#lowtoxic

There are many ways to approach all purpose cleaners. Technically you could use just water to clean something. As long as there's no grease or dirt particles on something it is clean, but that doesn't mean we should really be comfortable with that level of clean 😂 I use vinegar most often because it's the most simple, but I have a few recipes to choose from.

Vinegar Cleaner:

This really is the most simple option, but that doesn't mean it doesn't work extremely well!

1 part Vinegar (I love infused vinegar)

1 part Water

15 drops Essential Oil (optional, if using infused vinegar you may not find this necessary)

Castile Soap Cleaner:

If you don't feel like things are clean without a bit of soap this recipe is perfect for you! It's still incredibly simple to make.

2 cup Filtered Water

2-4 tablespoons Castile Soap

15 drops of whatever essential oil (optional, if you buy a scented castile soap you might not find this necessary)

These are great cleaners for basic cleaning to get the grime off, but neither have real sanitizing power. Isopropyl alcohol (also called rubbing alcohol) is amazing for disinfecting.

Disinfecting Cleaner:

This is great for cleaning with a bit of disinfecting power, but this is also an amazing glass cleaner!

1 cup Filtered Water

1/2 cup Vinegar

1/2 cup Isopropyl Alcohol

Vinegar is one of the best all purpose cleaners in my opinion. I use it all over my house. I'm used to the smell after years of using it for cleaning as well as canning, but I know a lot of people really hate it. You could add essential oils to your cleaning products...or you could make infused vinegar! Infused vinegar is so insanely simple to make as well as cheaper and more sustainable than essential oils. Now don't get me wrong, I love using essential oils, but one bottle takes pounds of plant matter to make. With infused vinegar you can simply add your orange peels to a mason jar after a snack, costing you no extra money and reducing waste.

I've never had a garbage disposal until the apartment I have now. They're super convenient to have, but you have to make sure you keep with with cleaning otherwise they start to smell really nasty. Luckily cleaning them can be really simple.

Garbage Disposal Cleaner:

This method works for all drains.

Sprinkle a healthy amount of baking soda into the drain.

Pour vinegar in and let bubble. The chemical reaction may push debris up the drain.

Run cold water and turn on garbage disposal.

I try to mop my floor at least weekly. Avoid using steam mops on laminate, it can ruin the flooring. Swiffer mops are convenient, but the solution they use tends to build up and attract more dirt. I think there are brands that make their own version that you can refill now, and that would be fine if you're using a good cleaner. I use vinegar diluted in filtered hot water in an OCedar spin mop and love it. You can also use 70% Isopropyl alcohol if you want a little bit stronger of a disinfectant.

Vinegar:

1/2 cup Vinegar

1 gallon Warm Water

Alcohol:

1 cup 70% Isopropyl Alcohol