Preparedness
Craft Homemade Cleaners for a Self-Sufficient, Healthier Home
Becoming more self-sufficient is a key goal for many homesteaders, and it goes beyond just cultivating your own food. A significant aspect of this lifestyle involves reducing reliance on commercial supply chains and big retail stores. One practical way to achieve this is by crafting your own cleaning products from scratch. This approach not only cuts costs but also gives you control over the ingredients you use in your home.
Creating your own cleaning solutions allows you to avoid the mysterious chemicals often found in store-bought products. Instead, you can opt for safe, effective alternatives made with ingredients likely already stocked in your pantry, such as baking soda, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, natural soap, and essential oils.
To help you embark on this journey, we’ll introduce you to four essential DIY cleaning products every homestead should have. An all-purpose cleaner is a staple in any household. Yet, many commercial options contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful. Fortunately, you can make a safe and effective all-purpose cleaning spray using natural ingredients.
Vinegar is a common component in these cleaners, known for its ability to clean counters, glass, and showers efficiently. According to Misfit Gardening, you can create an All-Purpose Vinegar Cleaning Spray by mixing 13 oz of hot water, 1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar (5%), 10 drops of lavender, and 20 drops of lemon or another citrus essential oil in a spray bottle. Simply spray the solution on the desired surface and wipe it away with a clean cloth.
Sometimes, more robust cleaning solutions are necessary, especially for kitchen mishaps. For those tougher jobs, Real Simple offers a recipe for a Heavy-Duty Kitchen Cleaning Solution. Combine the ingredients in a bowl, apply the mixture to the surface using the gritty side of a double-sided kitchen sponge, and scrub away.
Bathrooms also require specific cleaning solutions for areas like toilet bowls, sinks, and showers. The Homestead Challenge provides a recipe for a Toilet Bowl Cleaner. Mix the ingredients in a large bowl or jar, pour it into the toilet, and let it sit for five minutes before flushing.
For tackling mold and mildew in the bathroom, Real Simple suggests a Mold and Mildew Cleaner. Combine water and tea-tree oil in a spray bottle, shake well, and spray generously on moldy areas. Let it sit for 24 hours. Then, mix 1/4 cup of baking soda with the solution to form a paste, apply it with a toothbrush, scrub, and rinse.
Lastly, homemade laundry detergent can significantly cut down on costs. Better Homes and Gardens shares a recipe for creating your own detergent and rinse aid. Grate a bar of laundry soap to yield about 2 cups of grated soap, or use soap flakes if available. Mix all the ingredients in a large container and store them in a lidded jar. For a light load, use 2 tablespoons; for a large or dirty load, use 4 tablespoons. Wash as usual. For the rinse cycle, add the essential oil drops to a container of vinegar and use ¼ cup.
By making your own cleaning products, you not only embrace the homesteading ethos of self-sufficiency but also ensure a healthier home environment.
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