This is the third and final post in a series intended to help you build up a nontoxic cleaning arsenal. I've now shared a total of six different recipes for household cleaning sprays - Don't worry, just because this series is ending does not mean that DIY cleaning posts are done! There will most certainly be more on their way, but getting these six sprays together and putting them to use in your home is an excellent start at saving money and turning your cleaning routine into a happy, healthy, VOC-free process. Today's sprays can be put to use all around the house - Here are the materials you'll need:
- Spray bottles: This six-pack works perfectly for the sprays in this series, and the nozzles last for ages. Your empty spray bottles from store-bought sprays are also a great option, though they may not spray as nicely for as long.
- Dr. Bronner's Castille Soap: Oh how I love my Dr. Bronner's - This post goes through many of the wonderful uses of this gentle cleaning agent, which is the main active ingredient in both of today's sprays. You can stock up on it here.
- Peppermint oil: Thanks to a brief stint in the pest control industry, my husband learned that spiders do not enjoy the aroma of peppermint oil, so we started using it in our pest repellant spray. A quick Google search will show you that we aren't the only ones who have discovered this! Peppermint oil is included in this fantastic little essential oils kit.
- Water: Nice and simple :)
DIY Cleaning Spray #5: Hardwood and Tile Floor Cleaner
This spray can also be used on linoleum, vinyl, or any other hard floor surface. I use this cleaner in my microfiber spray mop, which gets used every single day and is one of my all-time favorite cleaning purchases. Use this cleaner in a regular spray bottle with any Swiffer-style mop to get the same effect, and if you love it and use it often, I highly recommend a spray mop to make your life easier.
Instructions:
1. Fill your spray bottle one-eighth of the way with Dr. Bronner's (to the 4-ounce line if you're using the 32-ounce bottles)...
2. ...and fill the rest of the way with water! Spritz across the floor before "swiffering" - No need to rinse
DIY Cleaning Spray #6: Spider/Pest Repellant
Spiders are my arch-nemesis. We spritz this around our windows and doors about once a week during the summer and fall, and it makes our home a much less desirable hangout for spiders, ants, and other insects.
Instructions:
1. Fill your spray bottle around one-tenth of the way with Dr. Bronner's (to about the 3-ounce line in a 32-ounce bottle - no need to be super precise)
2. Fill the rest of the way with water
3. Add 10-15 drops of peppermint oil
4. Give the bottle a good shake before each use and spray weekly in any areas of concern
This concludes the series! You now have six versatile sprays that will leave your home clean and pure instead of adding toxic chemicals. There's a big financial bonus to greening up your cleaning as well - Check out the material costs for each of the cleaners in this series (approx. costs for 32 ounces each using the specific products I've mentioned, not including spray bottles):
All-Purpose Surface Cleaner: $0.45
Disinfectant: $1.00
Shower Scrubbing Spray: $2.60
Glass and Mirror Cleaner: $0.25
Hardwood and Tile Floor Cleaner: $2.00
Spider/Pest Repellant: $1.80
If you missed it, pop back to Part 1 and Part 2 for more DIY cleaning recipes!
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*In this post, I've linked to products in the Harmless Home Amazon Shop, an Amazon.com storefront curated by me, filled with products that I use and love. I'll always let you know if there is a cheaper place to find any of the products I recommend. When you add items to your cart and check out via the Harmless Home shop, you'll be taken back to the main Amazon.com site and will make your purchase there, but a portion of the proceeds from your sale will support this blog. You pay Amazon.com prices, Amazon manages your order, and Harmless Home gets a little love - It's a win-win :) For free 2-day shipping, sign up for a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime here.
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Thanks for the expense overview. I know now how much will be the cost for those cleaning supplies because we usually render a commercial cleaning services.
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