Homemade Cleaning Solutions
Traditional cleaners often contain harsh chemicals that pollute indoor air, harm waterways, and affect your health. Eco-friendly cleaning, on the other hand, utilizes natural ingredients that are safer for people, pets, and the planet.
This guide will help you create effective, eco-friendly cleaning solutions for every area of your home. Say goodbye to harsh chemicals and learn how to make easy, natural cleaners with ingredients you probably already have.
Kitchen Counter Cleaner
Keep your kitchen counters spotless with this simple, all-purpose cleaner.
Mix one cup of water with one cup of white vinegar, and add 10 drops of your favorite essential oil (lemon or tea tree work well). Spray onto counters and wipe clean with a cloth.
White vinegar is acidic, which helps break down grease, grime, and mineral deposits.
Stovetop Degreaser
Stubborn stovetop stains? Mix a paste of equal parts baking soda and water. Spread the paste on any greasy spots and let it sit for 10 minutes.
Scrub with a damp cloth, then wipe clean. For a tougher job, add a few drops of lemon juice or white vinegar. This DIY degreaser cuts through baked-on food residue, making your stovetop shine.
Dishwasher Cleaner
To deep clean your dishwasher, place a bowl filled with white vinegar on the top rack and run a hot cycle (empty). Afterward, sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher and run a quick cycle.
This quick and easy method removes soap buildup, odors, and grime. Plus, it makes your dishwasher run more efficiently.
Sink and Faucet Polish
Keeping the sink and faucet spotless is like a never-ending battle. To clean and polish your kitchen sink, sprinkle baking soda around the basin, then scrub with a damp sponge.
Rinse thoroughly, then spray with white vinegar for a final polish. For faucet buildup, rub with a lemon half or apply a paste of baking soda and water.
This method keeps sinks and faucets spotless, shining, and smelling fresh.
Natural Glass Cleaner
For sparkling windows and mirrors, create a simple glass cleaner using one part water, one part white vinegar, and a few drops of dish soap.
Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle, shake gently, and apply to glass surfaces. Wipe with a microfiber cloth or crumpled newspaper for a streak-free shine.
This eco-friendly cleaner effectively removes fingerprints and smudges.
Oven and Microwave Cleaner
Trying to clean the oven or microwave is like battling layers of stubborn grease. Skip the chemical fumes and use natural oven cleaner instead.
Combine the baking soda, warm water, vinegar (if using), and dish soap in a small bowl. Stir until you have a thick paste.
Spread it inside the oven and let it sit overnight. Wipe out the paste in the morning with a damp cloth.
For the microwave, use a bowl of lemon water for 5 minutes, let the steam sit, then wipe for a quick, easy clean. Lemon has antibacterial and deodorizing properties that cut through grease and remove stains.
Bathroom Tile and Grout Cleaner
Keep your bathroom tiles and grout looking fresh with a powerful yet simple cleaner. Mix half a cup of hydrogen peroxide with one cup of baking soda and a teaspoon of dish soap.
Apply the paste to tile surfaces and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes before scrubbing with an old toothbrush. Rinse with warm water.
This natural cleaner is cheap and also tackles tough stains and mildew without harsh chemicals.
Shower Curtain Mold Remover
Mold and mildew on shower curtains can be frustrating. Create an effective mold remover by mixing equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray the affected areas and let it sit for 30 minutes before rinsing with warm water.
For stubborn stains, sprinkle some salt and scrub gently with a sponge. It works like magic.
Laundry Detergent Alternative
Create your own eco-friendly laundry detergent by combining one cup of washing soda, one cup of grated bar soap (like castile soap), and one cup of borax.
Mix well and store in an airtight container. Use 1-2 tablespoons per load. Try it once, and you may never go back to store-bought detergent.
The best thing is this natural detergent is free from harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances. Harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances can be harmful to your delicate clothes.
Carpet Cleaner
The odor coming from carpets can be very unpleasant. To get rid of the odor and freshen up your carpets follow this simple cleaning tip.
Mix one cup of white vinegar, one cup of water, and 10 drops of essential oil (like lavender or eucalyptus) in a spray bottle.
Spray lightly onto the carpet and blot with a clean cloth to lift stains and odors. For tough spots, sprinkle cornstarch on the stain then apply the cleaner. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then vacuum it up.
Wood Furniture Polish
Give your wooden furniture a natural polish by mixing one part olive oil with one part white vinegar. Apply a small amount to a soft cloth and buff your furniture gently.
This homemade solution nourishes wood and also provides a protective layer. Plus, it leaves your wood furniture shining without the use of commercial chemical polishes.
For added fragrance, you can include a few drops of essential oil in the mixture.
Dish Soap Alternative
Ditch the chemical dish soap and make a natural one by mixing one cup of liquid castile soap, one cup of water, and 10 drops of essential oil for antibacterial properties.
This solution effectively cuts through grease and food residue while being gentle on the skin and the environment.
For easy access, store it in a reusable pump dispenser.
Pet Stain Remover
Dealing with pet stains is just part of the package when you have a furry friend at home. Instead of a strong chemical cleaner, there’s an easy, pet-safe solution you can mix up yourself.
Add one cup of white vinegar, one cup of water, and a few drops of dish soap in a spray bottle. Spray the affected area and blot with a clean cloth.
For tougher stains, sprinkle a bit of baking soda on the spot before applying the vinegar solution to help absorb odors.
Before you start a clean up round with these amazing eco-friendly cleaning solutions, do check out Cleaning Mistakes That Are Making Homes Dirtier.
Deodorizing Without Chemicals
Want a fresh-smelling home without synthetic fragrances? Baking soda absorbs odors, and essential oils add a pleasant scent.
Place bowls of baking soda with a few drops of essential oil in different rooms to keep the air smelling fresh. You can also make a spray by mixing water with essential oils like lavender or eucalyptus.
For more seasonal scent ideas, give this piece a read: Scent Stations to Welcome Fall and Winter.