Cleaning your home doesn’t have to involve synthetic or potentially harmful chemicals. Our three probiotic soap cubes offer effective, natural solutions for a wide range of household cleaning tasks. Use them as-is or create your own probiotic DIY cleaning solutions, all without preservatives or harmful toxins. Enjoy a cleaner home that’s safer for you and the environment!
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Probiotic Household Cleaning
Our bodies contain more beneficial bacteria than they do cells. This is called our microbiome and is an important part of our body's self-defense, and especially important for the health of our skin and gut. The same beneficial bacteria are found all around in healthy ecosystems in nature. This way, our health and well-being are strongly tied to nature. It’s a bond that we cannot break without putting our health in jeopardy. Our bodies need the microbiome, our positive bacteria, to fend off pathological bacteria, viruses, and fungi as well as to help break down pollutants and toxic chemicals on our skin and in our gut.
Modern cleanliness often focuses on killing “99%” of bacteria. The fewer bacteria the better. This is not in line with our immune system and how our bodies work. It might make us less sick in the short run, but it puts us at risk as it kills beneficial bacteria on and around us.
By using probiotic cleaning solutions, the focus is not on killing all bacteria, but to kill harmful bacterias, pathogen and to clear toxic pollutants using the help of beneficial probiotic bacteria. Our probiotic cleaners give your home positive bacteria, similar to the healthy eco-systems, in nature, that our bodies were used to living in for millennials.
Probiotics and our health is a fascinating topic that is receiving more attention in the field of research. Read more here and subscribe to our newsletter so we can keep you updated on new research.
Measuring the DIY formulas
We have used the measuring unit “parts”. Parts can be everything from a tablespoon to a cup, a shoe, one-liter measurer, or a whole bucket if you're making it for your entire neighborhood.
One part of grounded soap is measured as loose finely grounded soap. One soap cube equals 175 grams / 6.17 Oz and gives about 2 cups (500ml).
INDO NATURALS DISH SOAP DIY’S
Packed with natural cleansing ingredients that effectively cut through stubborn grease and grime. Coconut oil creates a thick cleansing lather. Lemon and neem have antibacterial and antifungal properties. Together with the added probiotics, these ingredients help to naturally eliminate unwanted bacteria. The high alkaline content in ashes breaks down grease and oils, while the tartaric acid in tamarind helps remove stains and gives your dishes a shiny finish.
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Universal Spray
For disinfecting all surfaces. For tough stains, first use Scouring Cream. For shine, use Mirror & Window Cleaner after.
Ingredients:
1 part grated - Indo Naturals Dish Soap
1/2 part - baking soda
20 parts - hot water
Optional - 1/2 part - liquid vegetable glycerin (for extra cleaning boost and shine)
Optional - a few drops of essential oil (lemongrass, lavender, or tea tree for scent and extra disinfecting properties)
Instructions:
Finely grate the dish soap.
Mix the grated soap with hot water until completely dissolved.
Stir in the remaining ingredients.
Transfer the mixture to a clean spray bottle.
Shake the bottle before each use to ensure all ingredients are mixed.
Use:
Spray a light mist onto ceramic tiles, steel, table tops, and other surfaces
Wipe using a moist cloth
For tough stains, use the Scouring Cream first
For more shine, use the Mirror & Window Cleaner Spray after
Shinning finish
If you need extra shine, use the Mirror & Window Cleaner Spray after cleaning.
Scouring Cream
For hard spots on steel, ceramic tiles, ceramic applicants, kitchen surfaces (non-wood), or on glass surfaces such as shower glass.
Ingredients:
1 part - Indo Naturals Dish Soap
3 part - Baking Soda (do not use baking powder)
1 part - Washing Soda (alt. Baking soda)
3-4 parts - hot water (adjust to get a creamy consistency)
Optional: a few drops Essential Oil (lemon, lemongrass for additional disinfectant action)
Optional: ⅛ charcoal powder (for extra cleansing and shine)
Optional: ½ part clay for extra abrasive power
Instructions:
Finely grate the soap.
Mix grated soap with hot water until soap is dissolved.
Add the baking soda to create a paste.
Store in an airtight container.
It might dry up over time, add warm water so it softens again.
Use:
Use a moist scrub or sponge such as our Loofah Sponge or Cleaning Pad to apply the paste to the surface
Let it sit for a few minutes
Rub the paste until the stain is removed
Wash off well with water
Extra Tough Stains?
For tough stains, create a paste using citric acid and water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes. Rub the baking soda-based Scouring Cream on top of the citric acid paste and let it oxidize. Wash off well.
Dishwashing Detergent Powder
For use in dishwashing machine or handwashing.
Ingredients
1 part grated - Indo Naturals Dish Soap
2 part - baking soda
1/4 part - salt
Optional: 1/8 part - charcoal powder
Optional: a few drops of essential oil (lemongrass)
Instructions:
Finely grate the soap.
Mix the grated soap together with the baking soda and salt in a bowl.
Add optional ingredients if chosen.
Mix everything evenly.
Use:
Use 2-3 tablespoons per dishwasher load.
Dishwashing Detergent Liquid Concentrate
For use in dishwashing machine or handwashing.
Ingredients:
1 part grated - Indo Naturals Dish Soap
1/2 part - washing soda (alternatively baking soda)
1/2 part - baking soda
1/4 part - salt
6 parts - hot water
Optional: 1/8 part - charcoal powder
Optional: ¼ part - Liquid Vegetable Glycerin (for extra cleaning boost and shine)
Instructions:
Finely grate the soap.
Mix the soap with hot water until the soap is dissolved.
Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well.
Store in an airtight container.
Use:
Use 2-3 tablespoons per dishwasher load.
If hand-washing - use 1 tablespoon per 1/2 liter of water.
Shake before every use.
Why Add Vegetable Glycerin?
Take your DIY to the next level by adding liquid vegetable glycerin. This will reduce streaks and increase shine, help keep the mixture smooth to avoid clumping, give the solution an extra cleaning boost, and reduce the negative effects of hard water.
INDO NATURALS GREEN SOAP DIY’S
This multi-purpose soap combines hemp and neem for effective cleaning. Hemp’s antimicrobial and neem’s antiseptic properties, along with added probiotics, help remove dirt, oil, and bacteria. The soap also has anti-inflammatory benefits to soothe irritated skin, leaving a protective layer of fatty acids and beneficial microbes. Perfect for household, outdoor, and personal use.
Floor Cleaner Liquid Concentrate
For tile floors and treated wood floors.
Ingredients:
1 part grated - Indo Naturals Green Soap
1 part - washing soda (alternatively baking soda)
½ part - baking soda
15 parts - warm water
Optional: ½ part - Liquid Vegetable Glycerin (for extra cleaning boost and shine)
Optional: 10-15 drops of Essential oils (lemongrass or eucalyptus for a pleasant scent)
Instructions:
Finely grate the soap and melt in hot water.
Add a few drops of essential oil for a pleasant scent.
Add it to a bottle or other container.
Use:
Use ½ cup (125ml) per bucket (10l) of hot water
Shake well before use
Baking Soda vs. Washing Soda
Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate) | Washing Soda (Sodium Carbonate) |
Uses:
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Limitations:
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Wood Cleaner Liquid
For untreated/uncoated or naturally treated wooden floors, wood furniture, wood walls, and other wooden surfaces (for example, wood treated with natural furnish, but not polymer coating). It leaves a protective layer. For extra protection use our Wood Protection Cream.
Ingredients:
1 part grated - Indo Naturals Green Soap
10 parts - hot water
Optional: a few drops Essential oils (tea tree for extra protection)
Optional: if use on treated wood: ⅓ part - Liquid Vegetable Glycerin (for extra cleaning boost and shine)
Instructions
Finely grate the soap.
Dissolve the finely grated soap in hot water.
Add essential oil if desired.
Store in a glass jar if excess cleaner liquid was made
Use:
Use 1 cup (250ml) per 10l hot water
Stir or shake well before use
Dip a cloth into the solution, wring out excess liquid, and wipe down wooden furniture
Wood Protection Cream
For wood floors to help protect from moisture, UV damage and help maintain shine.
Ingredients:
1 part grated - Indo Naturals Green Soap
1 part - Arrowroot or Diatomaceous Earth for additional insect repelling (is abrasive on wood), Zinc Oxide Powder for fungal and UV protection)
1/2 part - hot water (adjust to get a creamy consistency)
1/4 part neem oil
A few drops tea tree oil
Instructions:
Finely grate the soap.
Mix the finely grated soap and hot water, whisk or shake it til soap is gone (can leave overnight).
Mix in arrowroot powder and the oils.
Whisk well until whipped up.
Use:
Massage on untreated wood or wood treated with only natural oils
Leave for up to 24 hours or more
Dry off excess using a moist cloth
Shake well before use
Note! This is not a replacement for water-repellent coating. If your wood experiences a high level of moisture, you should consider coating it.
Green Surface Spray
For cleaning garden utensils, wood, other surfaces, and outdoor equipment.
Ingredients:
1 part grated - Indo Naturals Green Soap
1/2 part - washing soda (or baking soda)
20 parts - hot water
Optional: 10-15 drops of Essential oils (lemongrass or eucalyptus for a pleasant scent)
Optional: ½ part - Liquid Vegetable Glycerin (for extra cleaning boost and shine)
Instructions:
Finely grate the soap.
Mix the grated soap and washing soda with hot water. Whisk or shake until the soap dissolves completely (or let sit overnight).
Add essential oils if desired.
Pour into a spray bottle and shake gently.
Use:
Spray onto garden tools, outdoor surfaces, or equipment.
Wipe clean with a cloth, or rinse with water as needed.
Which vinegar to use for DIY?
For most cleaning purposes, vinegar with 5% acidity (regular white vinegar) works well. This is the standard acidity found in most household vinegar and is effective for general cleaning, deodorizing, and mild disinfecting.
For tougher cleaning jobs, cleaning vinegar with 6-7% acidity is also available. This slightly stronger concentration can be more effective on stubborn grime and mineral deposits, like soap scum or hard water stains. However, it’s still mild enough to be safe on most surfaces.
Avoid using vinegar with an acidity higher than 7% for DIY cleaning, as it can be too harsh on some surfaces and may damage them over time.
Make sure you get real vinegar and not fake vinegar.
INDO NATURALS LAUNDRY SOAP DIY’S
This laundry and stain removal soap cleans naturally and is gentle on sensitive skin. Coconut oil gently cleanses, vinegar removes stains and odors, and lemon oil deodorizes. Baking soda lifts stains and reduces static, while hydrogen peroxide tackles tough stains. Probiotics eliminate bacteria, leaving clothes fresh, clean, and pleasantly scented.
The soap block can be used directly on moistened stains by massaging it over and rubbing the soap into the stain. This is an effective way of getting rid of more stubborn stains.
Laundry Detergent Powder
For use in a washing machine or hand washing laundry including clothing and bedding.
Ingredients:
1 part grated - Indo Naturals Laundry Soap
1 part - Washing soda (or baking soda)
1 part - Baking soda
⅛ part - Salt
Optional: A few drops of essential oils (e.g., lavender or eucalyptus)
Instructions:
Finely grate the soap.
Add the soap, washing soda, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
Stir well until all ingredients are evenly distributed. If you’d like a fresh scent, add a few drops of essential oils and mix again.
Transfer the mixture to an airtight container to keep it fresh and dry.
Use:
For a standard load, use 2 tablespoons of the powder.
Add the detergent directly to the washing machine drum or the detergent compartment.
For hand washing, dissolve the powder in warm water before adding your laundry.
Wash using warm water (cold water will not work for this DIY)
POWDER | Standard | Top loading | Dirty load | Hard water | TOTAL |
Small load | 1 tbs | +1 tbs | +1 tbs | +0.5 tbs | 1 - 3.5 tbs |
Medium Load | 2 tbs | +1 tbs | +1 tbs | +0.5 tbs | 2 - 4.5 tbs |
Large Loads | 3 tbs | +1 tbs | +1 tbs | +0.5 tbs | 3 - 5.5 tbs |
Laundry Detergent Liquid Concentrate
For use in a washing machine or hand washing laundry, including clothing and bedding.
Ingredients:
1 part grated - Indo Naturals Laundry Soap
1/2 part - washing soda (or baking soda)
1 part - baking soda
10 parts - hot water
⅛ part - salt
Optional: A few drops of essential oils (e.g., lavender or eucalyptus)
Optional: ⅓ part - Liquid Vegetable Glycerin (for extra cleaning boost and shine)
Instructions:
Finely grate the soap.
Combine the grated laundry soap, washing soda, baking soda, and salt.
Add hot water and stir until the soap dissolves completely. Let it cool.
If desired, add a few drops of essential oils and stir.
Transfer the liquid concentrate to an airtight container for easy use.
Use:
For a standard load, use 3 tablespoons of the powder.
Add the detergent directly to the washing machine drum or the detergent compartment.
For hand washing, dissolve the powder in warm water before adding your laundry.
Wash using warm water (cold water will not work for this DIY)
LIQUID | Standard | Top loading | Dirty load | Hard water | Total |
Small Load | 2 tbs | +1 tbs | +1 tbs | +0.5 tbs | 2 - 4.5 tbs |
Medium Load | 3 tbs | +1 tbs | +1 tbs | +0.5 tbs | 3 - 5.5 tbs |
Large Load | 4 tbs | +1 tbs | +1 tbs | +0.5 tbs | 4 - 6.5 tbs |
Softener Liquid
For softening, a vinegar softener works wonders while also helping deodorize and rinse our hard water residue. Use in the laundry softener tray so it enters the load after the laundry soap has been washed out.
Ingredients:
1 part - White vinegar
1 part - Water
Optional: a few drops Essential oils (eucalyptus, lemongrass, lavender, yang-ylang or other EO for a pleasant scent)
Instructions:
Mix the vinegar and water in a measuring cup or container.
Add a few drops of essential oil, if desired, and stir.
Pour the mixture into the softener tray.
Run the washing machine as usual.
Use:
Add into softener tray as described below
SOFTER | Standard | Top loading | Hard water | TOTAL |
Small Load | ¼ cup (4 tbs) | +4 tbs | +4 tbs | 4 - 12 cups |
Medium Load | ½ cup (8 tbs) | +4 tbs | +4 tbs | 8 - 16 tbs |
Large Load | 1 cup (16 tbs) | +4 tbs | +4 tbs | 16 - 24 tbs |
Stain Removal Cream
Ingredients:
1 part grated - Indo Naturals Laundry Soap
2 parts - baking soda (do not use baking powder)
1 part - washing soda (alt. baking soda)
2 part - hot water
Optional: a few drops Essential Oil (lemon, lemongrass for additional disinfectant action)
Optional: ⅙ part - Liquid Vegetable Glycerin (for extra cleaning boost and shine)
Instructions:
Finely grate the soap.
Mix grated soap with hot water until soap is dissolved.
Add the baking soda to create a paste.
Store in an airtight container.
Use:
Use a moist scrub or sponge such as our Loofah Sponge or Cleaning Pad to apply the paste to the surface.
Let it sit for a few minutes.
Rub the paste until the stain is removed.
Wash off well with water.
If the cream solidifies over time, add some warm water and leave it for a bit.
Where to get DIY cleaning ingredients?
Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), washing soda, and vinegar are affordable basic ingredients, but they can sometimes be overpriced when bought from the wrong places. To save money, it's important to find them in bulk. Avoid buying baking soda from the baking section of your grocery store, as it tends to be much more expensive there.
Check your local natural living and organic stores. Many small-scale organic stores sell these raw materials in bulk at good prices.
Other options:
In Norway and Sweden: Class Ohlson and Biltema offer vinegar and natron (sodium bicarbonate) in bulk at a reasonable price. Washing soda is available in most stores.
In the UK: Look for bulk options in stores like Holland & Barrett or online retailers.
In the USA: Costco, Sam’s Club, Target, and Amazon are great places to find these products in bulk at affordable prices.
In India: find options on Amazon, other online retailers, or a wholesale store or market if accessible to you.
OTHER DIY CLEANING FORMULAS
Here are a few DIY recipes that don't require soap. They do not have the same disinfectant powders but can help remove stains and give shine.
Mirror & Window Cleaner Spray
For use on mirrors, windows, glass showers, etc
Ingredients:
6 parts - water
1 part - vinegar
Optional: essential oils (lemon, lemongrass)
Instructions:
Mix water and vinegar in a spray bottle.
Add a few drops of essential oil if desired.
Use:
Spray the solution onto the mirror surface.
Wipe the mirror with a clean, dry, crumpled newspaper to prevent streaks.
For even more brightening, use hydrogen peroxide instead of vinegar.
Fizzy Toilet Cleaning Bomb
If you still have stains on ceramics, for example in the toilet bowl, after using our Universal Spray and Scouring Cream, try creating an oxidation powder. It is not a great disinfectant as the acid and basis equal each other out, however, the oxidizing reaction when basic and acid meet each other can help lift hard stains.
Ingredients:
1 part - citric acid
1 part - baking soda
Instructions:
Mix the ingredients in a bowl or a jar.
Use:
Make sure the stain is wet.
Sprinkle the powder over the stain or drop it in the toilet bowl.
While it is still fizzing/oxidizing use a scrub to scrub the powder into the stain.
Keep scrubbing for a while.
Wash off and use the scouring cream to loosen the lifter stain.
*This might not work on all hard stains.
What Essential Oils to Use in DIY Cleaning Recipes?
Our cleaning soap cups are either made without a prominent scent. Essential oils complement the natural scent of our soap cubes. Therefore, adding essential oils to the DIY is a great way to easily incorporate a scent of choice and at the same time benefit from the additional cleaning powers of essential oils. We have given some recommendations for oils to use in each DIY formula, however, you are free to use your favorite scent or experiment with scent combinations.
Lemon Oil: Lemon essential oil is renowned for its strong degreasing power and fresh scent. It can help remove sticky residues and is commonly used in natural cleaning products for its refreshing and deodorizing qualities.
Lemongrass: Has strong antimicrobial, antifungal, and deodorizing properties. Its fresh, citrusy scent is refreshing and effective at neutralizing odors, making it a popular ingredient in natural cleaning solutions.
Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil has potent antimicrobial properties, making it great for disinfecting surfaces. Its cleansing effect works well on surfaces that need to stay germ-free, like countertops and sinks.
Eucalyptus Oil: Excellent for removing grime and acting as a deodorizer. It also has natural antibacterial qualities that make it effective for cleaning high-touch areas.
Peppermint Oil: With a cooling, fresh scent, peppermint oil is both antibacterial and cleansing. It’s useful in areas prone to odors and can help leave a space feeling fresh and invigorated.
Grapefruit Oil: Grapefruit oil is another effective cleanser, with a bright, citrus scent and natural antibacterial properties. It’s often combined with other oils like lemon for a powerful cleaning blend.
Thyme Oil: Rich in thymol, thyme essential oil has strong antiseptic qualities. It’s effective for cleaning areas that need extra disinfecting power, like bathroom and kitchen surfaces.
Clove Oil: Contains eugenol, a compound with antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal effects, making it useful for tackling mold and bacteria on various surfaces. Its warm, spicy scent also provides a natural deodorizing effect, leaving spaces smelling fresh and inviting.
Rosemary Oil: Strong antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties, making it effective for disinfecting surfaces and combating germs.
Other essential oils can also be used, however, the above essential oils are some of the most cleansing and disinfecting essential oils. Other oils such as Ylang-Ylang only give a mild cleaning effect, however, offer a potent scent for adding fragrance to your cleaning solutions.
How much essential oil to use in DIY Cleaning Recipes?
A total of 10-30 drops EO per cup (240ml) of cleaning solution (10 drops will be mild, 20 drops will be moderate, 30 drops will be powerful) or approximately 5-15 drops of EO per 100 grams of cleaning solution.
