Maintaining a clean and healthy home doesn’t have to rely on harsh chemicals or expensive products. Natural homemade cleaners are cost-effective, eco-friendly, and surprisingly powerful. Below, we detail 12 all-natural, DIY cleaner recipes that harness the power of household ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, essential oils, and castile soap.
1. All-Natural Floor Cleaner (Non-Hardwood)
Ingredients:
- 1 gallon warm water
- 1½ cups white vinegar
- 1 tsp natural dish soap (soapberry-based)
- A few drops of lemon essential oil
Instructions:
Mix all ingredients in a large bucket. Submerge your mop, wring out excess, and mop your floors weekly. Avoid on hardwood to prevent damage.
2. Effective Mold & Mildew Cleaner
Spray Version:
- 2 cups vinegar
- 2 tsp tea tree oil
Paste Version:
- ½ cup baking soda
- ¼ cup rubbing alcohol
- ½ tsp tea tree oil
- ¼ cup water
Instructions:
Spray affected areas and let sit for 24 hours. For stubborn spots, apply paste, scrub with an old toothbrush, and wipe clean with a damp cloth.
3. Multi-Purpose Surface Cleaner
Ingredients:
- 1¼ cups rubbing alcohol
- ¾ cup water
- 1 tsp natural dish soap
- Essential oil of your choice
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle. Spray on surfaces (excluding glass) and wipe clean with a damp cloth for a residue-free shine.
4. Sink Deodorizer & Cleaner
Ingredients:
- 2 cups baking soda
- 10 drops clove essential oil
- 10 drops lemon essential oil
- 1 tbsp castile soap
Instructions:
Mix and store in an airtight container. Sprinkle liberally into the sink, scrub with a sponge, and rinse thoroughly with water.
5. Homemade Laundry Detergent
Ingredients:
- 4 cups boiling filtered water
- 1 cup salt
- 1.5 cups baking soda
- 1 cup Sal Suds or castile soap
- 1 tsp lemon essential oil
- 16 cups filtered water
Instructions:
Dissolve salt in boiling water. Add baking soda, soap, and lemon oil. Mix well, then add remaining water. Store in a large container. Use ¼ cup per load. Add vinegar as a fabric softener.
6. Heavy-Duty Kitchen Cleaner
Ingredients:
- ½ cup natural dish soap
- 1 tsp water
- A few drops clove essential oil
- ¼ cup baking soda
Instructions:
Mix into a thick paste. Apply with a sponge, scrub, and wipe clean with a damp towel. Perfect for greasy counters and stovetops.
7. DIY Dishwasher Pods & Rinse Aid
Pod Ingredients:
- 1 cup super washing soda
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1 cup salt
- 1 tsp soapberry dish soap
- 10 drops lemon essential oil
- Water (in spray bottle)
Instructions:
Combine dry ingredients. Spritz water until mixture resembles wet sand. Pack into silicone molds and dry for 24 hours. Use 1-2 per cycle.
Rinse Aid Options:
- Fill rinse compartment with vinegar
- Or, place ½ cup vinegar in a bowl on the top rack
- Alternatively, sprinkle 1 tbsp citric acid in the bottom of the dishwasher
8. Powerful Tile & Grout Cleaner
Paste Option:
- 2 parts baking soda
- 1 part hydrogen peroxide
- 1 part dish soap
Spray Option:
- 4 cups hot water
- ¼ cup baking soda
- ¼ cup rubbing alcohol
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 30 drops lemon essential oil
Instructions:
Use paste for direct scrubbing, especially in grout lines. For general cleaning, spray and let sit for a few hours before rinsing.
9. Natural Disinfectant Spray
Ingredients:
- ½ cup white vinegar
- 1½ cups water
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 10 drops lemon essential oil
- 10 drops lavender essential oil
Instructions:
Shake well in a spray bottle. Spray on surfaces and let sit for 10 minutes. Wipe off using a clean microfiber cloth.
10. Streak-Free Glass Cleaner
Ingredients:
- 2 cups water
- ¼ cup white vinegar
- ¼ cup rubbing alcohol
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Instructions:
Shake before each use. Spray onto glass or onto a microfiber cloth. Wipe for a streak-free, polished finish.
11. Natural Degreaser for Non-Wood Surfaces
Ingredients:
- 2 cups water
- 1 tbsp baking soda
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp castile soap
Instructions:
Combine ingredients in a spray bottle. Spray on greasy surfaces, wipe with a damp microfiber cloth. Avoid wooden surfaces.
12. Toilet Bowl Cleaner Pods & Liquid
Pod Ingredients:
- 1 cup baking soda
- ½ cup citric acid
- 1-2 tsp castile soap
- Few drops lemon or tea tree essential oil
Instructions:
Mix and press into ice cube trays. Let harden and store in a jar. Drop one pod into toilet bowl, allow to fizz, then flush.
Liquid Cleaner:
- 2 cups water
- ½ cup baking soda
- ½ cup citric acid
- ½ cup castile soap
- Essential oils
Hydrogen Peroxide Sanitizer:
Spray hydrogen peroxide on the toilet seat and rim. Let sit a few minutes before wiping to disinfect effectively.
Conclusion
Using natural cleaning products not only improves indoor air quality and reduces exposure to toxins but also significantly cuts down household expenses. These DIY cleaners are crafted with readily available ingredients and offer an effective, eco-conscious solution to your everyday cleaning needs.