Submitted by Sarah Neal, Haddam Sustainability Committee
(October 4, 2022) — Many conventional cleaning products on the market today contain toxic ingredients which are harmful to humans, pets, and the planet. As an alternative, you can make safe, effective cleaning products at home, and most require only three or four ingredients, which can be purchased for a fraction of the cost of conventional products. If you are going to purchase spray bottles for the cleaners, consider glass ones so you save the planet from more plastic.
Here are a few basic recipes, which are from Julia Watkins’ book Simply Living Well or theecohub.com. Ingredients such as essential oils and Castile soap are available at health food stores or online. Note that all your cleaners should be labeled and stored in a safe place, away from children and pets. More recipes for DIY cleaning products can be found on the Facebook page for the Haddam Sustainability Committee.
All-Purpose Cleaner 1 – In a spray bottle, mix equal parts water and distilled white vinegar. Add 10 drops of lemon or orange essential oils if desired. Not for use on granite or marble counter tops or on hardwood floors.
All–Purpose Cleaner 2 – In a spray bottle, mix 1 cup water and 1 tablespoon liquid Castile soap. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil if desired. Can be used on all surfaces.
Drain Cleaner – Pour ½ cup baking soda followed by 1 cup distilled white vinegar down the drain and wait a few minutes. (You will see a chemical reaction here!) Then pour boiling water down the drain.
Photo by Sarah Neal
