6+ Best Homemade Cleaning Products
Here are some simple recipes to ditch toxic chemical cleaners and make your own from everyday (affordable) ingredients. There are so many reasons to make your own homemade cleaning products: less plastic waste, reduced chemical exposure in the home and a good clean home too! Homemade cleaning products made using vinegar, baking soda, natural essential oils and more!
6+ Best Homemade Cleaning Products
1. Homemade Glass cleaner: White vinegar can be used in a spray bottle, but even better in combination with a few other simple ingredients. Mix together 1⁄4 cup rubbing alcohol, 1⁄4 cup white vinegar, 1 Tablespoon organic cornstarch and 2 cups warm water. Shake to combine, and then shake each time before use. Use on mirrors and glass.
2. Baking soda Scrub: If you’ve ever burnt your pans to a crisp on the stove, simply cover the bottom with white vinegar. Bring to a boil, then add baking soda. Drain, and scrub as usual. Easy! Here are some more tips for how to use baking soda for natural cleaning:
3. Natural Drain Cleaner: For slow moving or slightly clogged drains (sinks or tubs), dump about 1⁄2 cup baking soda into the drain. Add an equal amount of vinegar and let the foamy magic happen. Let stand for 15 minutes then rinse with warm or hot water to flush the drain. You can learn more tips for homemade drain cleaner here.
4. Floor cleaner: Basic cleaner: mix together equal parts white vinegar and warm water. Mop as usual. For disinfecting, use 1 gallon of hot water mixed with 1⁄4 cup Borax (find at hardware stores). Don’t use vinegar on wood floors, as it can dull the finish. More healthy floor cleaning tips here.
5. All-purpose Cleaner: Here are two recipes! In a reused spray bottle, mix together 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar or white vinegar and 20 drops essential oil (optional, but lovely). Shake and use! Or try this one: 1 cup water, 2 teaspoons castile soap (like Dr. Bronner’s), 20 drops essential oils. Shake well before use.
6. Essential oils for natural scenting: They add a lovely scent to your home-made products, but also aid in cleaning. Thyme, oregano, rosemary and tea tree and anti-fungal, antibacterial and can help keep your kitchen and bathroom super clean and fresh smelling. Think of pine or juniper for floor cleaners, or lavender, lemon or rose for all-purpose cleaners. Have fun mixing and experimenting with your own signature scents.
BONUS TIP: Don’t forget the elbow grease: Using a little bit of muscle can go a long way to creating a cleaner home; sure the chemicals might make it easier, but is it worth the trade-off?