12 Natural Homemade Cleaner Recipes You Need to Try for a Healthier Home
In today’s world, where many of us are more conscious about the ingredients in household products, natural homemade cleaners offer an effective and eco-friendly alternative to chemical-laden commercial cleaners. These simple recipes use common, natural ingredients to clean your home safely and efficiently, all while saving money and reducing your environmental footprint.
Here, we share 12 natural homemade cleaner recipes that you can easily make at home. These recipes cover a variety of cleaning needs—from floors and mold removal to kitchen surfaces and glass—helping you maintain a spotless, chemical-free environment.
1. Floor Cleaner
For clean, fresh floors without harsh chemicals:
- Ingredients:
- 1 gallon warm water
- 1½ cups white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon natural dish soap (made from soapberries)
- A few drops of lemon essential oil
- Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a large bucket and stir gently. Dip your mop, wring out excess water, and mop your floors once or twice weekly. - Note: Avoid using this mixture on hardwood floors, as vinegar can damage the finish.
2. Mold and Mildew Cleaner
Fight stubborn mold and mildew naturally with this two-step approach:
- Spray Solution:
- 2 cups vinegar
- 2 teaspoons tea tree oil
- Scrub Paste:
- ½ cup baking soda
- ¼ cup rubbing alcohol
- ½ teaspoon tea tree essential oil
- ¼ cup water
3. All-Purpose Cleaner
Perfect for countertops, sinks, and bathroom surfaces:
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 10 drops lemon essential oil
- 10 drops tea tree oil
- Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake before each use. Spray on surfaces and wipe with a microfiber cloth.
4. Glass Cleaner
For sparkling, streak-free windows and mirrors:
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon rubbing alcohol
- Instructions:
Mix in a spray bottle, spray on glass surfaces, and wipe with a lint-free cloth or newspaper.
5. Kitchen Degreaser
Cuts through grease with ease:
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- Instructions:
Slowly mix ingredients to avoid fizzing overflow. Apply to greasy surfaces, let sit for 10 minutes, then scrub and rinse.
6. Toilet Cleaner
Keep your toilet bowl clean and fresh naturally:
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1 cup white vinegar
- Instructions:
Pour baking soda into the toilet bowl, followed by vinegar. Let fizz for 10 minutes, scrub with a toilet brush, then flush.
7. Furniture Polish
Bring out the shine on wooden furniture:
- Ingredients:
- ½ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup white vinegar or lemon juice
- Instructions:
Mix and apply with a soft cloth. Buff to a shine.
8. Carpet Deodorizer
Freshen carpets without chemicals:
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup baking soda
- 10 drops lavender or eucalyptus essential oil
- Instructions:
Mix and sprinkle over carpets. Let sit for 15 minutes, then vacuum thoroughly.
9. Drain Cleaner
Keep drains clear and odor-free:
- Ingredients:
- ½ cup baking soda
- ½ cup white vinegar
- Instructions:
Pour baking soda down the drain, followed by vinegar. Let fizz for 15 minutes, then flush with hot water.
10. Dishwasher Rinse Aid
Boost dishwasher performance naturally:
- Ingredients:
- White vinegar (for rinse aid compartment)
- Instructions:
Fill rinse aid dispenser with vinegar instead of commercial products to prevent spots on dishes.
11. Oven Cleaner
Remove baked-on grease and grime:
- Ingredients:
- ½ cup baking soda
- Water (enough to form a paste)
- Vinegar spray
- Instructions:
Spread baking soda paste on oven surfaces, let sit overnight. Spray with vinegar, wipe clean with a damp cloth.
12. Laundry Booster
Enhance your laundry’s cleanliness naturally:
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1 cup washing soda
- Instructions:
Add both to your washing machine to soften water and boost detergent power.
Why Use Natural Homemade Cleaners?
- Non-toxic: Safe for children and pets
- Eco-friendly: Biodegradable and reduces chemical waste
- Cost-effective: Uses inexpensive household staples
- Customizable: Adjust scents and strengths with essential oils
Final Tips for Homemade Cleaning Success
- Store cleaners in labeled spray bottles away from direct sunlight.
- Always test homemade solutions on a small hidden area first.
- Use natural essential oils like lemon, tea tree, eucalyptus, or lavender for added antimicrobial and aromatic benefits.
- Maintain regular cleaning habits to prevent buildup and prolong the life of your home surfaces.
Incorporating these 12 natural homemade cleaner recipes into your routine can transform your cleaning habits, making your home safer, fresher, and more sustainable. Give them a try and experience the difference of natural cleaning power.