Switching to natural cleaning solutions is a great way to reduce your environmental impact, save money, and create a healthier home.
Commercial cleaners often contain harsh chemicals that can harm your health and the planet.
Fortunately, you can make effective, natural cleaning solutions using simple ingredients.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide recipes for various natural cleaning solutions, from all-purpose cleaners to specialized solutions for different areas of your home.
Table of Contents
- All-Purpose Cleaner
- Glass and Mirror Cleaner
- Kitchen Degreaser
- Bathroom Cleaner
- Carpet Freshener
- Furniture Polish
- Floor Cleaner
- Laundry Detergent
- Dish Soap
- Conclusion
1. All-Purpose Cleaner
An all-purpose cleaner is a must-have in any home. It’s versatile and can be used on most surfaces, including countertops, appliances, and tiles.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 10-20 drops of essential oil (e.g., lemon, lavender, tea tree)
- Spray bottle
Instructions:
- Mix Ingredients: Combine the vinegar, water, and essential oil in a spray bottle. Shake well to mix.
- Label the Bottle: Label the bottle with the contents and date.
- Spray and Wipe: Spray the solution on the surface and wipe with a cloth.
Uses:
- Countertops
- Sinks
- Appliances
- Tiles
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Pro Tip:
For a stronger cleaner, you can use equal parts vinegar and water. Always test a small area first to ensure it doesn’t damage the surface.
2. Glass and Mirror Cleaner
A natural glass and mirror cleaner leaves surfaces streak-free and shiny without the harsh chemicals found in commercial cleaners.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Spray bottle
Instructions:
- Combine Ingredients: Mix water, vinegar, and cornstarch in a spray bottle. Shake well until the cornstarch dissolves.
- Label the Bottle: Label the bottle with the contents and date.
- Spray and Wipe: Spray the solution on glass or mirrors and wipe with a microfiber cloth or newspaper.
Uses:
- Windows
- Mirrors
- Glass doors
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Pro Tip:
Cornstarch helps to prevent streaks, but make sure to shake the bottle before each use to keep it well mixed.
3. Kitchen Degreaser
A natural kitchen degreaser cuts through grease and grime on stovetops, ovens, and kitchen surfaces.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 1/4 cup castile soap
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon water
- 10 drops of lemon essential oil
- Spray bottle
Instructions:
- Mix Ingredients: Combine baking soda, castile soap, vinegar, water, and essential oil in a spray bottle. Shake well to mix.
- Label the Bottle: Label the bottle with the contents and date.
- Spray and Scrub: Spray the solution on greasy surfaces and scrub with a sponge or brush.
Uses:
- Stovetops
- Ovens
- Kitchen countertops
- Backsplashes
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Pro Tip:
Let the solution sit on tough grease stains for a few minutes before scrubbing for better results.
4. Bathroom Cleaner
Keep your bathroom sparkling clean and free of harsh chemicals with this natural bathroom cleaner.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide
- 1 teaspoon liquid dish soap
- Spray bottle
Instructions:
- Mix Ingredients: Combine baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and dish soap in a spray bottle. Shake well to mix.
- Label the Bottle: Label the bottle with the contents and date.
- Spray and Scrub: Spray the solution on bathroom surfaces and scrub with a brush or sponge.
Uses:
- Sinks
- Tubs
- Showers
- Tiles
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Pro Tip:
For tough stains and grout cleaning, sprinkle baking soda directly on the surface and spray with the cleaner. Scrub with a brush for a deep clean.
5. Carpet Freshener
Freshen up your carpets naturally with this easy-to-make carpet freshener.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup baking soda
- 10-20 drops of essential oil (e.g., lavender, eucalyptus)
- Shaker bottle
Instructions:
- Combine Ingredients: Mix baking soda and essential oil in a shaker bottle. Shake well to combine.
- Label the Bottle: Label the bottle with the contents and date.
- Sprinkle and Vacuum: Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the carpet. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then vacuum thoroughly.
Uses:
- Carpets
- Rugs
- Upholstery
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Pro Tip:
Use a sieve to distribute the baking soda mixture evenly over the carpet for better results.
6. Furniture Polish
This natural furniture polish will leave your wood furniture shining and nourished without the need for synthetic chemicals.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 10 drops of lemon essential oil
- Spray bottle
Instructions:
- Combine Ingredients: Mix olive oil, vinegar, and essential oil in a spray bottle. Shake well to combine.
- Label the Bottle: Label the bottle with the contents and date.
- Spray and Wipe: Spray the solution on wood furniture and wipe with a soft cloth.
Uses:
- Wooden tables
- Chairs
- Cabinets
- Shelves
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Pro Tip:
For extra shine, buff the furniture with a dry cloth after applying the polish.
7. Floor Cleaner
This versatile floor cleaner works on a variety of surfaces, leaving them clean and streak-free.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1 gallon of warm water
- 10 drops of essential oil (e.g., tea tree, lavender)
- Mop and bucket
Instructions:
- Mix Ingredients: Combine vinegar, water, and essential oil in a bucket. Stir well to mix.
- Mop Floors: Dip the mop into the solution and wring out excess water. Mop the floor as usual.
- Dry Floors: Allow the floors to air dry or use a clean cloth to wipe them dry.
Uses:
- Tile floors
- Hardwood floors (sealed)
- Laminate floors
- Vinyl floors
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Pro Tip:
Always wring out the mop well to avoid excess water on hardwood and laminate floors, which can cause damage.
8. Laundry Detergent
Make your own laundry detergent to save money and avoid the chemicals found in commercial products.
Ingredients:
- 1 bar of castile soap
- 1 cup washing soda
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1/2 cup borax (optional)
- 20 drops of essential oil (e.g., lavender, lemon)
- Grater
- Airtight container
Instructions:
- Grate Soap: Grate the bar of castile soap into small flakes using a grater.
- Mix Ingredients: Combine grated soap, washing soda, baking soda, borax (if using), and essential oil in a bowl. Mix well.
- Store: Transfer the mixture to an airtight container.
- Use: Use 1-2 tablespoons per load of laundry.
Uses:
- All types of laundry
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Pro Tip:
For extra cleaning power, add a tablespoon of baking soda directly to the washing machine drum before starting the wash.
9. Dish Soap
Homemade dish soap is effective, gentle on the hands, and free from synthetic chemicals.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup castile soap
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- 10 drops of essential oil (e.g., lemon, tea tree)
- Squeeze bottle
Instructions:
- Mix Ingredients: Combine castile soap, water, vinegar, baking soda, and essential oil in a squeeze bottle. Shake well to mix.
- Label the Bottle: Label the bottle with the contents and date.
- Use: Use as you would regular dish soap.
Uses:
- Hand-washing dishes
- Cleaning kitchen surfaces
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Pro Tip:
Shake the bottle before each use to ensure the ingredients are well mixed.
Conclusion
Creating your own natural cleaning solutions is a simple, effective, and eco-friendly way to maintain a clean home.
By using basic ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils, you can replace commercial cleaners with homemade alternatives that are just as powerful but far safer for your health and the environment.
Not only do these DIY cleaning solutions work well, but they also help you save money and reduce plastic waste from commercial cleaner packaging. Start with one or two recipes and gradually expand your repertoire as you become more comfortable with the process.
If you found these recipes helpful, share them with friends and family. Together, we can make a positive impact on our health and the planet by adopting natural cleaning practices.
