Television adverts for household cleaners are nothing short of convincing. We're consistently shown images of superheroes fighting some sort of bacterial monster, and the idea forms in our heads that using generic household cleaners is what's best for home and family.
Truth is though, most supermarket cleaners contain toxins that we are willingly (but not necessarily knowingly) ingesting on a daily basis in the name of hygiene. What are those toxins? The Environmental Working Group have put a helpful list together:
Thankfully, there are natural, home made alternatives that are just as effective as store bought brands. But why bother making your own? Well...
1. These DIY cleaners will have no negative effects on your health
2. They're nicer to the environment - no toxic sprays are released into the air
3. They're also less wasteful - you can use an old spray bottle to contain your formula
There are a couple of simple, non-toxic ingredients that you can buy around Bray, and they're some of the best grime busters around:
White vinegar: lifts grease & disinfects
Castile soap: lifts grease dirt
Baking soda: lifts grease & dirt, also bleaches surfaces
Lemon juice: disinfects & whitens
Essential oils: an optional addition that will give a nice scent to your cleaners, choose whichever scent you like
The only items that you would not be able to pick up in your local supermarket are castile soap and essential oils - both of which can be purchased at The Health Store on the Quinsborough Road.
Have a try of some of the following recipes and let us know what you think!
Multi-Purpose Cleaner
Take 3 parts filtered water
Add 1 part vinegar
Add 1-2 tsp lemon juice
Add (Optional) 5-7 drops essential oil
Pour mixture into a spray bottle and fill with hot water
Toilet Cleaner
Take 120 ml (or half a cup) of baking soda
Pour into the toilet with 10 drops of essential oil (optional deodoriser)
Pour 60 ml (or a quarter cup) of vinegar into the bowl & scrub
Washing-Up Liquid
Take 240 ml (or 1 cup) of liquid castile soap
Add 3 tbsp of water
Add to a bottle of your choice (you could use a water bottle and cut a hole in the lid) and shake well
What are your go-to household cleaner recipes?