Making your own cleaning solutions using ingredients from your pantry (or medicine cabinet) can be an easy and inexpensive way to clean your home without harsh chemicals. But if you've ever wondered whether these solutions really work or whether mixing certain ingredients is chemically safe, you've come to the right place. These important questions need to be answered before we start making our own sprays and varnishes.
I thought there was no better person than a chemist to ask about the effectiveness of popular homemade cleaning solutions. So I contacted Jamie Mitri, chemical and environmental engineer, founder and CEO of MossPure, to find out more . "The first thing you need to know when making your own cleaning solution is that you should always make sure the percentages of your products are set," says Mitri. "Too much or too little of something in a mixture can reduce its effectiveness, damage certain surfaces, and more."
If you're experimenting with homemade cleaning solutions, Mitri recommends doing thorough research so you don't accidentally mix two ingredients that can produce toxic gases. Acids and bases should not be combined, such as baking soda and vinegar, the same goes for lemon juice and hydrogen peroxide . It's also important to know which ingredients and products are safe to use on specific surfaces to avoid irreparable damage: "Just as you would check the washing instructions for a new shirt, you should do your best to follow the instructions and recommendations provided by the Manufacturer's care and maintenance must be observed. Pay attention to certain surfaces," he says.
She even reviewed eight of the most popular DIY cleaning solutions to reveal which ones are safe and effective, and which ones could put your family at risk. So before you get out your bucket, let's take a look.
1. Furniture polish: olive oil + vinegar + lemon juice
- Rating: 2/10
Most furniture polishes are made with harsh chemicals that can cause skin irritation. Therefore, making your own polishes with natural ingredients seems like a safe idea. Right? Although this furniture polish is made from natural household ingredients, Mitri cautions against using this solution on certain surfaces, including wood and metal. "Olive oil is quite slippery and greasy on wood, which can be annoying when used indoors and can also corrode metal," he says. "A few drops of castile soap mixed with water is more effective and versatile."
2. Emollients: White vinegar + water + vegetable glycerin + essential oils
- Rating: 3/10
If you prefer liquid fabric softener, you may have used this combination on wash day. However, this is forbidden for Mitri. "Although I probably wouldn't use it, it might have some effect, and ultimately it depends on my preferences," he says. "Warm water, castile soap and essential oils are a better alternative."
3. Window cleaner: vinegar + water + isopropyl alcohol
- Rating: 4/10
Although we love this homemade window cleaner , Mitri was hesitant when he heard the ingredients list. Although this recipe only calls for three tablespoons of white vinegar (plus one cup of distilled water and ¼ cup of isopropyl alcohol), it's best to use an even smaller amount of vinegar to start with, as it may cause your windows to fog up.
4. All-purpose cleaner: citrus peel + vinegar + water + castile soap
- Rating: 5/10
This homemade cleaning spray uses half a cup of distilled white vinegar with citrus peel, a cup of water, and a teaspoon of castile soap. According to Mitri, the effectiveness of this solution is primarily due to the cleaning power of the foam contained in the soap. This can be helpful on some surfaces, such as kitchen or bathroom countertops. However, we recommend reading the manufacturer's instructions, especially on wooden surfaces with a protective coating, as vinegar and citrus can be too abrasive and cause damage.
5. Shower cleaner: hydrogen peroxide + isopropyl alcohol + dish soap + water
- Rating: 6/10
Although Mitri was hesitant about the effectiveness of this daily shower cleaner , he ultimately recommended using it occasionally rather than for a deep clean due to its harsh chemical properties. "Shower and bath cleaners should definitely contain an antibacterial agent such as hydrogen peroxide," he says.
6. Carpet and mattress deodorizer: baking soda + essential oils
- Rating: 9/10
I use baking soda almost everywhere in my house, including the sink, living room carpet, and mattress . Mitri raves about this combination, but only with natural essential oils (synthetic oils can discolor carpets). She also recommends trying this solution as a natural fabric softener and deodorizer.
7. Dishwasher Cleaner Bombs: Baking Soda + Essential Oils + Hydrogen Peroxide
- Rating: 9/10
Your dishwasher needs regular care and maintenance. So if you are looking for a natural and easy to make dishwasher cleaner , Mitri says YES to this homemade solution. To make these bombs, mix two cups of baking soda, three tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide, and 10 to 20 drops of your favorite essential oil (though Mitri says you can skip it if you're sensitive) to form wet sand. Place it on a sheet of baking paper and let it dry overnight. The next day, your dishwasher pumps will be ready to use - just add one or two to your next load and watch the magic happen.
8. Garbage bombs: baking soda + salt + lemon + dish soap
- Rating: 10/10
If there's one DIY cleaning solution that Mitri is most excited about, it's these trash bombs and the many ways to customize them. Lemon, he says, leaves a pleasant scent, while baking soda and dish soap remove dirt and odors. "This is a great option for cleaning up trash , and you can even use cold water or ice and lemon slices," she says. "Cold water that goes down the drain works better than hot water because the heat eliminates odors and makes them last longer."
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