Limescale deposits and soap scum are a problem you're probably familiar with in your everyday life. Annoying crusts can form, especially on faucets and shower walls, if you don't clean them regularly, and as a parent, you don't want to waste your limited time on hours of cleaning the bathroom. While conventional all-purpose cleaners available at the drugstore do remove dirt and limescale, their pungent smell alone makes it easy to tell that they're probably better off keeping them out of the reach of children. So that you can say goodbye to limescale deposits and keep your children close to you with a clear conscience, we've put together recipes and tips for making your own bathroom cleaner – sustainable and environmentally friendly.
Make your own bathroom cleaner – easy and fruity fresh
Most people start to think differently when they become parents. Supermarket products may be powerful, but just a quick glance at the ingredients list is enough to realize that the ingredients are far from organic and sustainable. Quite the opposite: Some products not only contain vast amounts of plastic, they are also extremely bad for the environment and your respiratory system. And not only that – your children love to help clean the bathroom, so the ingredients should ideally be non-caustic and unhealthy. To make cleaning fun for all ages, we've collected various recipes and tips for you on how to easily make your own cleaners. An environmentally friendly and sustainable alternative not just for the bathroom, but for your entire home.
Toilet cleaner - How to get rid of urine scale
They grow up so fast. You've just changed their diapers, and now they're going to the "big" toilet on their own, and they're so proud of themselves. The occasional mess or even the occasional forgetting to flush is something you can easily overlook, at least until you want to clean the bathroom and annoying urine scale has formed. Toilet cleaner is a must—but is it even sustainable and effective? We have the best recipe for a toilet cleaner alternative that easily removes all dirt:
This is what you need:
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp citric acid
- 10 ml liquid soap (alternatively dissolve solid soap in water)
- 600 ml water
Here's how:
Boil 100ml of water and set it aside. Bring the cornstarch and the remaining water to a boil until a thick paste forms. Add the citric acid to the boiled water and stir well. Then add the soap. Mix the two liquids, and your toilet cleaning gel is ready. You can use an old cleaner bottle or a glass bottle. The cleaner will easily keep for several weeks and is a great alternative to harsh cleaning products from the supermarket.
Fruity all-purpose cleaner - snack your way to a clean bathroom
If you want to make your own cleaning products, you can't go past this simple and delicious recipe. Not just for the bathroom, but also for the kitchen – this cleaning product is a true all-rounder and, despite its fruity scent, doesn't require any fragrance oils. Plus, you'll save money by making your own cleaning products. Citrus fruits like oranges and lemons are full of essential oils, which, among other things, also have antiseptic properties. Combined with vinegar, you get a fragrant cleaning product that's in no way inferior to bathroom cleaners from the drugstore. Curious? Then try our tips and bring the scent of fresh lemons into your bathroom:
This is what you need:
- Orange and lemon peels (citrus fruits are generally suitable)
- White household vinegar
- Liquid soap (alternatively dissolve solid soap in water)
- A large glass jar with a tight-fitting lid
Here's how:
Chop the lemon and orange peels and stack them tightly in a large preserving jar. Now fill the jar with undiluted white vinegar. If you only have vinegar essence, you can dilute it 1:4. Make sure the peels are completely covered. Your cleaning agent needs to infuse for two to three weeks. Shake the jar occasionally and ensure the orange and lemon peels are completely covered with vinegar at all times to prevent mold growth. You'll know the vinegar cleaner is ready by its strong, dark color and the intoxicating lemon scent it gives off. Pour the finished cleaning agent into a bottle, preferably one with a spray function, and add one or two drops of liquid soap or organic dish soap. This breaks the surface tension and makes it easier to use. With this bathroom cleaner, limescale, dirt, and soap residue can be easily removed and cleaned from fixtures and sinks.
| This cleaner is not suitable for natural stone materials, as lime and other minerals can be dissolved and washed out, thus destroying the structure of the floor. |
Cleaning products made from household products - for our environment
More than just trends: Reach for household remedies more often and, with just a few ingredients and materials, not only save your wallet but also our environment. You might think that bathroom cleaner itself doesn't make a big contribution when it comes to issues like climate change and environmental protection. But if everyone made even a small contribution and made their own cleaner, our planet would be spared a lot. Baking soda, vinegar, citric acid, and the like: simple household remedies can be made from common kitchen ingredients that put conventional cleaners to shame. Limescale and dirt don't stand a chance against our cleaners, and the ingredients are anything but harmful, so even your children can help with cleaning safely.
Making your own cleaning products is child's play. Involve your children in the manufacturing process and brainstorm ideas together on how to optimize the recipes and which household remedies work best against limescale and dirt on sinks and faucets. This way, you can combine cleaning with life's lessons, and your children can learn a thing or two from the results of your collaborative work.
