Introduction
Cleaning your home with harsh chemicals can be expensive and unhealthy. Many store-bought cleaners contain toxic ingredients that can irritate eyes and skin. Breathing in fumes from conventional cleaners can cause headaches, nausea, and other symptoms.
Luckily, you can save money and avoid chemicals by making your own natural cleaners using common household ingredients. Homemade cleaners get the job done without irritating respiratory systems or leaving behind nasty chemical residues. Best of all, you probably already have most or all of the ingredients you need.
In this article, I will share my favorite recipes for effective natural cleaners made from ingredients in your pantry and fridge. With just a little effort, you can go green, clean naturally, and have a safer home environment.
Vinegar-Based Cleaners
Vinegar is the basis for many excellent homemade cleaners. It cuts through grease and grime, disinfects surfaces, and leaves behind no chemical smell.
All-Purpose Cleaner
To make:
- 1⁄2 cup white vinegar
- 1⁄4 cup baking soda
- Water
- 5-10 drops essential oil (optional)
Mix the vinegar and baking soda in a spray bottle, leaving room to add water. The vinegar and baking soda will react chemically, fizzing and foaming. After the fizzing stops, top off with water, leaving about 1 inch at the top. Add several drops of essential oil for a light scent if desired. Shake before each use.
Spray directly onto surfaces and wipe clean with a damp cloth. This works great for countertops, appliances, sinks, windows, mirrors, and other areas that need a good disinfecting clean.
Glass/Window Cleaner
To make:
- 2 cups water
- 1⁄4 cup white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1-2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional)
Mix the ingredients in a spray bottle. The cornstarch helps prevent streaking but is not essential. Spray onto glass or mirrors and wipe with a lint-free cloth, microfiber cloth, or paper towels. This leaves behind a beautiful, streak-free shine!
Baking Soda Cleaners
Baking soda is a versatile natural cleaner that deodorizes, shines, and scrubs away dirt. Here are some of my go-to baking soda formulas:
Deodorizing Fridge Cleaner
To make:
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- 5-10 drops essential oil (lemon, grapefruit, orange, or lime recommended)
Mix the water and baking soda until the baking soda dissolves. Add the essential oil and mix well. Transfer to a spray bottle. Spray the mixture onto the inside of your fridge and wipe down with a clean cloth. The baking soda deodorizes while the essential oil leaves a light citrus scent.
Scrubbing Cleanser
To make:
- Baking soda
- Water
Place some baking soda in a small bowl. Add just enough water to make a paste, about 1-2 tablespoons. Use this paste to scrub sinks, tubs, tile, and other hard surfaces. The mild abrasiveness lifts dirt while the baking soda cleans and deodorizes. Rinse thoroughly afterward.
Castile Soap Cleaners
Liquid castile soap made from plant oils can power many homemade cleaners. It cuts grease and lifts dirt without irritating skin.
All-Purpose Cleaning Spray
To make:
- 1⁄2 cup water
- 1⁄4 cup liquid castile soap
- 15-20 drops essential oil (optional)
Mix the water and soap in a spray bottle. Shake vigorously. Add several drops of essential oil for fragrance if desired. Spray directly onto surfaces to cut through dirt and grime. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.
Wood Furniture Polish
To make:
- 1⁄4 cup olive or almond oil
- 1⁄4 cup liquid castile soap
- 1⁄4 cup water
- 10-15 drops lemon essential oil
Whisk all ingredients together in a glass jar or spray bottle. Shake before each use. Lightly spray onto wood surfaces such as tables, chairs, cabinets, and wood floors. Wipe down with a clean, dry cloth. The soap cleans while the oil conditions and protects the natural wood.
Lemon Juice Cleaners
Lemon juice kills bacteria, bleaches stains, deodorizes, and cuts through grease. Harness its cleaning power with these recipes:
Disinfecting Cleaner
To make:
- 1⁄2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1⁄2 cup water
- 10-15 drops tea tree essential oil
Mix the lemon juice, water, and tea tree oil in a spray bottle. Tea tree oil boosts the disinfecting properties. Spray on surfaces and let sit 5 minutes before wiping clean with a damp cloth. This natural cleaner sanitizes kitchen and bathroom surfaces.
Bleaching Cleanser
To make:
- 1⁄4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon salt
- Enough water to make a paste
Mix the lemon juice and salt, then stir in just enough water to make a spreadable paste. Use this paste to scrub ceramic cooktops, enamel sinks and tubs, or stainless steel to lift stains and brighten. Rinse thoroughly after scrubbing. Avoid using on marble, which can be etched by the acidity.
Hydrogen Peroxide Cleaners
The antibacterial and whitening effects of hydrogen peroxide make it a perfect ingredient for natural cleaners. Make sure to use the 3% hydrogen peroxide solution found at pharmacies.
Bathroom Cleaner
To make:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup 3% hydrogen peroxide
- 20-25 drops essential oil (lemon, lavender, or grapefruit recommended)
Mix the hydrogen peroxide and water in a spray bottle. Add the essential oil and shake to combine. Spray onto surfaces like sinks, showers, tubs, and toilets. Let sit 10 minutes, then scrub and rinse clean. The hydrogen peroxide disinfects and whitens.
Whitening Cleanser
To make:
- 1⁄2 cup hydrogen peroxide
- 1⁄4 cup baking soda
- 5 drops lemon essential oil
Make a paste by mixing the hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and lemon oil. Spread the paste onto stained areas of bathtubs, tile, grout, sinks, or counters. Let sit 5-10 minutes, then scrub and rinse. This can whiten and brighten most hard surfaces.
Conclusion
With these simple homemade cleaner recipes, you can avoid chemicals and save money by using ingredients from your pantry. Vinegar, baking soda, castile soap, lemon, and hydrogen peroxide clean and disinfect without toxins.
Experiment with different combinations to find your perfect homemade cleaners. Soon your whole home will shine using the power of natural ingredients you already have on hand.
