14 Natural Homemade Cleaners You Can Trust for a Chemical-Free Clean

Ditch the harsh chemicals and switch to the power of nature with these 14 simple, homemade cleaning recipes! From your kitchen to your bathroom and everywhere in between, you can create a sparkling clean home using ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

Not only are these DIY cleaners effective at tackling grease, grime, and dirt – they’re also non-toxic, eco-friendly, and much gentler on your wallet than store-bought products. Plus, you can customize the scents using your favorite essential oils.

Why Choose Natural Cleaning Products?

Switching to natural cleaning products offers numerous benefits for your health, the environment, and your wallet. By avoiding harsh chemicals, you reduce your exposure to potentially harmful substances that can irritate your skin, eyes, and lungs. 

Natural cleaners also have a lower environmental impact, as they break down more easily and don’t contribute to water pollution. (ref) Plus, making your own cleaning solutions is often more cost-effective than purchasing commercial products.

Essential Ingredients for Natural Cleaning

Before diving into the recipes, let’s take a look at some essential ingredients you’ll need:

• Baking soda: A versatile cleaner that helps remove stains and odors.
• White vinegar: An acidic solution that cuts through grease and dissolves mineral buildup.
• Lemon juice: A natural disinfectant and deodorizer with a fresh scent.
• Castile soap: A gentle, plant-based soap that effectively cleans without harsh chemicals.
• Essential oils: Natural fragrances that add a pleasant scent to your cleaners.
• Hydrogen peroxide: A mild bleach alternative that disinfects and brightens surfaces.
• Borax (optional): A natural laundry booster and multipurpose cleaner.

1. All-Purpose Cleaner

This versatile cleaner is perfect for countertops, tables, and other hard surfaces.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1 cup water
• 15 drops essential oil (lemon, lavender, or tea tree)

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle.
2. Shake well before each use.
3. Spray on surfaces and wipe clean with a microfiber cloth.

2. Glass & Mirror Cleaner

Say goodbye to streaks with this simple, effective solution.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups water
• 1/2 cup white vinegar
• 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle.
2. Spray on glass surfaces and wipe with a lint-free cloth or newspaper for a streak-free shine.

3. Bathroom Scrub

This powerful scrub will tackle soap scum and grime in your bathroom.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup baking soda
• 1/4 cup liquid castile soap
• 1 tablespoon hydrogen peroxide

Instructions:

1. Mix ingredients to form a paste.
2. Apply to bathroom surfaces with a sponge.
3. Scrub gently and rinse thoroughly.

4. Carpet Freshener

Eliminate odors and freshen your carpets naturally.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup baking soda
• 20 drops essential oil (your choice of scent)

Instructions:

1. Mix baking soda and essential oil in a jar.
2. Sprinkle on carpets and let sit for 15-30 minutes.
3. Vacuum thoroughly.

5. Wood Polish

Keep your wooden furniture looking its best with this natural polish.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 10 drops lemon essential oil

Instructions:

1. Combine ingredients in a spray bottle.
2. Shake well and spray onto a microfiber cloth.
3. Wipe wooden surfaces, following the grain.

6. Toilet Bowl Cleaner

This fizzy cleaner will leave your toilet sparkling clean.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 10 drops tea tree essential oil

Instructions:

1. Sprinkle baking soda inside the toilet bowl.
2. Add vinegar and essential oil.
3. Let the mixture fizz for a few minutes, then scrub with a toilet brush.
4. Flush to rinse.

7. Oven Cleaner

Tackle tough oven grease without harsh chemicals.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 2-3 tablespoons water
• 1/4 cup white vinegar (for after cleaning)

Instructions:

1. Mix baking soda and water to form a paste.
2. Spread the paste inside your oven (avoid heating elements).
3. Let sit overnight.
4. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.
5. Spray vinegar on any remaining residue and wipe again.

8. Dishwasher Detergent

Create your own natural dishwasher detergent for sparkling clean dishes.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup borax
• 1 cup washing soda
• 1/2 cup citric acid
• 1/2 cup kosher salt

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients and store in an airtight container.
2. Use 1 tablespoon per load.

9. Laundry Detergent

This natural laundry detergent is gentle on clothes and tough on stains.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup borax
• 1 cup washing soda
• 1 grated bar of castile soap

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients and store in an airtight container.
2. Use 1-2 tablespoons per load, depending on size and soil level.

10. Fabric Softener

Soften your clothes naturally with this simple recipe.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups white vinegar
• 20 drops essential oil (lavender or your preferred scent)

Instructions:

1. Mix vinegar and essential oil in a glass jar.
2. Add 1/4 cup to your washing machine’s fabric softener dispenser per load.

11. Air Freshener

Create a natural, non-toxic air freshener for your home.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup distilled water
• 2 tablespoons vodka or rubbing alcohol
• 20-30 drops essential oil (your choice of scent)

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle.
2. Shake well before each use.
3. Spray as needed to freshen the air.

12. Grout Cleaner

Restore your tile grout to its original color with this powerful cleaner.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide
• 1 teaspoon liquid dish soap

Instructions:

1. Mix ingredients to form a paste.
2. Apply to grout lines with a brush.
3. Let sit for 5-10 minutes.
4. Scrub gently and rinse with warm water.

13. Stainless Steel Cleaner

Keep your appliances shiny with this simple solution.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup white vinegar

Instructions:

1. Mix ingredients in a spray bottle.
2. Spray on stainless steel surfaces.
3. Wipe in the direction of the grain with a microfiber cloth.

14. Drain Cleaner

Unclog your drains naturally without harsh chemicals.

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

1. Pour baking soda down the drain.
2. Follow with vinegar and cover the drain.
3. Let sit for 15 minutes.
4. Flush with boiling water.

Embracing a Natural Cleaning Routine

Through incorporating these 14 natural cleaning recipes into your routine, you can create a healthier, more eco-friendly home. Not only will you reduce your exposure to harsh chemicals, but you’ll also save money and minimize your environmental impact. 

Feel free to experiment with different essential oils and ingredients to find the perfect combination for your cleaning needs.

Davin Eberhardt

Website | + posts

Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.

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