Whether you’re trying to minimize your carbon footprint or are concerned about the effect harsh chemicals may have on your family’s health, switching to natural bathroom cleansers is a great choice. Although there are tons of “green” bathroom products available in stores, in most cases it’s cheaper and more effective to make them on your own. And, chances are, your kitchen cupboard is already stocked with many of the ingredients. From cleansers made with grapefruits and lemons to vinegar and baking soda, here are some of our favorite natural and homemade bathroom cleansers.
Grapefruit & Salt Tub Cleaner
If your bathtub has unflattering rings or rust that won’t go away, try this grapefruit/salt combo on the grime. All you’ll need is one grapefruit and ¼ cup coarse kosher salt. One medium to large grapefruit will clean your entire bath or shower from top to bottom, including the fixtures. Depending on the space and severity of the grime, use a half a grapefruit or more than one grapefruit. Once you’ve cut the grapefruit in half, sprinkle the top liberally with salt. Wet your bathtub, and sprinkle the remaining salt around the bottom. From there, use the grapefruit to scrub around the tub, making sure to “juice” the grapefruit over the fixtures while picking up spare salt along the way. Once you’re done, rinse away the pulp, juice, and toss the grapefruit in the trash.
Baking Soda & Vinegar Tile Cleaner
To make a daily-use tub and tile cleaner on your own, all you’ll need is baking soda, lemon juice, salt, dishwashing liquid, and vinegar. Mix ¾ cup baking soda, ¼ cup lemon juice, 3 tablespoons salt, 3 tablespoons dishwashing liquid, and ½ cup vinegar in a large bowl. Mix together and pour the mixture into a plastic container. When you’re ready to use the cleanser, simply shake and/or pour a small amount onto a rag or directly onto the area to be cleaned. Scrub and rinse with a wet rag. Note: if you’d like the cleanser to smell like oranges, lemons, or your favorite scent, add ten drops of essential oil once the liquid has been mixed.
Baking Soda Air Freshener
If you’re tired of using bottle after bottle of air freshener, try adding a simple, natural scent to your bathroom with a basic baking soda-based room freshener. All you’ll need is a mason jar, ½ cup of baking soda, essential oil of your preference, and a tapestry needle. Simply pour ½ cup of baking soda into the Mason jar and add 8-12 drops of essential oil of your choice. If you’re unsure about how much essential oil you should be using, start off by adding less oil. If it’s not strong enough to scent the room, add more. Poke holes in the lid with the needle, and you’re good to go. If you’d like to improve the look of the Mason jar, glue some pretty, designed paper to the top of the lid or tie a bow around the neck of the jar.
DIY Foaming Hand Wash
Finally, if the frequent trips to Bath & Body Works are breaking the bank, you can make your own DIY foaming hand wash using unscented castile soap, coconut oil, and essential oils. Here’s how: add 2 tablespoons of castile soap and 2 teaspoons of fractionated coconut oil into an empty foaming soap container (if you don’t have one on hand, they’re available for purchase online), add 10-15 drops of essential oil, and fill the rest of the bottle with water, leaving enough room for the pump to be inserted. Screw on the pump, shake gently, and say hello to your very own DIY foaming hand wash. Note: the holidays are right around the corner, and this makes a great, homemade gift for virtually any friend, family member, or co-worker.