Top 15 Best DIY Homemade Cleaners For Your Home in 2024

In recent years, many people have realized that store-bought cleaning products can be bad for our health. These cleaners often have strong chemicals and fake scents that aren’t good for us or the planet. So, why not make your Homemade cleaners?

It’s very easy and can even be fun! Plus, you’ll know exactly what ingredients are used, making it safer for you and your family.

Why Choose Homemade Cleaners?

You might think, “Why should I make my cleaners when I can just buy them?” Well, there are plenty of good reasons to switch to homemade cleaners!

1. Healthier for Your Family

First of all, homemade cleaners are much healthier for your family. Many store-bought cleaners have harsh chemicals that can irritate your skin, eyes, and even your lungs.

If you have kids or pets, using natural ingredients like vinegar and baking soda can help keep your home safe from these harmful chemicals.

2. Saves You Money

Let’s talk about saving money! Homemade cleaners are very cost-effective. Most of the ingredients you need are cheap and you probably already have them in your kitchen. Why spend extra money on fancy cleaning products when you can make your own at home for a lot less?

3. Better for the Environment

Using homemade cleaners is great for the planet. By choosing natural ingredients, you reduce plastic waste and avoid adding harmful chemicals to the environment. You can also reuse old containers, which is an easy way to be more eco-friendly!

4. You Can Customize Them

One of the best things about making your cleaners is that you can make them just the way you like. You can pick your favorite scents or make the cleaner stronger or weaker depending on what you need. Love the smell of lemon? Add some lemon essential oil! Want something calming? Try lavender!

5. They Work Well

Don’t think that homemade cleaners are weak! Many natural ingredients are great at cleaning. For example, vinegar and baking soda can get rid of germs and dirt without using harsh chemicals.

Essential Ingredients for Your Homemade Cleaners

Before we dive into some easy recipes, let’s go over a few important ingredients you’ll want to keep around:

• Vinegar: This is a super helpful cleaner. It can cut through grease, get rid of bad smells, and even kill some germs.
• Baking Soda: This is a great gentle scrub that helps clean surfaces without scratching them. It also helps get rid of odors!
• Essential Oils: These oils smell amazing, and many of them (like tea tree oil) can kill germs, making your cleaner even more powerful.
• Castile Soap: This soap is made from plants, so it’s gentle on surfaces and the environment. It’s great at removing dirt and grime.
• Rubbing Alcohol: This dries quickly and is perfect for cleaning glass and mirrors without leaving streaks.

These simple ingredients can make powerful cleaners that are safe, cheap, and better for the environment.

What are the different types of cleaners used for?

1. Detergents

• What They Are: Soaps or cleaning liquids that help remove dirt and stains.
• Where to Use: Laundry, dishes, and general surface cleaning in kitchens and bathrooms.

2. Degreasers

• What They Are: Strong cleaners designed to cut through grease and oil.
• Where to Use: Kitchen surfaces, ovens, grills, and automotive parts.

3. Abrasives

• What They Are: Scrubbing agents that physically scrub away tough stains.
• Where to Use: Pots, pans, sinks, and bathtubs for tough spots.

4. Acid Cleaners

• What They Are: Cleaners that use acid to dissolve hard water stains and mineral deposits.
• Where to Use: Toilet bowls, showerheads, and areas with rust or lime buildup.

5. Solvent-based Cleaners

• What They Are: Cleaners that dissolve sticky substances like paint or glue.
• Where to Use: Cleaning up paint spills or heavy grease on metal surfaces.

6. Water-based Cleaners

• Where to Use: General cleaning tasks around the house without harsh chemicals
• What They Are: Cleaners that use water as their main ingredient.

15 Best Homemade Cleaners For Your Home

1. All-Purpose Cleaner

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons baking soda
• 10 drops essential oil (like tea tree or lavender)
• Water

Instructions: Get a spray bottle. Add the vinegar and baking soda (it might fizz a little!). Add the essential oil for a nice scent. Fill the rest of the bottle with water. Shake gently before using. Use this on countertops, tables, and other surfaces.

2. Bathroom Cleaner

Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups baking soda
• 1/2 cup liquid soap (like Dawn)
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar

Instructions: Mix all the ingredients in a bowl until smooth. Apply the mixture to your sink, bathtub, or tiles. Scrub with a sponge or brush, then rinse with water.

3. Grease-Cutting Floor Cleaner

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dawn dish soap
• 1/4 cup washing soda
• 2 gallons warm water

Instructions: Get a mop bucket. Mix all the ingredients together. Use this to mop your floors. It’s great for getting rid of grease and dirt.

4. Glass Cleaner

Ingredients:

• 1 cup hot water
• 1 cup rubbing alcohol
• 4 tablespoons cornstarch

Instructions: Combine all the ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake well before using. Spray on windows or mirrors and wipe with a dry cloth for a streak-free shine.

5. Homemade Disinfectant Wipes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup vinegar
• Essential oils (like tea tree or eucalyptus)

Instructions: Mix water, vinegar, and essential oils in a bowl. Pour the mixture over clean cloths in a container. Use these wipes to clean surfaces like kitchen counters or bathroom sinks.

6. Soft Scrub Cleaner

Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups baking soda
• 1/2 cup liquid laundry soap
• Optional: a few drops of essential oil for fragrance

Instructions: Mix baking soda and soap in a bowl to form a thick paste. Use it to scrub sinks, tubs, and other surfaces. Rinse with water after scrubbing.

7. Air Freshener Spray

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup white vinegar
• 1 cup water
• Essential oils (like grapefruit or lavender)

Instructions: Combine vinegar, water, and essential oils in a spray bottle. Shake well before each use. Spray around your home for a fresh scent.

8. Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Ingredients:

• 1 cup baking soda
• 15 drops essential oil (like tea tree or lemon)

Instructions: Sprinkle the baking soda and essential oil into the toilet bowl. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes. Scrub with a toilet brush and flush.

9. Carpet Freshener

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Borax
• 1 cup baking soda

Instructions: Mix Borax and baking soda together. Sprinkle over your carpet. Let it sit for 30 minutes, then vacuum it up.

10. Homemade Dishwasher Detergent

Ingredients:

• 2 cups baking soda
• 1/2 cup washing soda
• Optional: a few drops of essential oil for scent

Instructions: Mix baking soda and washing soda in a bowl. Use 1-2 tablespoons per dishwasher load.

11. Wood Polish Spray

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• Optional: essential oil for scent

Instructions: Combine olive oil and vinegar in a spray bottle. Shake well. Spray on wood surfaces and wipe with a soft cloth to make them shine.

12. Mattress and Shoe Freshener

Ingredients:

• Baking soda
• Optional: essential oil for scent

Instructions: Sprinkle baking soda (and a few drops of essential oil if you like) on your mattress or inside your shoes. Let it sit for a few hours. Vacuum or shake out the powder.

13. Garbage Disposal Deodorizer

Ingredients:

• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Essential oil (like orange)

Instructions: Pour baking soda and a few drops of essential oil down the garbage disposal. Follow with white vinegar. Let it fizz for a minute, then run the disposal with water.

14. Scented All-Purpose Cleaner with Citrus Infusion

Ingredients:

• 1 part white vinegar
• 1 part water
• Lemon or orange peels
• Optional: rosemary sprigs

Instructions: Fill a jar with vinegar and water. Add citrus peels and rosemary if desired. Let it sit for at least a week to infuse. Strain and pour into a spray bottle.

15. Laundry Detergent

Ingredients:

• Sal Suds (or any gentle liquid soap)
• Baking soda

Instructions: For one load of laundry, mix 2 tablespoons of Sal Suds with 1/4 cup baking soda. Add the mix directly into your washing machine.

What You Need to Know About Natural Cleaning Ingredients

Baking Soda

Great for cleaning, deodorizing, and removing stains. It’s perfect for scrubbing surfaces like sinks and countertops. You can also use it to freshen up the fridge or carpet. Find it in the baking aisle.

Lemon

Works well to cut through grease and remove stains. It also helps to kill germs. Use it to clean metal surfaces, like brass, but don’t use it on silver. It also adds a nice, fresh scent to cleaners.

Vinegar

A natural cleaner that fights grease and helps remove bad smells. You can use it on counters, floors, and windows. Be careful using it on delicate fabrics or stone surfaces, like marble.

Rubbing Alcohol

Works well to clean glass and mirrors. It dries quickly and leaves surfaces shiny. Use it to clean stainless steel and windows.

Olive Oil

Use this to make the wood shine. It helps polish wood and keep it looking new. Mix it with vinegar for a homemade wood cleaner.

Cornstarch

Great for cleaning glass and mirrors without leaving streaks. Mix it with rubbing alcohol and water for a glass cleaner.

Sal Suds

A mild cleaner that’s perfect for washing clothes. It’s gentle on fabrics but works well to clean stains.

Nuts Soap

These natural fruits are used to clean clothes. They work best in warm water and are reusable. Find them in natural food stores or online.

Read also: How To Clean Outside Of Wood Stove | 8 Quick Steps

Tips for Using Homemade Cleaners

Now that you have these fantastic recipes at your fingertips, here are some tips to ensure you get the most out of your homemade cleaners:

1. Test Surfaces First: Always test your cleaner on an inconspicuous area before applying it widely to avoid any damage.
2. Store Properly: Keep your homemade cleaners in labeled containers away from direct sunlight to maintain their effectiveness.
3. Keep Ingredients Handy: Stock up on basic cleaning ingredients so you can quickly mix up solutions as needed.
4. Use Appropriate Tools: Microfiber cloths work wonderfully with most cleaners for effective wiping without scratching surfaces.
5. Avoid Mixing Certain Ingredients: Be cautious about combining acidic ingredients like vinegar with alkaline substances like baking soda; they can neutralize each other if mixed together directly.

Read also: How to Start a Window Cleaning Business | 9 Quick Ways

Conclusion

I hope this guide inspires you to embrace homemade cleaners as part of your cleaning routine! Not only will you be creating effective solutions tailored to your needs, but you’ll also be contributing positively to your health and the environment by reducing reliance on commercial products filled with harsh chemicals.

So go ahead gather those ingredients and start mixing up some magic! Your home will thank you for it! 

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