In this guide, we’ll explore 10 easy recipes for DIY natural cleaning products using natural ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, and essential oils. These recipes are safe, simple, and budget-friendly, giving you a green-clean option for every room in the house!
Switching to natural cleaning products can transform your home environment, making it healthier and safer for everyone while keeping things shiny. Many commercial cleaning products contain chemicals that impact indoor air quality and can be harsh on sensitive skin while harming the environment. With just a few common ingredients, you can create effective, eco-friendly cleaners that tackle all types of messes, from all-purpose sprays to toilet scrubs.
Check also how you can make your own eco-friendly laundry detergent at home!
Why Use DIY Natural Cleaners?
Switching to homemade cleaning products not only reduces your exposure to synthetic chemicals but also helps cut down on waste. These DIY Natural Cleaning recipes are versatile, cost-effective, and require fewer resources to produce and package compared to commercial products. Plus, you can customize scents with essential oils to your liking. Creating your own eco-friendly cleaning products is an easy way to start your eco-friendly lifestyle.
Key Ingredients and Their Benefits:
- White Vinegar: A natural disinfectant, vinegar is excellent at cutting through grease, grime, and mineral deposits.
- Baking Soda: Known for its deodorizing and mild abrasive qualities, baking soda is a staple in most cleaning recipes.
- Hydrogen Peroxide: A safe bleach alternative, it helps with whitening, disinfecting, and removing stains.
- Castile Soap: Gentle yet effective, castile soap cleans without the harsh chemicals found in traditional soaps.
- Essential Oils: Oils like tea tree, lemon, eucalyptus, and lavender not only add pleasant scents but also have antibacterial and antifungal properties.
1. All-Purpose Cleaner
This all-purpose cleaner is a staple for any DIY cleaner. It’s perfect for countertops, sinks, and other hard surfaces. Avoid natural stone since vinegar can cause etching.
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 10 drops of essential oils (tea tree, lemon, or lavender are great for cleaning)
- Instructions: Mix ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake gently before each use. Spray on surfaces and wipe clean with a microfiber cloth for a streak-free finish.
- Pro Tip: For a pleasant fragrance that lingers, add a few drops of essential oils, which also bring antibacterial benefits. Lemon essential oil adds a fresh scent while tea tree oil serves as a natural disinfectant.
2. Glass Cleaner
Say goodbye to streaks with this simple glass cleaner. It’s excellent for windows, mirrors, and other glass surfaces.
- Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol
- 1 cup water
- Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well. Spray directly onto glass surfaces and wipe with a microfiber cloth for a streak-free shine.
- Pro Tip: Avoid using this cleaner on hot, sunny days, as it can dry too quickly and leave streaks. If you’re worried about the vinegar smell, don’t be—it disappears as it dries!
3. Toilet Bowl Cleaner
This fizzy toilet cleaner deodorizes and disinfects without needing harsh chemicals. It’s especially effective when used regularly.
- Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- Instructions: Sprinkle the baking soda in the toilet bowl, then pour in the vinegar. Let it fizz for about 10 minutes, then scrub with a toilet brush and flush.
- Pro Tip: For an extra-clean toilet, let the solution sit for 30 minutes before scrubbing. If you have tough stains, use a pumice stone for a gentle scrub that won’t damage porcelain.
4. Tub and Tile Cleaner
Give your bathroom tiles and tub a deep clean with this powerful, natural solution. This DIY natural cleaner cuts through soap scum and leaves a fresh scent.
- Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 1/4 cup liquid castile soap
- 1 tablespoon hydrogen peroxide
- Instructions: Mix ingredients into a paste. Apply it to tiles and tub surfaces using a sponge, let sit for a few minutes, then scrub and rinse.
- Pro Tip: Hydrogen peroxide is an excellent option for whitening grout and tackling mildew. Just let it sit a bit longer on trouble areas for a deeper clean.
5. Kitchen Grease Cleaner
If you cook a lot, grease can build up quickly. This simple grease cleaner cuts through kitchen grease and leaves surfaces spotless.
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- Instructions: Mix the vinegar and water in a spray bottle, then add the baking soda (it will fizz slightly). Spray onto greasy areas, let sit for a minute, then wipe with a sponge or cloth.
- Pro Tip: For tough spots, sprinkle a little extra baking soda directly on the surface before spraying. This will create a mild abrasive to help lift grease more easily.
If you want to find out more on how to create a zero waste kitchen. Read our guide including 7 simple and easy steps!
6. Floor Cleaner
This gentle floor cleaner works on tile, laminate, and vinyl floors, leaving them clean without any sticky residue.
- Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1 gallon warm water
- A few drops of essential oils (optional, for fragrance)
- Instructions: Mix the vinegar and water in a mop bucket. Dip your mop, wring out excess water, and clean floors as usual.
- Pro Tip: For wood floors, skip the vinegar and just use water with a few drops of essential oils, as vinegar can dull some finishes over time.
7. Stainless Steel Cleaner
This simple cleaner will polish your stainless steel appliances, making them look new again. It also helps prevent fingerprint smudges.
- Ingredients:
- Olive oil
- White vinegar
- Instructions: Pour a few drops of olive oil onto a microfiber cloth and rub it into the stainless steel, following the grain. Wipe down with vinegar to polish and remove any residue.
- Pro Tip: Use minimal olive oil for the best results. Olive oil adds a light coating that protects stainless steel and keeps it shiny.
8. Air Freshener Spray
Ditch synthetic air fresheners and make your own natural version. It’s perfect for spritzing in bathrooms or any room needing a quick refresh.
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 10–15 drops of essential oils (eucalyptus, lavender, or citrus work well)
- Instructions: Add ingredients to a spray bottle, shake, and spritz around your home.
- Pro Tip: Essential oils like lavender can add a calming effect, while eucalyptus and lemon work well for kitchens and bathrooms.
9. Carpet Freshener
This carpet freshener neutralizes odors and adds a pleasant scent, ideal for homes with pets.
- Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 10 drops essential oils (optional)
- Instructions: Mix ingredients in a bowl, then sprinkle over carpets. Let sit for at least 15 minutes (or overnight for strong odors), then vacuum.
- Pro Tip: Store extra in a shaker jar for easy use. This works particularly well in high-traffic areas or pet spots to refresh carpets.
10. Wood Polish
Protect and shine wood furniture naturally with this simple polish. It conditions the wood and leaves it looking great.
- Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 5 drops lemon essential oil (optional)
- Instructions: Combine ingredients in a small bowl. Apply a small amount to a soft cloth and buff into wood surfaces in circular motions.
- Pro Tip: Use this sparingly to avoid buildup. Olive oil nourishes the wood, while vinegar helps to lift dirt, making it a great all-in-one polish.
By using these DIY recipes and knowing the benefits of natural ingredients, you can create a healthier home while reducing your environmental footprint. Try these recipes today and enjoy a clean, fresh, and green home!
