DIY Low Tox Cleaning Recipes

Jan 9

When I first started living low(er) tox well over a decade ago, I DIY’d pretty much all of my cleaning essentials. I saved money this way, but it also allowed me the ability to really research products to understand ingredients and spend my small budget wisely. Back then there were not a ton of truly “clean” brands to pick from - I am really thankful that today MORE brands are taking steps to make low-er tox cleaning products more affordable and accessible.

Hope this helps! <3

All Purpose Cleaner

Option 1: 2 tbsp white vinegar, 2 tbsp castile soap, 8 oz filtered water, juice from 1/2 lemon or 20 drops of essential oil
Option 2: 8 oz white vinegar, 4 orange peels (or lemon or other citrus - honestly I would throw in citrus peels, cloves, cinnamon sticks, whatever I had on hand). Let this one sit for 2-3 weeks before use
Laundry Detergent
Powder Option: 1/2 cup Epsom Salt, 1 1/2 cups Sodium Bicarbonate (baking soda), 1 1/2 cups Sodium Carbonate (washing soda), 1/4 cup sea salt, 20-25 drops essential oil (optional). Use 1-2 tablespoons per load
Liquid Option: 2 gallons water, 1/2 cup washing soda, 1/2 cup baking soda, 3/4 cup castile soap, 20-25 drops essential oil (optional). Use 1/3 cup per load
Dish Soap
1 1/2 cups of hot water, 1/2 cup liquid castile soap, 1 tbsp white vinegar, 1 tbsp washing soda (acts as a thickener), 1/8 tsp of lemon essential oil (or any other you’d like)

Hand soap

• 1 cup water, ¼ cup castile soap, 1 tbsp fractionated coconut oil. Mix and store in soap dispenser

Disinfectant

• 1 cup water, ½ cup vodka or rubbing alcohol, ½ cup white vinegar, 20 drops of essential oil

Glass cleaner

• 3 tbsp white vinegar, 2 tbsp rubbing alcohol, 1 1/2 cups water

Grout Cleaner

• 1/2 cup baking soda and add just a tbsp of water at a time until a paste forms. Spread the paste to the grout lines and let it sit for about 20 minutes. Scrub grout with tooth brush and rinse with warm water

Toilet Cleaner Bombs

• 2 cups of baking soda, 1/2 cup of citric acid, 2.5 tablespoons of Castile soap. Mix ingredients and then put them into a silicone cube mold. Let harden and then place into container to store. Use 1 per toilet bowl to clean

Dishwasher Detergent

• In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup each of washing soda and borax, 1/2 cup of powdered citric acid, and 1/2 cup of sea salt, optional: 20 drops of essential oil. Use 1-2 tablespoons per dishwasher load as needed Store remainder in airtight container

Cleaning Paste

• 3 tbsp castile soap, 1 cup baking soda. Store in cool dry place.

Option 2: ½ cup baking soda ,¼ cup washing soda, ½2 tsp salt, 1 tbsp castile soap, ¼-½ cup white vinegar. Mix wet ingredients first and then add in dry. Store in cool dry place