Making your own DIY cleaning products can be easy, effective, and budget-friendly. With just a few simple ingredients found around the house, you can make safe and eco-friendly cleaners. Here’s how to get started making DIY cleaning products from what you likely already have:
Take Inventory of What You Have on Hand
Before heading to the store, take stock of what you already have available to make cleaners. Some common household items that can be used include:
- White vinegar – cuts grease, removes odors, disinfects
- Baking soda – scours and deodorizes
- Lemon juice – cuts grease, whitens, freshens scent
- Hydrogen peroxide – disinfects, whitens
- Essential oils like lemon, lavender, tea tree – add natural fragrance
- Castile soap – lifts dirt, cuts grease
- Washing soda – removes stains, cuts grease
- Borax – deodorizes, removes stains
Make All-Purpose Cleaners
One of the handiest DIY cleaners to make is an all-purpose cleaner that can be used to clean most surfaces in your home. Here are some options:
Vinegar and Water
- Combine 1 part white vinegar and 1 part water in a spray bottle.
- Use on countertops, appliances, windows, mirrors, and other surfaces.
Vinegar, Water, and Essential Oil
- To the vinegar and water, add 15-20 drops of essential oil like lemon or lavender for scent.
- The essential oil provides a fresh, natural fragrance.
Castile Soap and Water
- Mix 1/2 teaspoon Castile soap like Dr. Bronner’s with 2 cups water.
- Use to clean floors, countertops, sinks, and most other surfaces.
Hydrogen Peroxide Disinfectant
- Mix 1 part hydrogen peroxide and 1 part water.
- Spray on surfaces to disinfect without harsh chemicals.
Make Specialty Cleaners
Tailor DIY cleaners to specific cleaning needs around your home:
All-Purpose Scrub
- Mix 1/2 cup baking soda with enough Castile soap to form a paste.
- Scrub sinks, showers, countertops.
Glass and Window Cleaner
- Mix 2 cups water, 1/4 cup vinegar, and 1 tbsp cornstarch.
- Spray and wipe for streak-free windows and mirrors.
Natural Disinfectant
- Mix 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide, 1 tsp Castile soap, 10 drops tea tree essential oil.
- Spray on surfaces to disinfect.
DIY Drain Cleaner
- Pour 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain followed by 1/2 cup vinegar. Cover and let sit 15 mins before rinsing with hot water.
Oven Cleaner
- Make a paste with 3 tbsp baking soda, 1 tsp Castile soap and just enough water to form a paste.
- Spread on oven surfaces, let sit 20 mins, then scrub off.
Store Homemade Cleaners Properly
To get the most out of your DIY cleaners:
- Use glass spray bottles or jars to store mixtures.
- Label bottles with ingredients and uses.
- Store out of sunlight to preserve potency.
- Make in small batches and discard after a few weeks as mixtures degrade over time.
Following basic recipes, you can make effective, affordable cleaners from ingredients already in your pantry and under your sinks. With a little creativity, you can customize DIY cleaning products for all your household cleaning needs.
