Creating Eco Friendly Cleaners: Using Herbs from Your Garden

Herbs can be used to make a variety of natural cleaners for your home. Natural cleaning products are typically thought to be better for the environment and for human health because they are created with non-toxic materials and do not release hazardous chemicals into the air. The majority of natural cleaning products are biodegradable and free of artificial preservatives, fragrances, and dyes. They also help to cut down on pollutants in our water supply. Additionally, natural cleaning products may be a better choice for those who are sensitive to chemicals or have chemical sensitivities because they are less likely to result in allergic reactions or other health issues. Some popular herbs that can be used for cleaning include:

• Lemon balm: Known for its lemon-scented leaves, lemon balm is great for cleaning surfaces and cutting through grease. It can be used to make a natural all-purpose cleaner by steeping the leaves in water and then straining the liquid before using.

• Rosemary: This herb is known for its antiseptic properties and can be used to make a natural disinfectant by steeping the leaves in water and then straining the liquid before using.

• Thyme: Thyme is also known for its antiseptic properties and can be used to make a natural disinfectant by steeping the leaves in water and then straining the liquid before using.

• Lavender: Lavender is known for its calming properties and can be used to make a natural air freshener by steeping the flowers in water and then straining the liquid before using. You can also add the essential oil of lavender to cleaning recipes

Here are a couple common carrier products to help with specific needs:

• White vinegar: Commonly used as an all-purpose cleaner and deodorizer, white vinegar can be infused with herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and lavender to create a natural cleaner with added cleaning properties and a pleasant scent.

• Baking soda: Baking soda can be used as a natural scouring powder and can be mixed with herbs such as lavender and lemon balm to create a natural cleaner with a pleasant scent.

Did you know?

Herbs and oil can be combined to create a furniture polish. A carrier oil, such mineral oil or lemon oil, can be used to infuse herbs, like rosemary or lavender, for a number of weeks. After removing the herbs, drain the oil, and use it to polish wood furniture. Depending on the herbs used, the polish may get additional beneficial properties in addition to a nice aroma from the herbs. For aroma and their benefits, you can also include essential oils like lemon, orange, or peppermint. It is significant to note that it is always advised to test the polish on a discrete area before using it on any furniture to ensure that it does not harm.

These are just a few examples of the many herbs that can be used to make natural cleaners. Be mindful baking soda and vinegar make a pretty strong reaction and is sometimes used as natural drain cleaner and not together for regular cleaning of items. It’s important to note that some herbs can be toxic to humans and pets, so it’s essential to research the herbs you are using and to take appropriate precautions when handling them.