Cleaning your home doesn’t have to involve harsh chemicals or expensive store-bought products. With just a few simple ingredients from your pantry, you can make effective homemade cleaners that get the job done using the power of nature. Not only are DIY cleaners gentler on you and your family, they’re also better for the environment and your wallet.
Ready to learn how to make 4 all-natural cleaners right at home? Let’s get started!
Why Make Your Own Cleaning Products
Switching to DIY cleaners offers many benefits:
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Many conventional cleaning products contain a cocktail of harmful ingredients like bleach, ammonia, phthalates, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Exposure to these chemicals has been linked to asthma, cancer, reproductive issues, endocrine disruption, and other health problems.
Making your own cleaners allows you to control exactly what goes into them. You can use natural antibacterial agents like vinegar, rubbing alcohol, and tea tree oil instead of harsh detergents and disinfectants.
Eco-Friendly
Store-bought cleaners often contain chemicals that are not biodegradable. When washed down the drain, these persistent compounds end up polluting waterways and harming plants and aquatic life.
Homemade cleaners use natural, biodegradable ingredients that are much gentler on the environment when disposed of properly. Plus, you reduce plastic waste from all those single-use bottles.
Save Money
Purchasing ready-made cleaners can really add up. Making DIY versions at home costs just pennies per use. All you need are a few basic ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and castile soap.
Customize for Your Needs
You can tweak homemade cleaner recipes to suit your personal requirements. Control the strength, fragrance, and formulation. Add essential oils to make it smell nice or ingredients like lemon juice to boost cleaning power.
Non-Toxic Around Children & Pets
Conventional cleaners pose poisoning risks, especially for kids and pets who might accidentally ingest them. However, natural cleaners are non-toxic and safe to use around little ones.
Now let’s explore 4 easy all-natural cleaner recipes you can DIY at home!
1. All-Purpose Homemade Cleaner
An all-purpose cleaner is a versatile house cleaning solution that can tackle multiple surfaces. This DIY version uses just three ingredients yet powers through grease, dirt, and grime with ease.
Natural Ingredients
- 1 part white vinegar
- 1 part water
- 5-10 drops essential oil (optional)
Why It Works
- Vinegar – Cleans by dissolving mineral deposits, removing grease, and killing bacteria and mold due to its acetic acid content. White distilled vinegar has a lower acidity than other types.
- Water – Helps lift and rinse away dirt and debris. Warm water can boost cleaning power.
- Essential oils – Add a fresh, natural scent. Oils like lemon, peppermint, and tea tree also have antibacterial properties.
How to Make It
Making this all-natural cleaner takes just a few minutes:
- Fill spray bottle 1/3 of the way with white vinegar.
- Top off bottle with water, leaving a little room at the top.
- Add 5-10 drops of your favorite essential oil if desired. Shake well before use.
- Label bottle so you remember what’s inside.
- Shake solution before each use to combine ingredients.
How to Use It
This DIY cleaner can be used on:
- Countertops
- Tables
- Appliances (avoid stainless steel)
- Sinks
- Cabinets
- Floors
- Windows
- Mirrors
Spray directly onto surface and wipe clean with a damp cloth or paper towel. For tough stains, let solution sit for 3-5 minutes before wiping. Rinse with water after use.
Avoid using on natural stone, hardwood floors, or unfinished wood as the vinegar may damage surfaces. Test in an inconspicuous area first.
Tips
- Increase cleaning power on hard water stains by using full-strength vinegar before diluting with water.
- For glass and mirrors, substitute vodka or rubbing alcohol for the water. This helps prevent streaking.
- Add lemon juice or dish soap to boost grease-cutting ability.
- Store in a cool, dark place and replace every 3-6 months for best results.
2. DIY Disinfecting Cleaner Spray
Disinfecting your home is especially important in bathrooms and high-traffic areas prone to germs. This natural disinfectant spray sanitizes surfaces using the antimicrobial powers of essential oils.
Natural Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup vodka or rubbing alcohol
- 5-10 drops tea tree essential oil
- 5-10 drops lavender essential oil
Why It Works
- Vodka/Rubbing Alcohol: Denatures proteins in cell walls to kill bacteria and fungi. Evaporates quickly without streaking.
- Tea tree oil: Antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal. Shown effective against cold & flu viruses.
- Lavender oil: Disinfectant and antiseptic properties to kill germs. Also provides a pleasant scent.
- Water: Helps spread essential oils and lift contaminants from surfaces.
How to Make It
Making this spray is as simple as mixing everything together in a spray bottle:
- Add vodka or rubbing alcohol, water, and essential oils to spray bottle.
- Shake vigorously to combine. The solution may appear cloudy.
- Label bottle clearly so everyone knows it’s a disinfectant.
How to Use It
Use this spray to disinfect and sanitize:
- Countertops
- Toilets
- Sinks
- Door handles
- Light switches
- Tables
- High chairs
Spritz generously onto surface until coated. Allow to sit for at least 1 minute before wiping clean with a cloth. Repeat application if needed for heavily soiled areas.
Note that this DIY disinfectant works great for everyday cleaning and preventative sanitizing. For deep disinfection against dangerous pathogens, use an EPA-registered disinfectant.
Tips
- Increase essential oils to the maximum recommended if you desire stronger antimicrobial properties.
- Shake before each use as the oils and alcohol may separate.
- Store in a cool, dark location away from direct light to preserve potency.
3. Natural Wood Cleaner & Polish
Keeping wood furnishings looking their best requires special care. Harsh cleaners can strip away natural oils, causing dryness and damage. Opt for this gentle DIY wood cleaner and polish instead to clean, condition, and protect your wood without chemicals.
Natural Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon essential oil (optional)
Why It Works
- Olive oil moisturizes and replenishes wood oils to prevent drying and cracking. Contains vitamin E for added protection.
- Lemon juice cuts through dirt, wax buildup, and grime. Naturally bleaches wood over time.
- Lemon essential oil provides a fresh citrus scent and antibacterial properties.
How to Make It
Simply whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl:
- Add olive oil, lemon juice, and lemon essential oil (if using) to a bowl.
- Whisk together thoroughly until fully blended.
- Transfer to a glass spray bottle or jar for easy use.
How to Use It
Shake mixture gently before each use. Lightly spray or apply to wood using a soft cloth. Rub in the direction of the wood grain to condition while lifting dirt.
Use this solution to clean and polish:
- Furniture
- Cabinets
- Cutting boards
- Wood flooring
- Doors
- Picture frames
Avoid soaking or saturating wood. Work in sections and wipe away excess. Allow wood to dry completely before additional coats.
For best conditioning, polish wood monthly or as needed to retain natural oils.
Tips
- Test formula on an inconspicuous area first to check for color changes.
- For furniture, work on smaller sections at a time to prevent over-wetting.
- Buff with dry cloth after application to remove residue and add shine.
- Omit lemon juice for a gentle moisturizing wood treatment instead of a polish.
4. DIY Window & Glass Cleaner
Streak-free windows are possible with this easy homemade glass cleaner! It works great on windows, mirrors, lenses, screens, and other glass surfaces.
Natural Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vinegar or rubbing alcohol
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 5-10 drops essential oil (optional)
Why It Works
- Vinegar/alcohol: Cuts through grease, grime, dirt, and waxy buildup.
- Cornstarch: Absorbs residues and polishes glass without streaking.
- Water: Helps lift debris from surfaces so ingredients work better.
- Essential oils: Impart natural fragrance if desired. Some also have cleansing properties.
How to Make It
- Add the vinegar or rubbing alcohol, water, and cornstarch to spray bottle.
- Shake bottle vigorously until cornstarch is fully dissolved.
- Add essential oils next if using. Lavender, peppermint, or lemon oils work great.
- Shake again before each use to combine ingredients.
How to Use It
Spray homemade glass cleaner directly onto glass surface or a microfiber cloth. Wipe clean using a squeegee, lint-free cloth, or paper towels. Buff dry with a clean cloth.
Safe for use on:
- Windows
- Mirrors
- Glass shower doors
- Car windshields
- Glass tables/desks
- Eyeglasses
- Phone screens
Avoid using on anti-reflective coated lenses. Test in an inconspicuous spot first.
Tips
- Substitute vodka for the vinegar if cleaning electronics screens prone to streaking.
- Try a 50/50 mix of vinegar & water for cleaning heavily soiled windows.
- Increase cornstarch to 3-4 tablespoons for faster drying without streaks.
- Add a few drops of dish soap for extra grease-cutting power.
Now your home can sparkle using the power of simple, natural ingredients found in your kitchen! These homemade cleaners get the job done without exposing your family to harsh toxins. Plus, they save money and packaging compared to store-bought options.
Give these all-natural DIY cleaner recipes a try and your home will be fresh, clean, and healthy in no time. Which one are you most excited to whip up first?
Frequently Asked Questions About 4 All-Natural Homemade Cleaners You Can DIY at Home
Can I use essential oils in homemade cleaners if I have pets?
Some essential oils can be toxic to cats and dogs. Avoid using pine, cinnamon, pennyroyal, peppermint, and ylang ylang oils. Oils safe for pets include lavender, niaouli, and Roman chamomile. Introduce new cleaners slowly and watch for reactions.
How should I store homemade cleaning solutions?
Store in clearly labeled, sealed containers away from heat and light. Glass spray bottles or jars work well. Keep solutions containing citrus juices refrigerated for longer shelf life. Most DIY cleaners last around 3-6 months when stored properly.
Is white vinegar or apple cider vinegar better for cleaning?
White vinegar has a lower acidity at 5% which makes it safest and most versatile for household cleaning. Apple cider vinegar has a higher acidity around 5-6% that can damage certain surfaces.
Can I use homemade cleaners on granite?
Yes, homemade cleaners are safe for cleaning sealed granite as long as they do not contain acidic ingredients like lemon juice or vinegar that could etch the stone over time. Test any new cleaner in an inconspicuous spot first.
How do I know if a DIY cleaner is disinfecting properly?
Unfortunately, homemade cleaners cannot legally make disinfecting claims. While they can sanitize to an extent with ingredients like alcohol, peroxide or essential oils, they do not kill dangerous pathogens as proven by rigorous EPA testing like registered disinfectants.
Do I need towear gloves when using homemade cleaners?
Many homemade cleaners rely on natural ingredients like soap, water, baking soda and vinegar that are gentle on skin. However, you should wear gloves when using castile soap, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide or lemon juice as these can dry out hands with frequent exposure. Test any new mixture on a small patch of skin first.
Can I use lemon essential oil to clean wood floors?
No, citrus-based cleaners should not be used on wood flooring as the acidic juices may damage the finish over time. Instead, stick to mild ingredients like olive oil, vinegar, or soap. Always test new cleaners on an inconspicuous area first.
How often should I mop or disinfect my floors?
For average household messes, mopping 1-2 times per week is sufficient. Disinfecting is only needed 1-2 times per month unless someone in the home is ill. Over-disinfecting floors can remove healthy bacteria and encourage growth of resistant superbugs.
What homemade cleaner recipes can I make without vinegar?
Great vinegar-free options include all-purpose cleaners made with baking soda, lemon juice, hydrogen peroxide or castile soap. For glass, mix rubbing alcohol with water and cornstarch. For wood, use olive or coconut oil with lemon juice (rinse well). Get creative with natural antibacterial agents!
Conclusion
Green cleaning your home with these simple 4 all-natural DIY cleaners is easy, affordable and effective. You can ditch the harsh chemicals without sacrificing sparkling results.
Make sure to properly label each homemade solution and follow safe usage guidelines. Always spot test on an inconspicuous area before cleaning a new surface.
The next time you need to wipe down kitchen counters, disinfect bathrooms, polish furniture or clean windows, reach for your homemade cleaners rather than toxic chemical blends. Your body and home will thank you!