I love to try new ways to clean my house. And I’m always on the lookout for homemade cleaner recipes to try. That’s why when I came across The Organically Clean Home book by Becky Rapinchuk, I knew it was written for people like me.
I received a review copy of The Organically Clean Home. All opinions expressed in the blog post are my own. The giveaway sponsor is responsible for prize fulfillment. This blog post may contain affiliate links.
The Organically Clean Home contains 150 Everyday Organic Cleaning Products You Can Make Yourself – The Natural, Chemical-Free Way.
My cleaning philosophy is simple: Every day, I do the same four basic tasks. Then I rotate through other tasks on a daily, weekly, monthly, or seasonal basis. – Becky Rapinchuk, The Organically Clean Home
EVEN IF YOU HAVE NEVER MADE A CLEANING PRODUCT BEFORE IN YOUR LIFE, you can do it with this book. The author, Becky Rapinchuk of cleanmama.net, walks you through it. Chapter 2 tells you exactly how to Build Your Cleaning Kit. She tells you what cleaning tools to buy, the basic ingredients you’ll need to make cleaning products, and even includes extras like Cleaning Checklists.
The book’s all-natural cleaning recipes use common ingredients like: Vinegar, Borax, Washing Soda and Essential Oils. Some of the book’s most popular recipes tell you how to make Laundry Detergent, Countertop Disinfectant, Dryer Sheets and Hand Sanitizer.
EVEN IF YOU HAVE NO INTENTION OF MAKING YOUR OWN CLEANING PRODUCTS, the Cleaning Checklists found in the book’s appendix are very useful to anyone who wants to put their household cleaning on a scheduled system. One of my favorite checklists is called “The One Day Clean.” It is designed so you can tackle deep cleaning in your home in one day. It’s perfect for when company is coming and you need to get your house in order FAST.
I also love the 31 Day Cleaning Plan. Spend 15-30 minutes a day for 31 days and your entire house will be clean in a month. It’s great for giving anyone with an overwhelmingly messy house a place to start.
The Organically Clean Home is very easy to understand and organized. Seven of the 9 chapters contain homemade cleaner recipes that are grouped by room (i.e., Recipes for Bathrooms, Recipes for Floors). Becky breaks it down and makes tedious household chores seem like a breeze.
Kids Can Clean, Too!
One of the main reasons I like to use homemade cleaners is because they cut down on the amount of toxins inside my home. This summer, I have grand plans to teach my boys how to clean the house. I don’t want to turn my kids loose with potentially dangerous cleaning chemicals, so I’ll be making homemade cleaners like the ones in The Organically Clean Home. I put together a DIY Kids Cleaning Set inspired by this book. This caddy contains everything kids need to help around the house with basic chores like dusting, window and mirror cleaning, and wiping counters.
I found out that it is inexpensive to make a Kids Cleaning Set. Even most dollar stores will have all of these supplies. You’ll need:
- Microfiber all-purpose cloths (tip: use different colored cloths for specific cleaning jobs)
- Microfiber dusting cloths
- Caddy with a handle (or a bucket) to hold everything
- Squeegee
- Spray Bottles (filled with homemade cleaners)
My kids LOVE to clean when it involves a spray bottle. Kids can learn how to wipe down countertops with an all-purpose cleaning spray and microfiber cloth. Dusting with a microfiber dusting cloth is easy for kids to do, too. A squeegee makes cleaning mirrors and windows more fun.
What chores do your kids help out with around the house?
The Organically Clean Home is perfect for anyone who wants to get into green cleaning. And if you already enjoy green cleaning, you’ll love the all-organic and all-natural recipes, checklists and more to help you get on track to a cleaner home. You can save money and the planet while you clean.
Buy the book ($15.99) at nationwide bookstores and Amazon.com.
Glossy Cleaners says
I have 4 years old daughter. She pays attention when I started to clean. I am considering to buy her this Kids Cleaning Set for Christmas. Is it suitable for her age? Best regards!
Tracey Washington says
Amazing article! I use only homemade cleaners at home. I am so glad that I have found your article! I love this 31 Day Cleaning Plan. It is amazing how so little could make a difference. Greetings!
Amanda says
Wonderful tips! I have been making changes towards more green and nature friendly lifestyle, so this will be of huge help, thanks!
Nicole says
Thank you for your comments, Amanda. Good luck as you make the transition to a greener lifestyle. I am so glad you found this blog post useful. –Nicole
maria smith says
Thanks for sharing some good green cleaning tips. I am always looking for easier ways to take care of things!
website says
hi, i love your blog and use it as a dependable source for all the natural living ideas out there. am wondering if you have a recipe for a dish washing detergent? thanks so much.
Best regards!
St Helier Carpet Cleaners Ltd.
Nicole says
Thank you so much for your kind words. I have a few recipes for dishwashing detergent that I’d like to try – but just have not gotten around to it yet. In the meantime, I use eco-friendly options from the store.
maria smith says
Thanks for sharing this! I’m always learning more about the whole green cleaning process.
Pria says
Great ideas Nicole! I hope these works in molds. Ours need serious detox!
maya hu says
i dont mind cleaning except for the dishes and laundry. ugh!
Jamie Martin says
Dishes; can’t stand ’em!
Ruby Yoshi says
Bath tub is my least favorite place
Daniel M says
yep the bathrooms
Leela says
The bathrooms.
Gina H. says
Bathroom
Rita Spratlen says
It is the catbox and the bathroom for sure. This sounds like a great book! I love books and being able to have it right in your hands.
lisa says
The bathroom, it is always the worst
Heather says
The bathroom is definitely my least favorite place to clean! With two little boys (and one big one ;)) it’s always a mess!
Diane Cooper says
It isn’t really a place that I hate to clean. It is dusting anything anywhere in my house – I simply detest dusting – I would rather scrub toilets!
Jennifer Madigan says
I love this book. I would actually love to win it for my girlfriend.