Quick Answer
The three basics of green cleaning: White vinegar (cuts grease, kills bacteria), baking soda (deodorizes, gentle abrasive), and castile soap (safe all-purpose cleaner). With these three items, you can clean almost everything in your home without harsh chemicals.
San Diego consistently ranks among America's most environmentally conscious cities. From our marine protected areas to our solar initiatives, sustainability is part of our culture. Why should our cleaning routines be any different?
The truth is, most household cleaning doesn't require harsh chemicals. Our grandparents cleaned effectively with simple, natural ingredients that are gentler on your health, your home, and the environment. Here's how to return to those roots while keeping your home spotless.
DIY Natural Cleaning Recipes
All-Purpose Cleaner
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Add a few drops of essential oil for scent. Works on most surfaces except marble and hardwood.
Glass Cleaner
Combine 2 cups water, 1/2 cup vinegar, and 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol. Spray and wipe with newspaper or microfiber for streak-free windows.
Soft Scrub Alternative
Make a paste with baking soda and a little dish soap. Great for sinks, tubs, and stovetops. Rinse thoroughly after scrubbing.
Drain Cleaner
Pour 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain, follow with 1/2 cup vinegar. Cover, wait 15 minutes, then flush with boiling water. Monthly use prevents clogs.
Wood Polish
Mix 1/4 cup olive oil with 1/4 cup white vinegar and 10 drops lemon essential oil. Apply sparingly with a soft cloth, buff to shine.
Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Sprinkle baking soda in bowl, add vinegar, let fizz. Scrub with toilet brush. For tough stains, let baking soda paste sit before scrubbing.
Your Green Cleaning Kit
Essential Ingredients:
- White distilled vinegar - disinfects, deodorizes, cuts grease
- Baking soda - gentle abrasive, absorbs odors
- Castile soap - versatile, biodegradable cleaner
- Hydrogen peroxide (3%) - sanitizes, whitens
- Essential oils - add scent, some have antibacterial properties
- Olive oil - wood polish and conditioner
Reusable Supplies:
- Microfiber cloths (replace paper towels)
- Glass spray bottles (refillable)
- Natural bristle scrub brushes
- Wool dryer balls (replace dryer sheets)
Sustainable Cleaning in San Diego
Water Conservation
Use spray bottles instead of running water. Collect rinse water for plants. Damp mop rather than wet mop. Every gallon saved matters in drought-prone Southern California.
Local Eco Products
Shop at Jimbo's, Sprouts, or local co-ops for bulk cleaning supplies. Many offer refill stations for dish soap and laundry detergent, reducing plastic packaging waste.
Protect Our Ocean
What goes down your drain eventually reaches the Pacific. Biodegradable cleaners break down safely. Avoid antibacterial products with triclosan and phosphate-heavy detergents.
Ingredients to Avoid
- ✗Phthalates - found in fragrances, hormone disruptors
- ✗Triclosan - antibacterial agent, harms aquatic life
- ✗Ammonia - respiratory irritant
- ✗Chlorine bleach - creates toxic fumes when mixed
- ✗2-Butoxyethanol - found in glass cleaners, toxic
- ✗Synthetic fragrances - often contain hidden chemicals
Frequently Asked Questions
Are natural cleaning products as effective as chemical ones?
For most household cleaning tasks, yes. Vinegar kills most bacteria, baking soda is a powerful deodorizer and mild abrasive, and castile soap cuts grease effectively. For disinfection during illness, you may want EPA-registered disinfectants.
What should I avoid when making DIY cleaners?
Never mix vinegar with bleach (creates toxic chlorine gas) or with hydrogen peroxide (creates corrosive peracetic acid). Also avoid mixing different commercial cleaners. When in doubt, use products separately.
How can I reduce waste from cleaning supplies?
Buy concentrates and dilute at home. Use refillable spray bottles. Replace paper towels with washable microfiber cloths. Choose products in recyclable packaging. Look for local refill stations for dish and laundry soap.
Do eco-friendly products cost more?
Some commercial green products cost more, but DIY options (vinegar, baking soda, castile soap) are usually cheaper than chemical alternatives. Reusable supplies like microfiber cloths also save money long-term.
Art Machekin is the founder of Metla House Cleaning. Before starting the company, Art worked as a professional cleaner — hands-on experience that gives him a deep understanding of the techniques and details that matter most in delivering a spotless home.
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