Non-Toxic Cleaner Recipes

Isn’t it ironic that many of the products that we use for cleaning can be a large source of toxins that are dirtying up our bodies? Not only can they be poisonous in large amounts (if accidentally consumed or inhaled), but low-level use can contribute to chronic toxic exposures that can play a major influence on your brain and overall body health.

You can clean almost everything in your home with only a few basic ingredients:

• White Vinegar
• Baking Soda
• Washing Soda
• Castile Soap
• Borax
• Hydrogen Peroxide
• Essential Oils

Castile Soap

Castile soap is kind of a do-it-all product. It’s a non-toxic, environmentally friendly, vegetable-based soap traditionally made with olive oil, but now also sometimes made with other healthy oils like coconut, castor, hemp, avocado, walnut, or almond oil. It’s versatile enough that you can use it for cleaning yourself, your house, your pets, and even your car! Castile soap is available in both bar and liquid varieties.

Liquid castile soap can replace many different liquid soaps and can be used as a base for others. Dr. Bronner’s is one of the most popular brands. You can find castile soap in most health food and grocery stores or use our Amazon affiliate links below to purchase online.

You can dilute castile soap with water (1:1 ratio) in a foaming hand soap container. Add 2-3 drops of tea tree, citrus, or lavender essential oils to make it smell nice and add (non-toxic) antibacterial properties.

• 1 1/2 cups of hot water
• 1/2 cup liquid castile soap
• 2 tbsp standard white vinegar or 1 tbsp of cleaning vinegar
• 1 tbsp washing soda

You can also add essential oils with anti-bacterial qualities like the following:

• 5 drops tea tree or eucalyptus essential oil
• 5 drops of lemon, grapefruit, or wild orange essential oil
• 5 drops of lavender essential oil

Mix all ingredients and allow to cool before adding to a soap dispenser.

You can use this all-purpose cleaning spray for everything from countertops to toilets.

• 1 cup of hot water
• 1 cup white distilled vinegar or 1/2 cup of cleaning vinegar
• 5 drops of lemon, grapefruit, wild orange, or On Guard essential oil

Mix all ingredients and add to a glass spray bottle. The vinegar smell is strong when you first spray it, but it quickly dissipates, leaving the citrus scent from your essential oils. Avoid using on natural stone countertops as the vinegar can cause pitting over time.

There are also plenty of ready-made non-toxic cleaning options available. Here are some of our favorites: