Top 10 Natural Cleaning Products You Can Make at Home

Many of the cleaning products available in stores contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful to both the environment and our health.

Thankfully, there are natural cleaning products that you can make at home that are just as effective and much safer to use.

These natural cleaning products are easy to make, affordable, and can be customized to suit your cleaning needs. From all-purpose cleaners to stain removers, there are many options to choose from. Not only are these products better for your health and the environment, but they can also save you money in the long run.

In this post, we will discuss the top 10 natural cleaning products you can make at home. These recipes are made from simple ingredients that you may already have in your pantry, and they are just as effective as their store-bought counterparts.

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1. All-Purpose Cleaner

First up is my go-to all-purpose cleaning spray. This one is totally natural and smells great too. Simply pick your favorite essential oil, and you can have your home smelling gorgeous.

Here’s my simple recipe for an all-purpose cleaner that you can make at home:

• 1 cup of distilled water
• 1 cup of white vinegar
• 10-15 drops of essential oil (such as lemon, lavender, or tea tree oil)

Mix all the ingredients together in a spray bottle and shake well before use.

This all-purpose cleaner can be used on a variety of surfaces, including countertops, sinks, and floors. The vinegar helps to disinfect and deodorize, while the essential oils provide a pleasant scent and additional cleaning power.

2. Glass Cleaner

Glass surfaces can be tricky to clean, but with this simple homemade glass cleaner, you can achieve a streak-free shine without harsh chemicals.

All you need is:

• 1 cup of water
• 1/4 cup of vinegar
• 1/4 cup of rubbing alcohol
• 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
• 10 drops of essential oil (optional)

Mix all the ingredients together in a spray bottle and shake well before using. Spray the solution onto the glass surface and wipe with a microfiber cloth or newspaper for a streak-free shine.

This glass cleaner is not only effective, but also eco-friendly and cost-effective way to clean your house. The vinegar and rubbing alcohol work together to break down dirt and grime, while the cornstarch helps to absorb any excess moisture and prevent streaks. The essential oil adds a pleasant scent and can also help to disinfect the surface.

Next time you need to clean your windows, mirrors, or other glass surfaces, give this homemade glass cleaner a try and see the difference for yourself!

I have lots more recipes for glass cleaner in this post - how to clean glass without Windex.

3. Bathroom Cleaner

Here are some natural cleaning products that you can make at home to clean your bathroom:

Vinegar and Baking Soda

A mixture of vinegar and baking soda is an excellent natural cleaner for the bathroom sink, bathtub, and toilet. Mix equal parts of vinegar and baking soda to form a paste. Apply the paste to the surface you want to clean and scrub with a brush. Rinse with water after scrubbing.

Lemon Juice and Borax

If you have hard water stains on your bathroom surfaces, a mixture of lemon juice and borax can help. Mix equal parts of lemon juice and borax to form a paste. Apply the paste to the surface you want to clean and let it sit for a few minutes. Scrub with a brush and rinse with water.

Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda

A mixture of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda is an excellent natural cleaner for the bathroom tiles and grout. Mix hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to form a paste. Apply the paste to the tiles and grout and let it sit for a few minutes. Scrub with a brush and rinse with water.

Castile Soap

Castile soap is an excellent natural cleaner for the bathroom. It can be used to clean the sink, bathtub, and toilet. Mix a few drops of Castile soap with water and use the mixture to clean the surfaces.

Essential Oils

Essential oils such as tea tree oil, lavender oil, and peppermint oil have antimicrobial properties and can be used as natural cleaners for the bathroom. Mix a few drops of essential oil with water and use the mixture to clean the surfaces.

4. Floor Cleaner

Keeping your floors clean can be a challenge, especially if you have children or pets. Many commercial floor cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful to your health and the environment. Fortunately, there are natural alternatives that can be just as effective.

One easy and inexpensive way to clean your floors is to make a solution of equal parts water and distilled white vinegar. Simply mix the two together in a bucket and use a mop or cloth to apply it to your floors. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant that can help remove dirt and grime from your floors.

If you have hardwood floors, you can make a natural floor cleaner by mixing 1/4 cup of olive oil with 1/4 cup of vinegar and 2 cups of warm water. Apply the solution to your floors with a mop or cloth, and then buff with a dry cloth to remove any excess oil.

Baking soda is another natural cleaning product that can be used to clean floors. Simply mix 1/2 cup of baking soda with 2 gallons of water and use a mop or cloth to apply the solution to your floors. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that can help remove stains and odors from your floors.

It’s important to note that while these natural cleaning products can be effective, they may not work as well as commercial cleaners on tough stains or heavily soiled floors. However, they are a great alternative for regular cleaning and can help reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals.

5. Furniture Polish

Furniture polish is a great way to keep your wooden furniture looking shiny and new. However, most commercial furniture polishes contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful to your health and the environment.

Fortunately, there are many natural alternatives that you can make at home using simple ingredients. Here are some of the best natural furniture polish recipes:

Beeswax Polish

Melt 2 tablespoons of beeswax in a double boiler. Once melted, add 1/2 cup of olive oil and stir until well combined. Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of lemon essential oil. Pour into a glass jar and let cool. Rub a small amount onto your wooden furniture and buff with a dry cloth.

Lemon Juice and Olive Oil Polish

Mix 1/4 cup of distilled water, 2 tablespoons white vinegar, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice in a spray bottle. Shake well before use. Spray a small amount onto a microfiber cloth and gently rub onto your wooden furniture. Buff with a dry cloth to remove any excess.

6. Dish Soap

Dish soap is an essential cleaning product in every household. However, most commercial dish soaps contain harsh chemicals that can harm the environment and your skin. Fortunately, you can make your own natural dish soap at home using simple ingredients.

Here are a few recipes for a natural dish soap:

Recipe 1: Castile Soap Dish Soap

• 1 cup of liquid Castile soap
• 1/4 cup of distilled water
• 1 tablespoon of white vinegar
• 10 drops of essential oil (optional)

Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and transfer the mixture to a soap dispenser. Shake well before use.

Recipe 2: Citrus Dish Soap

• 1 cup of liquid Castile soap
• 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup of white vinegar
• 10 drops of lemon essential oil

Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and transfer the mixture to a soap dispenser. Shake well before use.

Recipe 3: Baking Soda Dish Soap

• 1 cup of baking soda
• 1/4 cup of liquid Castile soap
• 1/4 cup of water
• 10 drops of essential oil (optional)

Mix all the ingredients in a bowl to form a paste. Transfer the mixture to a soap dispenser. Shake well before use.

These natural dish soaps are not only safe for the environment and your skin, but they are also effective in cleaning your dishes. Give them a try and see the difference!

7. Laundry Detergent

Laundry detergent is a must-have in every household, but it can be expensive and full of harmful chemicals. Making your own natural laundry detergent is not only cost-effective, but it’s also better for the environment and your health.

Here’s an easy recipe for DIY laundry detergent:

• 1 cup of washing soda crystals
• 1 cup of borax
• 1 bar of grated Castile soap, ivory soap or Fels Naptha

Mix all the ingredients together and store in an airtight container. Use 1-2 tablespoons per load of laundry, depending on the size and dirtiness of the load.

This homemade laundry detergent is gentle on your clothes and tough on stains. Plus, it’s free of synthetic fragrances and other harmful chemicals found in commercial laundry detergents.

If you prefer a liquid laundry detergent, you can try this recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Grated Castile soap
• Washing soda 1 cup
• Borax 1 cup
• Hot water 10 cups

Method:

1. Boil 4 cups of water and add the grated Castile soap. Stir until the soap is dissolved. In a separate container, mix the washing soda and borax.
2. Add the mixture to the soap and stir until everything is dissolved.
3. Add 6 cups of hot water and mix well.
4. Let the mixture cool down and store in an airtight container. Use 1/4 cup per load of laundry.

These natural laundry detergents are not only effective, but they’re also safe for your family and the environment. Give them a try and see the difference for yourself!

8. Air Freshener

Most commercial air fresheners contain harmful chemicals that can be harmful to your health. Fortunately, there are natural alternatives that you can make at home using simple ingredients.

Here are some of the best natural air fresheners you can make:

• Lemon and Baking Soda. Cut a lemon in half and sprinkle baking soda on the exposed flesh. Place the lemon halves in a bowl and leave them in the room to freshen the air.
• Essential Oils. Mix a few drops of your favorite essential oil with water and spray it in the air. You can also add the mixture to a diffuser to spread the scent throughout the room.
• Vinegar. Mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle and use it to freshen the air. Vinegar is a natural deodorizer that can help eliminate odors.
• Baking Soda. Place an open box of baking soda in the room to absorb odors. You can also sprinkle baking soda on carpets and upholstery and vacuum it up after a few hours.

These natural air fresheners are not only effective, but also safe and affordable. By using them, you can enjoy a fresh and clean-smelling home without exposing yourself and your family to harmful chemicals.

9. Drain Cleaner

Drain cleaners can be expensive and often contain harsh chemicals.

One simple method is to pour a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of white vinegar. Let the mixture sit for about 30 minutes, then flush with hot water. The chemical reaction between the baking soda and vinegar can help break down any buildup in the drain and clear it out.

Another option is to mix a cup of salt, a cup of baking soda, and a half cup of vinegar. Pour the mixture down the drain, let it sit for at least an hour, then flush with hot water. The salt can help scrub away any grime or buildup, while the baking soda and vinegar work together to break it down.

If you have a particularly stubborn clog, you can try using a plunger to help dislodge it. Simply fill the sink or tub with enough water to cover the plunger, place the plunger over the drain, and pump up and down vigorously. This can create suction that can help pull the clog out of the drain.

Remember to always avoid using chemical drain cleaners, as they can be harmful to your health and the environment. Stick to natural alternatives like these, and you’ll have a clean, clear drain in no time!

10. Oven Cleaner

Ovens can quickly become a mess with all the baking and roasting that goes on in them. However, cleaning your oven does not have to be a daunting task. Here is a natural oven cleaner that can help you get your oven sparkling clean without the harsh chemicals.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 1/4 cup water

Method:

1. Remove the oven racks and set them aside.
2. In a small bowl, mix the baking soda and water to form a paste.
3. Using a sponge or a brush, spread the paste all over the inside of the oven, avoiding the heating elements.
4. Let the paste sit for at least 30 minutes or overnight for tougher stains.
5. After the paste has sat, use a damp cloth to wipe away the paste and the grime.
6. Spray the inside of the oven with white vinegar and wipe away any remaining residue with a clean cloth.
7. Replace the oven racks and turn on the oven to 350 °F for 15 minutes to dry.

This natural oven cleaner is effective in removing tough stains and grime, leaving your oven looking and smelling fresh. Plus, it is safe to use around food and pets, making it a great alternative to harsh chemical cleaners.