Video of the Week: 8 Basic DIY Cleaning Ingredients

December 1st, 2014 • BY

In need of a cleaning closet cleanse? Check out this short video for some sweet ideas from National Geographic’s Green Guide on how to put your home into environmental rehab—and swap conventional cleaners for 8 basic DIY cleaning products. According to the Green Guide, conventional cleaners can be some of the most toxic things in your home.

On the DIY cleaner hot list?

• Baking Soda: delivers grit for scrubbing

• Borax: disinfects, bleaches, and deodorizes

• Distilled White Vinegar: disinfects and breaks up dirt

• Hydrogen Peroxide: disinfects and bleaches

• Lemons: cuts grease

• Olive Oil: picks up dirt and polishes wood

• Vegetable-Based Liquid Castille Soap: general, all-purpose cleaner

• Washing Soda: stain remover and general cleaner: stain remover and general cleaner

The Green Guide offers a wealth of do-it-yourself natural home cleaners. One recipe outlined in this video is an all-purpose everyday glass cleaner:

1 Tablespoon lemon Juice or 1/4 cup vinegar

2 cups water

Combine ingredients in a spray bottle and spray onto glass surfaces for a clean and green experience.

For more ideas and recipes, check out the Green Guide video below.

Erinn Morgan

About

After a 10-year career as an award-winning New York City-based editor launching and redesigning urban, style-driven magazines, Erinn Morgan left downtown Manhattan after September 11th, 2001, in search of a less encumbered, freelance lifestyle. A two-year-long trek around the country eventually landed her in Durango, Colo., which she now calls home.

Her writing has appeared in numerous publications, including The New York Times, Outside, National Geographic Adventure, Bike, Skiing, Delicious Living, American Cowboy, and on away.com.

Erinn is also the author of the eco-focused book, Picture Yourself Going Green, Step-by-Step Instruction for Living a Budget-Conscious, Earth-Friendly Lifestyle in Eight Weeks or Less.

She was previously the editor-in-chief of 20/20 magazine, a special projects editor at Playboy (overseeing the launch of a new, custom magazine), and the founding editor/editor-in-chief of SoHo Style, a much-lauded, avant-garde magazine that covered the culture and style of downtown New York and its reach around the world.

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