7 DIY Zero Waste Cleaning Products

No Waste Land August 30, 2018 0

   People can make zero waste cleaning more difficult than it needs to be. After all, the whole concept of zero waste is to stop consuming unnecessary, unsustainable items. Do yourself a favor and simplify.
   Plus, take it from a lazy person: the fewer cleaning products you have to choose from, the less overwhelming it feels to actually clean your house.(Or at least that's what I tell myself.)
   The best part of wholly embracing zero waste cleaning supplies is that you can pretty much use the same four or five different ingredients in any number of useful ways. Read on to find out about the cleaning supplies I use when I’m not feeling too lazy to clean.

SIMPLE FABRIC/CARPET SPRAY

 Each morning after you wake up, but before you get all dressed up, spray down your clothes and hang them up for a few minutes.

1 part water
1 part vodka or witch hazel
4-5 drops of essential oil (optional)

   Mix all the ingredients together in a spray bottle and use as necessary. Don’t worry, the smell goes away as vodka evaporates so you won’t smell like you’ve had a few when you get to work!

Pro tip: hanging fabric items outside in the sun is a great way to refresh them as well!

ZERO WASTE ENZYME CLEANER

 For those who also don't  know, enzyme cleaners break down protein, starch, or fat-based messes (ie. natural ones) when other cleaners may just mask the smell but not remove the problem.

10 parts warm water
3 parts citrus peels
1 part sugar
1 tablespoon yeast

Add all ingredients to a jar and seal. Burp (open the lid) the jar daily to let off pressure. You might have to do this for about a week before the mixture settles.

DISH SOAP

Dish soap is one of those things you don't think about much when starting zero waste,but you should know that not only most soap is packaged in plastic but also contains lots of unrecognizable chemicals you don't want going into your water supply.

3 tablespoons grated castile soap
1 teaspoon washing soda*
15 drops essential oil
2 cups water

Add soap to warm water and heat on stove until melted. Once melted, remove from heat and add in the washing soda. Let sit overnight. In the morning, mix well and add essential oils. All done! I put mine in an old plastic dish soap container I saved – no one would ever know the difference!

A word of warning: try and avoid making a big batch all at once. By the time you will get to the second part of the batch it will congeal and separate to the point where it will be difficult to return it to its regular consistency. I'd resist the urge to bulk create in this case.

*Washing soda is readily available but also easy to make.  Put a thick layer of baking soda on a baking sheet. Place in oven at 400F for an hour, stirring twice. Cool and store in air-tight jar.

DISHWASHER DETERGENT

OPTION #1: VERY SIMPLE

This recipe seems to work on its abrasive qualities more than anything else. I have not tried it, but it seems like this would not necessarily be enough to cut through dirtier dishes.
1 part salt
3 parts baking soda
Mix together, store, and use about a tablespoon per load. (Source: Wasteland Rebel)

OPTION #2: LESS SIMPLE

I like this option simply because it seems to have more washing power rather than just being abrasive, like the previous.  Also, the additional ingredients should also be easy to source in compostable/recyclable cardboard.

1 cup washing soda
1 cup baking soda
1 cup citric acid
1/2 cup salt

Mix all together and store in an air-tight container. Use about 1 tablespoon per load.

To both of these I would add white or citrus vinegar as a rinse aid, particularly if you have hard water like we do!

ZERO WASTE LAUNDRY DETERGENT

Whether you have an old top-loading washer like me or a high-efficiency unit, this laundry detergent seems effective for almost everyone. Simple, cheap, and able to be made in bulk, this zero waste laundry detergent is a win!

1 bar of castile soap (grated or thrown in food processor)
1 cup of baking soda
1 cup of washing soda
5-10 drops of essential oil (optional)
Taken from Wasteland Rebel’s site.

Simply mix all the ingredients together and you’re good to go. Add 1-2 tablespoons per load. I like to add mine to the bottom of the washer, fill it a bit, and then add clothes to make sure it dissolves.

If you want to turn this into a liquid detergent, add 2/3 cup boiling water to grated castile soap and dissolve. Then add other ingredients and carefully add water until you reach a gel-like consistency.

You can also add white or citrus vinegar as a softener.

ZERO WASTE DRYER SHEETS

To keep clothes soft, static-free, and smelling fresh, use this easy recipe:

white vinegar
5-10 drops essential oil of choice

Place cloth in container and cover with vinegar + essential oils. You want enough to make them all wet, but not have standing liquid. Make sure your container is closed tight. Use 2-3 sheets per load and then resoak as needed.