Green Cleaning Products from Vida Verde
In my last post I told you all about Vida Verde, the co-op of Brazilian house cleaners. They use homemade cleaning supplies, which are far less harmful to respiratory systems than conventional cleaning products. They were kind enough to let me post their recipes, so those of you who aren’t in the Boston area can make them yourselves. These and more are included in Vida Verde’s booklet on how to make and use their cleaning products.
| All-Purpose Cleaner Water – 450 ml Castile soap – ¼ cup Vinegar – 2 teaspoons Borax – 1 teaspoon Baking soda- ½ teaspoon |
Glass Cleaner Water – 2 cups Vinegar – 1 cup Essential oil – 20 drops |
| Floor Cleaner Water – 2 ½ cups Vinegar – ½ cup Essential oil – 20 drops |
Antiseptic Soap Water – 2 ½ cups Castile soap – 3 teaspoons Tea tree oil – 30 drops |
And while we’re at it, check out the recipes Erin at the Conscious Shopper has posted, too. They’re similar, but slightly different. And it looks like Erin uses spray bottles for hers. Ruth, the woman who cleans our house, repurposes squirty water bottles to mix them in, and the peppermint essential oils she adds smell delicious.
Do you use green cleaning products? Or make your own? If you have any different recipes, please share!
Posted: April 21st, 2010 under Cleaning.
Tags: environmentally friendly cleaning recipes, green cleaning products, homemade cleaners, It smells so good I almost want to lick the floor!, Vida Verde
Comments
Comment from Brenda Pike
Time April 22, 2010 at 8:08 pm
Do you have a front-loading washing machine? I’ve been nervous about making laundry detergent because I know the front-loaders need low-suds detergent.
Comment from Elisabeth
Time January 22, 2015 at 8:14 pm
Is the “light oil” in the furniture polish and dusting recipes linseed, or something from the grocery store? Just wondering FROM THE FUTURE
Comment from Brian
Time April 22, 2010 at 7:18 pm
I have found castile soap and water alone to be quite effective for cleaning. I absolutely love dr. bronner’s magic soaps. Particularly I am a fan of the lavender scent. We have found other uses too; it helps with the apple trees to repel insects and fungus. For laundry try this:
1 cup Vinegar (white)
1 cup Baking Soda
1 cup Washing Soda
1/4 cup liquid castile soap