10 DIY Household Cleaners You Can Make with Ingredients You Already Have
Keeping a clean and tidy home doesn’t require a cabinet full of commercial cleaning products. With a few simple ingredients, you can make effective and eco-friendly DIY household cleaners right in your kitchen. These cleaners are not only better for the environment but also safer for your family. Whether you’re looking to save money or reduce your exposure to harsh chemicals, these homemade cleaners offer a great alternative to store-bought products.
Why Switch to DIY Household Cleaners?
Before diving into the recipes, let’s talk about why making DIY household cleaners is a smart choice. Commercial cleaners often contain harmful chemicals that can affect indoor air quality and lead to health issues, especially for children and pets. Additionally, making your own cleaners is more sustainable, reducing plastic waste and cutting down on harmful substances going into the water supply.
Another great reason? You likely already have most of the ingredients you need right in your pantry, like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils. Plus, homemade cleaners are just as effective as their commercial counterparts when used correctly.
1. All-Purpose Cleaner
One of the most versatile DIY household cleaners is the all-purpose cleaner. This solution can be used on countertops, appliances, and most surfaces around your home.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup distilled white vinegar
- 10-15 drops of essential oil (like lemon or lavender)
Instructions:
Mix the water and vinegar in a spray bottle. Add essential oil for a pleasant scent and extra cleaning power. Shake well and use on surfaces. Avoid using vinegar on granite or marble as it can damage the stone.
Why It Works:
The acidity in vinegar helps cut through grease and grime, while the essential oils offer antibacterial properties.
2. Glass Cleaner
Forget the streaky store-bought options. You can create a streak-free DIY glass cleaner with just a few ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups water
- ½ cup white vinegar
- ¼ cup rubbing alcohol
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well. Spray on mirrors or windows and wipe with a microfiber cloth.
Why It Works:
The rubbing alcohol helps the cleaner dry quickly, while the cornstarch absorbs oils and leaves glass surfaces spotless.
3. Bathroom Cleaner
Bathrooms often harbor grime and bacteria, but this DIY household cleaner will leave your surfaces sparkling.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup baking soda
- ¼ cup liquid castile soap
- 10 drops tea tree oil
- Water
Instructions:
In a bowl, mix the baking soda and castile soap, then add enough water to create a paste. Add tea tree oil for its antibacterial properties. Use the paste to scrub sinks, tubs, and tiles.
Why It Works:
Baking soda is a gentle abrasive, perfect for removing soap scum and stains, while tea tree oil kills bacteria and mold.
4. Floor Cleaner
No need to buy expensive floor cleaners. You can make an effective DIY floor cleaner with ingredients you already have.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup white vinegar
- 1 gallon hot water
- 10 drops essential oil (optional)
Instructions:
Mix the vinegar and water in a bucket. For a nice scent, add essential oil. Use with a mop to clean hardwood, tile, or laminate floors.
Why It Works:
Vinegar breaks down dirt and grime without leaving residue, while essential oils add fragrance and a natural cleaning boost.
5. Disinfectant Spray
A simple, natural disinfectant spray is perfect for sanitizing surfaces around your home.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup rubbing alcohol
- ½ cup white vinegar
- 20 drops eucalyptus oil or tea tree oil
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake well and spray on surfaces like doorknobs, countertops, and sinks. Wipe with a cloth after letting it sit for a few minutes.
Why It Works:
Rubbing alcohol and vinegar work together to kill germs, while tea tree oil adds antibacterial properties.
6. Carpet Deodorizer
Freshen up your carpets with a DIY carpet deodorizer that neutralizes odors.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup baking soda
- 10 drops essential oil (like lavender or peppermint)
Instructions:
Mix the baking soda and essential oil in a bowl. Sprinkle the mixture over carpets and let it sit for 15-20 minutes before vacuuming.
Why It Works:
Baking soda naturally absorbs odors, and essential oils leave behind a fresh scent.
7. Oven Cleaner
Skip the harsh chemicals in commercial oven cleaners and opt for this DIY version instead.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup baking soda
- 3 tablespoons water
- ¼ cup white vinegar
Instructions:
Create a paste using baking soda and water. Spread the paste inside your oven and let it sit overnight. Spray vinegar over the paste the next day and wipe away with a cloth.
Why It Works:
Baking soda’s abrasive texture helps lift grease and grime, while vinegar makes it easier to wipe away.
8. Wood Polish
For a natural shine on wooden furniture, this DIY wood polish is your best bet.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup lemon juice
Instructions:
Mix olive oil and lemon juice in a bowl. Dip a soft cloth into the mixture and rub it onto your wooden surfaces.
Why It Works:
Olive oil moisturizes the wood, while lemon juice helps to clean and bring out the natural shine.
9. Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Keep your toilet fresh and clean with this DIY toilet bowl cleaner.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup baking soda
- 1 cup white vinegar
Instructions:
Pour the baking soda into the toilet bowl, followed by the vinegar. Let the mixture fizz and sit for 10-15 minutes, then scrub with a toilet brush.
Why It Works:
The fizzing action of baking soda and vinegar helps lift stains and deodorize the toilet bowl.
10. Fabric Freshener
Instead of commercial fabric sprays, try this DIY version to keep your fabrics smelling fresh.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- ¼ cup vodka or rubbing alcohol
- 10-15 drops of essential oil
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake well and spray onto fabrics, couches, and bedding to refresh them.
Why It Works:
Vodka or alcohol helps eliminate odors, while essential oils leave behind a fresh scent.
Final Thoughts: Save Money and Stay Safe with DIY Cleaners
Making DIY household cleaners is a simple way to save money, reduce waste, and protect your family from harmful chemicals. By using ingredients you already have at home, you can create effective and eco-friendly cleaning solutions for every room in your house. Whether you’re tackling tough grime in the bathroom or freshening up your living room, these homemade cleaners will get the job done—safely and affordably.
For more DIY cleaner recipes, visit Wellness Mama or The Spruce for additional tips and tricks.
By switching to homemade cleaners, you’re not only doing your wallet a favor but also contributing to a healthier environment and a safer home for your family. Give these DIY solutions a try and see how much you can accomplish with ingredients already in your kitchen!