The KInd Life Community Forum

I've been using home-made vinegar-based cleaning products for years, they are brilliant! I'm about to head out now but will post my 'recipes' later today :-)

Here's what I use, with excellent results and most importantly, NO chemicals!

For general cleaning, eg. benchtops, mirrors, glass:

In a 500ml spray bottle mix 500ml white vinegar with 16 drops of eucalyptus essential oil (antiseptic, antiviral, antibacterial, deodorant) and 16 drops of lavender essential oil (antiseptic, antiviral, antibacterial, deodorant, antifungal). Shake a bit before use, and use just like you'd use any commercial general spray cleaner. For glass and mirrors, use newspaper or a lint-free cloth.

For cleaning bathrooms, eg. shower, sink, bath (I copied this from a note I wrote on Facebook so sorry if it's formatted weird!):

Use this quick, easy and cheap bathroom cleaner in place of Jif (or any 'abrasive' cleaner). You'll be surprised how well it works, it's non-corrosive, and it smells great too! I use this cleaner for my shower, bath and sink.

In a large bowl or container, combine 1/4 cup white vinegar with 1/2 cup bicarb soda. The mixture will fizz (which is why you need a large bowl!), then add 3 drops eucalyptus essential oil (antiseptic, antiviral, antibacterial, deodorant), 3 drops pine essential oil(antiseptic, deodorant, disinfectant), 4 drops sweet orange essential oil (antiseptic), and mix well. I then pour the mixture into a 250mL cap bottle, but you can use it straight from the bowl if that's easier.
Use as you would use any commercial bathroom cleaner. Shake/mix well regularly as you use it to keep the mixture combined, otherwise it can separate.

If you have sensitive skin, or any cuts on your hands, I recommend using gloves as vinegar will sting any open wounds.

I recently switched from a cabinet full of harsh cleansers to one squirt bottle filled with a 1:1 solution of vinegar to water. I use plain baking soda and water to scrub tubs and sinks (sometimes adding juice of half a lemon). I'm quite a neat-freak, so I was skeptical at first, but I love it. So much simpler and better for, as my kids say, "our earthball".