Inexpensive Natural Cleaners

Updated on January 05, 2011
A.S. asks from Rustburg, VA
15 answers

I would like to start cleaning my home with natural cleansers but I need some that are less expensive. I am tired of using these cleansers that have the strong smells and chemicals around the kids. I still want them to be effective in killing germs as well as cleaning. Do any of you other Mom's out there have any suggestions that won't cost a lot. Our family is living on a single income so I am trying to make the best with what money we do have.

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.H.

answers from Portland on

I love using Hydrogen Peroxide - it works for nearly EVERYTHING! Google it and you'll find a wealth of information. I do still need a "scrub" so I use the Bon Ami scrub (like comet only made with minerals) and it works wonderfully.

Good luck!
T.

2 moms found this helpful

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.M.

answers from Dallas on

I use a lot of "homemade" cleaners. I learned in microbiology, before I went to nursing school, that white distilled vinegar kills just as many germs as bleach does. I use a vinegar and water solution on everything my kiddos might have their mouths on because it is non-toxic. It also kills odors and is a natural fabric softener. PS, that yuck vinegar smell actually goes away after a few minutes. I also mix a little bit of lemon juice in the solution sometimes to cut grease and grime. Water is almost free, vinegar doesn't cost more than a couple dollars a gallon; all you need is a spray bottle. I also have a steam mop for the floors, kills germs but I never have to buy cleaner. Hope that helps!

2 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.B.

answers from Denver on

vinegar... the smell goes away decently quick... don't use bleach...
if you can get one- a steamer works wonders! after you buy the cleaner
all you need it to replace the filter ever-so-often... I love mine. =D

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

N.B.

answers from Washington DC on

We shop with Melaleuca. The products are the best I have ever used, are cost-effective, and are safe - no child safety caps required! The company has a simple program for customers who want to get their products paid for! Happy to share more; good luck and happy new year!

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.C.

answers from Cincinnati on

Baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice. Inexpensive, and works wonderfully!

1 mom found this helpful

D.M.

answers from Denver on

A few options come to mind:

I recently started selling Watkins hoping to break even on some home care. Lots of good natural products that aren't pricey:
Independent Watkin's Assoc. 391204: www.watkinsonline.com

Method is also good (available at Target).

But your lowest cost option is to make your own. Dilute white vinegar +water = glass cleaner. Baking soda = scrubbing solution (and you can spread it with water, then pour vinegar on it to get a reaction that REALLY cleans tubs, tiles, toilets.

We also mix Dr. Bronner's peppermint soap with water and use that for all kinds of cleaning. Dr. Bronner's is pricey, but it goes a long way.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.F.

answers from Eugene on

Get this book - it is awesome!!!! The humble art of zen-cleansing by Michael De Jong

You will need 5 ingredients to do all of your cleaning:
Baking Soda
Borax
Lemon (fresh and juice)
Salt
White Vinegar

I put the Baking Soda, Salt and Borax in a small container mixed together ready to go under my kitchen sink along with a small spray bottle of vinegar and lemon juice concentrate. I was getting sick from all of the fumes - now I can clean without getting sick.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.H.

answers from Richmond on

i do housecleaning and i try to use natural cleaners, where do you live?i could come and give you some pointers for a nominal fee and or i can do it as a regular job. either way, , be glad to help, just let me know what you want me to do.
K. h.
____@____.com

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.R.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Melaleuca makes the best cleaners, they also have a botancial disinfectant that kills H1N1. Do your research on other things in your home... everything from hand soap, dish washing/dish washer detergent, shampoo, bath and body products etc. I was alarmed to find cancer causing ingredients in what used to be my favorite toothpaste. You can check out my website for more information on chemicals in products www.AHealthyLifeForAll.com

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.O.

answers from Washington DC on

White vinegar is one of the best cleaners/disinfectants you can find. You can put one ounce of white vinegar to 8 ounces of water in a spray bottle and use it to clean just about anything. For wood floors especially it is the best thing. I put half a cup of white vinegar in a gallon of warm water and use that on my floors. You can buy a huge jug of white vinegar at the grocery store for very little. The best window cleaner out there is half a cup of white vinegar in a gallon of warm water, and you use newspaper instead of a cloth. Wear gloves because the ink gets on your hand (but not on the window).

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.K.

answers from Sacramento on

I ditto everyone who said distilled vinegar, hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. So cheap, so effective and so much better than chemical cleansers containing bleach ammonia and fragrances. Vinegar can smell strong when you use it, but when it dries the smell goes away and everything smells fresh. I even use it to clean my windows.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

N.S.

answers from Chicago on

I use equal parts vinegar and water with a few drops of tea tree oil. I use it on everything! I even use it in the wash instead of fabric softener for my towels.

I make my own laundry detergent. 1/2 cup Borax, 1/2 cup Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda and 1 bar of your favorite body soap, shaved. I use Ivory and I shave it with a cheese grater. Mix and use one tablespoon per load of laundry, two tablespoons for really soiled laundry. Saves a lot of money!

I did invest in a steamer and I steam clean everything with distilled water. Very chemical free and kills all the germs! If you can afford it, I highly suggest a steamer.

C.O.

answers from Washington DC on

vinegar, lemon juice and baking soda are great natural cleaners. So is orange rhine mixed with baking soda make a nice smell while CLEANING.

i've heard that melaluca (spelling?) is good but I've not personally used it.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.W.

answers from Washington DC on

Vinegar is the cheapest cleaner around. Use baking soda to scrub hard stains like soap scumb. Vinegar kills germs and doesn't need to be rinsed off. Just google ways to clean with vinegar and you will get sites that have hundreds of ways to use it from regular cleaning to laundry, etc, etc.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.R.

answers from Washington DC on

5% vinegar. It cleans everything!

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions