Homemade Degreaser – Surprisingly Easy & Plastic Free!

Once you make the switch to homemade degreaser, you’ll never go back to the storebought version.

It’s a common misconception that we need storebought, commercial-grade chemicals to get things truly clean. That’s simply not the case! In fact, a homemade degreaser is just as effective as the kind you can pick up at the store.

Plastic waste in the kitchen and home

Making your own cleaning products – including homemade degreaser – is an amazing thing you can do for the environment.

It may seem like cleaning products don’t create a ton of plastic pollution, especially if it takes you a while to get through a bottle. However, plastic waste adds up quickly in the home.

Most people have a separate cleaner for every surface: glass, countertops, toilet, sink, tub, wood, floors – the list adds up quickly! Add in the fact that most people also use personal care items and food wrapped in plastic, and it’s no wonder we have a massive plastic pollution problem.

By making a homemade degreaser, you can cut another plastic item out of your life – plus, you’ll skip the toxic chemicals often included in the storebought variation.

How to make homemade degreaser

Ready to make your own homemade degreaser? You will need:

• Spray bottle (glass is best, but old plastic ones will also do)
• Liquid Castile soap
• Distilled white vinegar
• Baking soda
• Essential oils (for scent)

 

1. Make the base

Add one cup of vinegar, one tablespoon of baking soda, and a one-eight teaspoon of liquid Castile soap to your spray bottle. Pour in 3 cups of warm water, close the bottle, and shake to mix.

2. Add scent

Next, add in pH-neutral or non-acidic essential oil. If you do use acidic essential oils, it may tarnish certain metals, like copper, aluminium, or copper alloys. This can ruin your cookware, cooktops, and utensils, so be sure to avoid it. 20 drops of essential oils will add the perfect amount of scent. Close the bottle and shake again.

3. Storage

Keep your homemade degreaser in a dry place where children and pets cannot access it.

4. Where to use

Use homemade degreaser on any of the following:

• Cooktop
• Rangehood
• Oven door
• Countertop and backsplash
• Pots, dishes, and utensils

In general, be sure that any electrical surface you clean is off and completely cool to the touch. Avoid spraying it on any electrical coils or fans. In many cases, you can spray the degreaser on a surface and let it sit for 5 to 15 minutes to help soften any crud.

Comment below and let me know how this homemade degreaser works for you! To take it a step further, try making other homemade cleaners and personal care products – check out my DIY posts for more helpful recipes.

I hope you’ve found this blog helpful! As always, you can support me and the site by leaving a comment below, buying me a cheeky cup of tea or sharing the site with a friend. Your support means the world to me!