Cleaning your home can feel like a never-ending chore, but did you know that there are tons of clever DIY solutions you can whip up using everyday household ingredients? In this article, I’m going to share 40 of my favorite creative cleaning ideas that will have your space looking spotless and smelling fresh – without breaking the bank.
Homemade Glass Cleaner
Who needs expensive chemical-laden glass cleaners when you can make your own for pennies? Simply mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. The vinegar cuts through grime and leaves windows, mirrors, and other glass surfaces sparkling clean. For an extra shine, add a few drops of lemon essential oil.
Baking Soda and Vinegar Drain Cleaner
Clogged drains can be a real pain, but this simple combo is a lifesaver. Pour a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of white vinegar. Let it fizz and bubble for 5-10 minutes, then flush with boiling water. The chemical reaction helps break down gunk and buildup, leaving your sink or tub draining like new.
All-Purpose Cleaning Spray
For a versatile multi-surface cleaner, mix 1 part white vinegar, 1 part water, and a few drops of your favorite essential oil (lemon, lavender, and tea tree oil work great) in a spray bottle. This gentle yet effective solution can be used on countertops, floors, tiles, and more.
Microwave Steam Cleaner
Dealing with stubborn dried-on food splatters in the microwave? Place a microwave-safe bowl filled with water and a few slices of lemon inside, then run on high for 2-3 minutes. The steam will loosen the gunk so you can simply wipe it clean.
Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Say goodbye to harsh chemical toilet cleaners! For a natural alternative, pour 1/2 cup of baking soda into the bowl, followed by 1 cup of white vinegar. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then scrub and flush. You can also add a few drops of essential oils like eucalyptus or tea tree for extra disinfecting power.
Stovetop Degreaser
Grease and grime can really build up on your stovetop over time. Create a paste with baking soda and water, then use it to scrub the surface. For extra cleaning power, sprinkle on some salt before scrubbing. The abrasiveness will help cut through the toughest grime.
Carpet Deodorizer
Freshen up smelly carpets by sprinkling some baking soda over the surface, letting it sit for 15 minutes, then vacuuming it up. You can also add a few drops of essential oils to the baking soda for a pleasant scent.
Streak-Free Stainless Steel Cleaner
Get your stainless steel appliances sparkling by mixing equal parts white vinegar and olive oil in a spray bottle. Spritz it on, let it sit for a minute, then wipe clean with a microfiber cloth.
Tile and Grout Cleaner
For dingy tile and grimy grout, make a paste with baking soda and water. Spread it over the affected areas, let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then scrub with an old toothbrush. Rinse thoroughly.
Natural Furniture Polish
Revive dull, scratched wood furniture with a homemade polish. Mix 2 parts olive oil and 1 part lemon juice or white vinegar in a spray bottle. Mist it onto the surface, let it soak in for a minute, then buff dry with a microfiber cloth.
Dishwasher Detergent
Whip up your own eco-friendly dishwasher detergent using just a few simple ingredients. Combine 1 cup washing soda, 1 cup borax, and a few drops of lemon essential oil. Use 1-2 tablespoons per load for sparkling clean dishes.
Oven Cleaner
For a simple oven cleaner, sprinkle some baking soda directly on the oven floor, then spray with white vinegar. Let it bubble and foam for a few minutes before wiping away with a damp cloth. For tough, baked-on grime, let the mixture sit for 15-20 minutes before scrubbing.
Laundry Detergent
Save money and avoid harsh chemicals by making your own laundry detergent. Grate a bar of castile or Ivory soap, then mix it with washing soda, borax, and essential oils. Use just 1-2 tablespoons per load.
Granite Cleaner
Keep your granite countertops looking their best with a DIY cleaner. Mix 1 part isopropyl alcohol, 1 part water, and a few drops of lemon essential oil in a spray bottle. Mist it on, let it sit briefly, then wipe clean.
Tile Floor Cleaner
For squeaky-clean tile floors, combine 1 cup vinegar, 1 cup water, and a few drops of castile soap or essential oils in a bucket. Dip a mop in the solution and go to town.
Natural Mold and Mildew Remover
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle, then spritz it on any moldy or mildewed surfaces. Let it sit for at least an hour before scrubbing and rinsing. The acidic vinegar helps kill and prevent the growth of mold and mildew.
Disinfecting Wipes
Create your own disinfecting wipes by combining 1 cup water, 1/4 cup white vinegar, and 15-20 drops of tea tree or lemon essential oil. Soak paper towels or reusable cloths in the solution, wring them out, and store in an airtight container.
Microfiber Cleaner
Rejuvenate your microfiber cloths by washing them with a small amount of dish soap and white vinegar. The vinegar helps remove built-up dirt and grime, leaving them fresh and ready to use again.
Drain Hair Catcher
Prevent future clogs by making a simple hair catcher for your shower or sink drain. Stretch a piece of pantyhose over the drain opening and secure it with a rubber band. The nylon material will catch hair and other debris before it goes down the drain.
Garbage Disposal Refresher
Keep your garbage disposal smelling fresh by grinding up lemon or orange peels, ice cubes, and a bit of baking soda. The citrus scent will help neutralize odors, while the ice and baking soda will help scrub the blades.
Stainless Steel Scratch Remover
Buff out those unsightly scratches on your stainless steel appliances with a paste made from baking soda and water. Gently rub it into the scratches using a soft cloth, then wipe clean.
Leather Conditioner
Prevent your leather furniture and accessories from drying out by making a DIY conditioning treatment. Mix equal parts olive oil and white vinegar in a small bowl, then apply a thin layer to the leather using a soft cloth. Let it soak in, then buff to a shine.
Crayon Remover
Kids love to get creative with crayons, but the resulting marks on walls and furniture can be a nightmare. Make a paste with baking soda and water, then gently scrub the crayon stains until they lift. You can also try spraying the area with hairspray before scrubbing.
Shoe Cleaner
Keep your leather and suede shoes looking sharp with a homemade cleaner. Mix a small amount of dish soap with some water, then use a soft brush to scrub the surface. Rinse with a damp cloth and let air dry.
Wood Floor Cleaner
Revive dull, scratched hardwood floors with a simple DIY solution. Combine 1 cup warm water, 1/4 cup white vinegar, and a few drops of castile soap or lemon essential oil in a spray bottle. Mist it onto the floors and wipe clean with a microfiber mop.
Toilet Freshening Tabs
Create your own toilet freshening tabs by mixing baking soda, citric acid, and essential oils. Drop one in the bowl before each use for a quick deodorizing boost.
Tub and Tile Scrub
For a powerful natural scrub that cuts through soap scum and grime, mix 1 cup baking soda, 1/4 cup castile soap, and 1-2 tablespoons water to form a thick paste. Apply to tubs, tiles, and sinks, let sit for 10-15 minutes, then scrub and rinse.
Stain Remover
Pre-treat tough stains on clothes, carpets, and upholstery with a paste made from baking soda and water. Let it sit for 30 minutes before laundering or blotting with a damp cloth.
Granite and Quartz Cleaner
Keep your beautiful stone countertops spotless with a simple cleaner made from rubbing alcohol, water, and lemon essential oil. The alcohol cuts through grease and grime, while the lemon provides a fresh scent.
Dishwasher Deodorizer
Banish musty dishwasher odors by placing a small bowl of baking soda on the top rack. Run a normal wash cycle, then let the baking soda sit overnight to absorb any lingering smells.
Furniture Polish
Revive dull, dried-out wood furniture with a DIY polish made from olive oil and lemon juice or white vinegar. Spritz it on, let it soak in, then buff to a beautiful shine.
Grill Cleaner
Clean your barbecue grill naturally by scrubbing it down with a baking soda paste. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then scrape off the loosened grime with a wire brush or scraper.
Oven Deodorizer
Eliminate stubborn oven odors by placing a small bowl of baking soda on the bottom rack. Run the self-cleaning cycle, then wipe out any remaining residue once the oven has fully cooled.
Shower Curtain Cleaner
Keep your shower curtain fresh and mildew-free by washing it in the washing machine with a bit of baking soda and white vinegar. Just be sure to hang it back up while still damp to prevent wrinkles.
Natural Air Freshener
Create your own custom air freshener by combining water, witch hazel, and 10-15 drops of essential oils in a spray bottle. Mist it around the room for an instant refresh.
Tile Floor Scrub
Sprinkle baking soda generously over tile floors, then spray with white vinegar. Let the mixture fizz and bubble for a few minutes before scrubbing with a stiff-bristle brush.
Carpet Stain Remover
For stubborn carpet stains, make a paste with hydrogen peroxide, dish soap, and a bit of warm water. Gently rub it into the stain, let it sit for 15 minutes, then blot with a clean cloth.
Disinfecting Wipes (Part 2)
For an even more powerful disinfecting wipe, combine 1 cup water, 1/4 cup white vinegar, 1 tablespoon castile soap, and 20 drops of tea tree essential oil. Soak your wipes, squeeze out excess liquid, and store in an airtight container.
Dishwasher Deodorizer (Part 2)
Another easy way to keep your dishwasher smelling fresh is to run an empty cycle with a cup of white vinegar in the top rack. The vinegar helps remove built-up grime and residue.
With these 40 clever DIY cleaning solutions, you’ll have your home sparkling in no time – without the harsh chemicals or heavy price tag of store-bought products. So grab those common household ingredients and get to work! Your space (and your wallet) will thank you.
Adam’s Cleaning Services is here to help with all your cleaning needs, from regular maintenance to deep, specialized cleanings. Check out our full range of services to see how we can keep your home or business looking its best.
