Simple, Natural DIY Cleaning Products (that really work!)
If you want to start removing toxins from your home, overhauling your cleaning products is a great first step. Homemade cleaning products are safe, effective and super easy to make!
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Easy Natural Cleaning Recipes That Work
Cleaning products are a huge source of chemical exposure for many people. Think about how often you wipe down your countertops or clean your toilet, probably everyday right? By doing just your normal everyday cleaning you (and your family) are being exposed to dozens of toxic chemicals.
Fortunately, there are natural cleaning alternatives that actually work to clean your home.
I love making my own cleaning products because they are extremely effective, my house smells amazing from the essential oils and they save us a ton of money. But my favorite part about my homemade cleaners is that I never ever have to go down the cleaning aisle in the grocery store. Woohoo! One less aisle to tackle!
First things first, you will want to get prepared with ingredients and supplies. This will cost you the most up front, but you will save you soooo much money in the long run.
Buying products in bulk, like white vinegar and baking soda, will save you a ton of money and you will be able to make dozens of products.
Ingredients for Natural Cleaning Products(that you might have to buy)
1. White Vinegar
I like to buy the big jug of white vinegar at Costco and it lasts forever! White vinegar is naturally antifungal and antibacterial which makes it a natural cleaning powerhouse.
2. Baking Soda
I also buy a huge bag of baking soda at Costco. Baking soda is great for getting rid of odors in carpets and toilets. It naturally deodorizes and brightens, which makes it great for scrubbing bathtubs and stovetops.
3. Liquid Castile Soap
This soap is a wonder! We use it to make hand soap, laundry detergent and so much more. You can literally clean your whole house, top to bottom, with just water and castile soap! It is a must-have for natural cleaning.
I’m a big fan of Dr. Bronner’s liquid soap, which is one of the most popular brands. You can find it at most grocery stores, all health food stores and my favorite spot, Thrive Market.
Usually, a 32-oz bottle of castile soap is around $15, but I can get it on Thrive Market for $12.99. Hands down the best price I have come across so far!
4. Essential Oils
Aside from making your cleaning products smell incredible, essential oils have amazing purifying properties. Essential oils are very concentrated so a little goes a long way. I add them to all of my recipes to give them extra power. I highly recommend getting yourself a few for cleaning because they will make your cleaning products so much more effective!
Essential oils like Eucalyptus, Lemon, Tea Tree, Cinnamon, Clove, and Thyme are antibacterial and antiviral. Citrus Oils like Wild Orange, Grapefruit and Bergamot purify the air and are great for freshening up a room. My personal favorites to use in cleaning products are Tea Tree, Lavender and Wild Orange.
Related: Seven Reasons Why You Need Essential Oils in Your Home
Other Ingredients (that you probably have in your pantry)
Kosher Salt: for homemade laundry detergent
Olive Oil: for cleaning wood surfaces
Water: for all recipes!
Supplies (that will make your life easier)
1. Empty spray bottles and containers
I buy all of my supplies on Amazon. These glass spray bottles for surface cleaners are my favorite. I also like to use these containers for my laundry detergent. The recipe fills two containers at a time so you can get an idea of how many you need. Foaming soap dispensers for every sink is a must. You will never have to buy hand soap again!
2. Essential Oil Diffuser
An essential oil diffuser is a great addition to any home, even for cleaning purposes! There are essential oils you can diffuse that purify the air, freshen up a room and reduce indoor pollutants. I love to diffuse citrus oils like Lemon, Wild Orange and Grapefruit.
3. Cleaning Rags
Any old towel, washcloth or undershirt will do! If you want to get fancy, try these pretty ones that come in a bunch of different colors.
Now that you’re set on ingredients and supplies, let’s get cleaning!
RECIPE 1: All-Purpose Cleaner
I use this one the most – kitchen, bathrooms, basically everywhere. Adding Lavender essential oil helps to cut the vinegar smell so your house won’t smell like salad dressing!
1 part White Vinegar
1 part Water
5 drops Orange
5 drops Lavender
Combine all ingredients in a 16-ounce spray bottle. Shake well before using. Use as you would any all-purpose cleaner – countertops and surfaces, glass, mirrors, etc.
RECIPE 2: Foaming Hand Soap
This recipe is so simple. The best part is you can customize it by using your favorite EOs!
¾ cup Water (varies depending on the size of your container)
2 Tbsp Castile Soap
10 drops Essential Oil of choice (I like to use Lavender + Eucalyptus)
Combine all ingredients in the order listed, leaving space to screw the pump on. Shake well.
RECIPE 3: Floor Cleaner
So simple and effective!
1 gallon Water
¼ cup White Vinegar
1 Tbsp Castile Soap
10 drops Orange or Tea Tree essential oil (or a combination of both!)
Combine all ingredients in a bucket. Wash away!
RECIPE 4: Toilet Bowl Cleaner
When I’m feeling lazy, I just add 10 drops of Tea Tree (naturally antibacterial and antiviral) to the toilet and scrub. On other days, I use this recipe.
1 cup White Vinegar
10 drops Tea Tree
Combine all ingredients in a glass spray bottle and shake it up! Spray in the toilet bowl and let sit for 15 minutes. Scrub a dub dub.
RECIPE 5: Laundry Detergent
I adapted this recipe from Ange Peters. I have an HE washer and this recipe works great.
6 quarts Hot Water
1 cup Baking Soda
1 cup Castile Soap
⅓ cup Kosher Salt
10-20 drops favorite essential oil (optional – your clothes will not smell like essential oils, it just gives your detergent a nice scent)
Whisk together ingredients in a big bucket, adding essential oils last. Pour into your 3-quart containers. Use ½ cup per load.
If I’m in a rush I make a simplified version of this recipe. Check it out here.
RECIPE 6: Soft Scrub
I like to use this recipe on my stove top as well as my bathtub. Sometimes I make a double batch and store in an old jelly jar.
1 cup Baking Soda
½ cup Water
10 drops Tea Tree
Combine all ingredients in a bowl until it forms a paste. You may need to add more baking soda. Apply to surfaces with a rag or sponge, let sit for 15 minutes or so and wipe away.
RECIPE 7: Dusting Spray
I use this on wood furniture. You can also use on leather (patch test first though!)
1 cup Water
1/3 cup White Vinegar
1/4 cup Olive Oil
10 drops Orange
Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle. Spray on a cloth first and then polish furniture.
RECIPE 8: Carpet Refresher
This homemade recipe is much better than store-bought and the best part – no nasty synthetic fragrances to make you sneeze!
2 cups Baking Soda
10 drops Favorite EO
Combine all ingredients in a big glass container and shake, baby shake. Apply to carpets before vacuuming!
Happy Cleaning! If you found this post helpful, share it with a friend!
Other posts you might like:
Easy Homemade Beauty Products with Essential Oils
Five Affordable Accessories You Need When You Start Using Essential Oils
And don’t forget to check out more DIY Recipes!
Simple, Natural DIY Cleaning Products (that really work!)
Maryjane says
You are so welcome!!! xo Maryjane
Alicia Guerrero says
Thank you so much, I love all recipes.
Maryjane Cartmell says
You’re welcome and thank you✨?
Provident Princess says
Thanks for these recipes! There’s a few I haven’t seen before. Blog looks great?