients that are effective, cost-efficient, and safe for you and your family. Let's explore explore why you should start making your own cleaning products today and how easy it is to use ingredients like bicarbonate of soda to elevate and improve your cleaning routine.

Why Aren't You Making Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products?

Many people still opt for store-bought cleaning solutions, unaware of the benefits they miss out on by not creating their own. The convenience of ready-made eco friendly cleaning products can often blind you to the better alternatives available. With the busy and stressful lifestyles that people have making your own eco friendly cleaning product sounds like effort and another task to do which puts us into can't be arsed mode and its easier just to buy one. Because a product says eco friendly on the label we don't bother to check how eco friendly it actually is.

So let me give you a scenario

You are running late for work or rushing to get home to watch the next episode of your favourite soap and you hit mega traffic. You have two options...option 1. Take the short cut which has a high risk of being car jacked or option 2. Stay in your current situation and ride it out.

Most people would say option 2. If you said option 1 I only have one word for you = crackers

So anyway my point is you would not take a short cut if you know there is even the slightest chance of putting yourself in harms way so why would you take shortcuts to risk your health?

There is a common belief that homemade products are less effective. Research shows that natural ingredients can outperform chemical-laden products. For example, a study found that vinegar can kill 82% of mould spores as well as kill bacteria and treat yeast infections according to news medical.net . With the right ingredients, you can whip up eco friendly cleaning solutions in a jiffy.

The fear of complexity can stop people from trying DIY cleaning. However, the reality is that most recipes use two to three ingredients, making them quite easy to make, however lets be honest, one of the reasons many are not fussed about using bicarbonate of soda is because it does not really have a smell to it and we all want our homes to smell nice. So basically you would rather inhale all sorts of crap everyday for a scent that lasts an hour.

Hack, use your bicarb and get some lovely flowers to create beautiful long lasting scents in your home. Alternatively you can jazz up your bicarbonate of soda with essential oils.

Lastly, many remain uninformed about the toxic substances in commercial cleaners. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that many cleaning products contain substances that can cause eye, skin irritation, headaches, and even respiratory irritation. Crafting your own formulas allows you to avoid these harmful chemicals altogether, paving the way for a healthier home.

The Benefits of Making Your Own Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products

1. Healthier Home Environment

One of the most crucial advantages of DIY eco-friendly cleaning products is the benefit to your health. A study by the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology indicated that exposure to common cleaning chemicals may exacerbate asthma symptoms. By substituting these harmful substances with natural ingredients like vinegar and baking soda, you can reduce these risks and cultivate a cleaner space for everyone, including pets.

2. Cost-Effective Solutions

Making your own cleaning products can lead to substantial savings. The average family spends about £150 annually on household cleaning products. By purchasing just a few key ingredients—like 5 litres of vinegar for around £16 and a box of bicarbonate of soda for less than a fiver you can create several different cleaning solutions. Imagine making a multi-surface cleaner, a glass cleaner, and a bathroom scrub for a fraction of your current cleaning product costs.

3. Environmental Impact

Creating your own cleaning products significantly cuts down on your environmental footprint. The EPA estimates that about 30 million tons of plastic waste goes to landfills annually, with a significant portion being cleaning product packaging. By using refillable containers for your homemade solutions, you can help mitigate this issue. Homemade cleaners also release fewer harmful chemicals into water systems, supporting the health of aquatic environments. For instance, products made with biodegradable ingredients can break down naturally without leaving harmful residues.

4. Customisation

When you make your own cleaning products, you're in control of every component. You can experiment with different scents, using essential oils to create a cleaning product that not only cleans but also smells delightful. If you find that lemon oil invigorates your senses, add a few drops to your all-purpose cleaner. On the other hand, if you have reactions to certain fragrances, you can easily tailor your solutions to fit your needs. Customisation allows you to create cleaning products that work for you and your family.

5. Empowerment and Knowledge

Making your own cleaning products enables you to understand what’s in your cleaners and how they work. This information empowers you to make healthier choices not just for cleaning but in other areas of your life, including personal care and food choices. For example, becoming more engaged with ingredient lists may inspire you to cook more from scratch or explore other sustainable practices.

What Bicarbonate of Soda Can Do for Cleaning Your Home

Bicarbonate of soda, or baking soda, is a superstar when it comes to cleaning. Here are some effective uses for this household staple:

1. Deodorising Power

Bicarbonate of soda is a highly effective natural deodorizer. For instance, placing an open box in your refrigerator can absorb odours, keeping your food fresh. For carpets, sprinkle a light dusting of soda and let it sit for 15-30 minutes before vacuuming to lift stubborn smells.

2. Stain Removal

This ingredient is a powerhouse when it comes to tackling stains. To remove carpet stains, create a paste with bicarbonate soda and water, apply it to the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub gently. This method can reduce the chances of any permanent marks on your carpet or upholstery.

3. Cleaning Surfaces

Bicarbonate soda serves as a gentle abrasive cleaner, making it perfect for scrubbing countertops, sinks, and bathrooms without scratching surfaces. Simply sprinkle some on the surface, use a damp cloth or sponge to scrub, and rinse thoroughly for a sparkling clean.

4. Unclogging Drains

If your drains are sluggish, bicarbonate soda can help clear them. Pouring half a cup of baking soda followed by half a cup of vinegar can create a fizzing action in your pipes. After 30 minutes, flush with hot water to help eliminate build up likely caused by grease or soap.

5. Freshening Laundry

Add half a cup of bicarbonate soda to your laundry to enhance the detergent's effectiveness. It helps neutralize odours, leaving your clothes smelling fresh without the use of artificial fragrances.

Eco-friendly cleaning essentials, including biodegradable gloves, a non-toxic spray bottle, and sustainable scrubbers, ready to keep your space spotless and green.

Embrace Eco-Friendly Cleaning Today

Making your own eco-friendly cleaning products is a fantastic way to promote a healthier living environment and reduce your impact on the planet. With simple ingredients like bicarbonate of soda, you can effectively tackle a range of cleaning tasks while saving money. Even the busiest households are taking 5 mins to make their own eco friendly cleaning products to improve their lives.

Why not take the first step toward a greener lifestyle? With a little creativity and just a few basic ingredients, you can transform your cleaning routine into a sustainable practice that benefits both your home and the Earth.

Lost in the gentle embrace of nature, finding peace as the sun sets.