How to Make & Sell Organic Cleaning Products
Society is becoming more aware of the damage that we cause to the environment. More than ever before, toxins are present in all types of products, from the insecticide on our food to the toxic cleaning agents used our homes. The popularity of organic cleaning products is growing because they are attractive to the environmentally conscious and promote the health of those who use them. Organic cleaning products don't create poisonous residue or cause burns to the skin. Better still, you can become your own boss when you make and sell organic cleaning products.
Things You Will Need
Spray bottles
Lavender buds
Geranium leaves
Coffee bean grinder
Lemon verbena
Lemon zest
Vinegar
Organic liquid soap
Peppermint oil
Lemon juice
Cornstarch
Grapefruit seed extract
Clove oil
Olive oil or jojoba liquid wax
Computer
Paper labels
Web site
Booth at flea market
Brochures
Plan your business and the number of products you want to carry. If you have a recipe for a super kitchen cleaner, you may just want to dip your toe in the business water and start with that product. Some people like to dive in headfirst and carry a whole line of products. You should decide what type of business plan you want to follow when you start an organic cleaning product business.
Create your cleaning products and give them pizzazz. Most green cleaning products are simple combinations of household items. If you want a bed freshener that also relaxes and repels bugs, mix dried herbs and flowers. When you use lavender buds in the mixture, it's a natural bug repellent and gives relaxing sleep. Simply collect the leaves from different plants. The scented geranium has a number of different scents to choose from and lemon verbena or lemon zest gives a spicy aroma to any mixture. Use a coffee bean grinder to pulverize and blend them. When you find the perfect mixture, package it in small printed envelopes you make on your computer with instructions to sprinkle a bit on the mattress or mattress pad before laying the fitted sheet.
Create a window wash. You can make a simple window wash that has a vinegar scent or one with minty-lemony goodness. For the vinegar window wash, use 1 tsp. of organic liquid detergent, 1/3 cup of distilled white vinegar and 6 cups of water. The minty-lemony window squeaker uses 1 cup of lemon juice, 1 tbsp. of peppermint oil, 2 tbsp. of cornstarch and 3 qt. of club soda. Mix it thoroughly before you put it in individual spray bottles. Put instructions “Shake before using” on the bottle.
Kill that mold with grapefruit seed extract, clove oil and water. Mix 20 drops of clove oil, 40 drops of grapefruit seed extract and 4 cups of water. Put in a spray bottle. Create a label for the bottle that explains how to use the product. Spray it on the surface area and allow to dry completely.
Polish the furniture with olive oil or jojoba liquid wax. Simply mix 1/2 cup of fresh lemon juice with 1 cup of olive oil or jojoba liquid wax. Put it in a spray bottle. When ready to use, spray onto a soft cloth and wipe the furniture.
Print labels, prices and products. Once you have the organic cleaning products you want to sell, get creative on the labels. Give specific directions. Calculate the costs and double it for the price you need to charge. Don't forget to include the price of the container and label.
Start a website, have parties or go to the flea markets. The Internet is one great place to sell organic cleaning products, but parties and flea markets are also good. The advantage of the flea market is that people get to see the actual cleaning product and tend to impulse buy. Add in the costs of marketing to your price. If you have a booth at the flea market, divide the cost by the number of bottles you think you'll sell. Add in the costs associated with a website and calculate shipping and handling. The party plan also has expenses. Calculate these and divide by the average number of products you think that you'll sell. Tack that amount onto the price when you make and sell organic cleaning products.