Simple Zero Waste Cleaning Recipes

Many cleaning products on the market today are full of synthetic fragrances and strong chemicals known to increase VOCs indoors.

However, when it comes to cleaning your home, less is often more. Did you know that soapy water is often sufficient enough to remove the majority of bacteria and viruses from surfaces?

You'll notice that several of these recipes contain some of the same ingredients to lower cleaning costs and keep things simple but effective without the harmful chemicals. Hello zero waste and hello extra dollars in your pocket. Happy Cleaning!

Stainless Steel Appliance Cleaner and Polish

What you'll need:

• Dish Soap
• Water
• Olive Oil

Dab a drop of dish soap on a damp cloth. Wipe the stainless steel until all residue is gone. Dish soap breaks down oils so this will help get rid of those annoying finger prints. Once the stainless steel is clean you can wipe to dry and then polish with olive oil.

To polish, dab a clean cloth in olive oil and wipe the cleaned surface in the direction of the grain. Wipe any excess oil off with a clean cloth. 

My husband and I recently renovated our kitchen. We repurposed an older stainless steel oven range hood which had a thick layer of grime and dust. I used this method and it looks brand new!

Oven Cleaner

What you'll need:

• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 3 tablespoons water or vinegar
• Compostable rubber gloves

Combine ingredients in a bowl to make a paste. Apply the paste to the inside of the oven, this can be the glass and/or metal parts (do not apply to heating coils). Let the paste sit for 15 minutes and then wipe up with water. Repeat the process for more stubborn grime. If you have an especially tough job, you can let the baking soda mixture sit for up to 12 hrs. Spray with vinegar and wipe away.

Or:

• 1 tbsp of oxy powder

For a non-toxic cleaning hack, make a paste with 1 tbsp of Oxygen Brightener and hot water, and apply with a sponge or cloth. Let it sit for a few hours and rinse off with a sponge or cloth wrung from clean water. The sodium percarbonate will oxidize the stain and lift off soil, while sodium carbonate will neutralize any fatty acid residue.

 

Floor Cleaner

What you'll need:

• 1 gallon of water
• 1-2 tablespoons castile soap or our dish soap
• 10 drops of essential oils if you'd like to add a scent

Mix ingredients in a bucket and mop.

 

Oxy Carpet Spot Remover

• 1 tbsp of oxy powder
• 16oz of water

Simply create a solution of 1 tablespoon of Oxy Powder per 16oz of water. Soak up any excess liquid before applying the solution to the stain. Use just enough solution to cover the stained area. Wait 1 to 5 minutes, and then soak up with a white towel. Repeat if necessary, and then rinse thoroughly with water and blot dry. Once the area is totally dry, hit it with the vacuum. 

 

Toilet Scrub

What you'll need:

• 2 cups warm water
• 3 tablespoons baking soda
• 1/4 cup castile soap

Combine ingredients in a container and shake well. Pour the mix in your toilet and let it sit for a few minutes or more before scrubbing.

Not up to DIYing? Try our new Bath and Kitchen Scrub!

Bathroom Grout:

Discoloration of tile grout can be caused by dirt, grime, spills, mold or mildew. To clean your grout, make a paste with 1 tbsp of oxy powder and hot water and scrub (with a little bit of elbow grease). We recommend avoiding using an abrasive sponge/scrubber that may scratch the grout. Use a clean, soft cloth and clean water to wipe. Rinse well.

Own our Stain Remover? We've found it works wonders on grout! 

Have a favorite simple and low waste cleaning recipe? Share it below in the comments!