I used to use harsh chemical cleaners filled with toxic ingredients to clean my home. While they got the job done, I worried about the effects on my health and the environment. I decided to ditch the chemicals and make my own natural cleaning solutions instead. Here’s how I deep clean every room in my house using simple, natural ingredients.
Kitchen
All-Purpose Cleaner
To make an all-purpose cleaner, I mix:
- 1⁄2 cup white vinegar
- 1⁄4 cup baking soda
- 4 cups hot water
I store it in a spray bottle and use it to clean countertops, appliances, floors, and most other surfaces. The vinegar cuts through grease and grime, while the baking soda acts as a gentle abrasive.
This natural cleaner disinfects and deodorizes without any harsh fumes. It’s safe for me and my family.
Disinfectant Cleaner
To kill germs in the kitchen, I make a simple disinfectant spray with:
- 2 teaspoons tea tree oil
- 2 cups water
- 1⁄4 cup vinegar
Tea tree oil is a powerful natural disinfectant that kills bacteria and viruses. I spray this solution on cutting boards, countertops, appliances, and anywhere else that needs sanitizing.
Degreaser
Baking soda also works wonders as a degreaser. I sprinkle it directly onto stuck-on grease and grime. After letting it sit for a few minutes, I scrub with a damp sponge and rinse. It works like magic to dissolve grease on oven hoods, stove tops, pots and pans.
Produce Wash
To remove pesticides and wax from fresh fruits and veggies, I mix:
- 1 cup vinegar
- 2 cups water
I pour this solution over produce and let sit briefly before rinsing. The natural acidity of the vinegar helps remove chemical residues.
Bathroom
Toilet Bowl Cleaner
For toilet bowl cleaning, I pour in 1⁄4 cup baking soda followed by 1 cup vinegar. The chemical reaction causes fizzing that helps break down grime.
I let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing with a toilet brush. The baking soda scrubs the bowl while the vinegar disinfects.
Mold Remover
To remove mold naturally, I mix:
- 1 part vinegar
- 1 part hydrogen peroxide
I spray this solution directly onto moldy surfaces like tile grout. The combination of vinegar and peroxide kills mold at the roots.
I let it fizz for an hour before rinsing clean. It removes mold safely without toxic bleach chemicals.
Shower Cleaner
For shower doors and walls, I mix:
- 1⁄2 cup liquid castile soap
- 1⁄2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons baking soda
- 10 drops essential oil (optional for scent)
I store this in a labeled spray bottle. The castile soap cuts through soap scum, while the baking soda gently polishes. A few spritzes makes shower cleaning easy.
Floors
Hardwood Floors
On finished hardwood, I mix:
- 1⁄4 cup vinegar
- 1 gallon warm water
This ratio of vinegar to water helps clean floors without leaving a film. I damp mop floors with this solution to remove dirt and grime safely.
Tile Floors
For tile, I sprinkle baking soda liberally on the floor and spray with vinegar. As the soda bubbles, I scrub with a stiff bristle broom.
The chemical reaction breaks up dirt, while the scrubbing lifts it away. I rinse clean for sparkling floors.
Carpets
For carpets, I sprinkle baking soda liberally and let sit for an hour before vacuuming. The baking soda absorbs odors, dirt, and grease.
For tough carpet stains, I mix:
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 2 tablespoons vinegar
I sprinkle this onto the stain, let sit briefly, then blot clean with a damp cloth. The salt and vinegar work together to lift the stain naturally.
Furniture
Wood Furniture Polish
To polish wood furniture, I mix:
- 1⁄4 cup olive oil
- 1⁄4 cup lemon juice
I pour the mixture onto a soft cloth and rub onto wood. The olive oil conditions the wood while the lemon acid cuts through grime.
It leaves wood shiny and fingerprint-free without chemical residue.
Leather Cleaner
For leather furniture, I mix:
- 1⁄4 cup vinegar
- 1 cup olive oil
I dip a soft cloth into the solution and rub it onto leather. The oil moisturizes and preserves the leather while the vinegar cleans it.
It removes dirt and conditioner leather naturally.
Conclusion
Ditching harsh chemical cleaners was one of the best decisions I made. Now I can deep clean my entire home using natural ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils instead.
My natural cleaning solutions save money, aren’t hazardous for my family, and help the environment. And they work just as well, if not better, for cleaning every room and surface in my home.
What natural cleaning solutions do you use? I’d love to hear your favorite recipes and tips!
