Cleaning doesn’t have to drain your wallet or fill your home with harsh chemicals. Sometimes, the best solutions are right in your kitchen cabinet.
Making your own cleaning products can be surprisingly simple, fun, and effective. Plus, it’s a great way to reduce waste and know exactly what’s going into your home.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the endless aisle of cleaning products, this list is for you. We’re breaking down easy DIY recipes that anyone can whip up today.
These homemade cleaners won’t just save you money—they often use natural ingredients that are better for your health and the environment.
Ready to roll up your sleeves and get cleaning with some of the cheapest and most accessible ingredients? Let’s dive into 21+ homemade cleaning products you can make today.
By the end, you’ll feel empowered to tackle any mess without breaking the bank or relying on toxic chemicals.
All-Purpose Cleaners: Versatile and Budget-Friendly
All-purpose cleaners are the backbone of any cleaning routine. They can be used on countertops, floors, and almost any surface that needs a quick refresh.
Homemade all-purpose cleaners give you control over the ingredients while being incredibly cost-effective. These recipes often combine simple items like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils.
With these easy concoctions, you can keep your home sparkling clean without juggling a cabinet full of different products.
1. Vinegar and Water Spray – Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle for a simple, natural disinfectant. This combo easily cuts through grease and grime on most surfaces but avoid using on natural stone like marble or granite.
2. Baking Soda and Castile Soap Cleaner – Combine 1 cup of water, 1 tbsp of liquid castile soap, and 1 tbsp of baking soda for a gentle all-purpose scrub. It’s great for counters, sinks, and even stovetops where you need a little extra abrasion.
3. Lemon Juice and Olive Oil Furniture Polish – Mix 1/4 cup lemon juice with 3/4 cup olive oil for a natural wood polish. This cleanser nourishes wood surfaces while removing dust and fingerprints.
4. Tea Tree Oil Disinfectant – Add 20 drops of tea tree essential oil to 2 cups of water and 1/2 cup vinegar in a spray bottle. Tea tree oil has natural antibacterial properties, making this ideal for bathroom and kitchen surfaces.
5. Alcohol and Water Spray – Combine 1 part rubbing alcohol with 1 part water and a few drops of essential oil. This fast-evaporating spray disinfects and dries quickly, perfect for electronics and glass surfaces.
These versatile all-purpose cleaners will become your go-to for everyday messes. Let’s move on to specialized solutions that tackle specific cleaning challenges.
Heavy-Duty Degreasers and Stain Removers
Sometimes, your cleaning needs go beyond a quick wipe-down. Grease and tough stains require a bit more muscle, but you don’t need commercial chemicals to get the job done.
The following recipes harness the power of natural abrasives and degreasers that cut through stubborn grime without damaging your surfaces.
These homemade heavy-duty cleaners are perfect for kitchens, garages, and anywhere grease and stains linger.
6. Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide Paste – Mix baking soda with hydrogen peroxide to form a thick paste. This mixture is excellent for scrubbing grout, removing stains from sinks, and whitening grout lines.
7. Salt and Citrus Scrub – Combine coarse salt with fresh lemon juice to create a natural abrasive cleaner. It’s perfect for tackling rust stains and burnt-on food on pots and pans.
8. Castile Soap and Baking Soda Degreaser – Mix 2 tbsp liquid castile soap with 1 tbsp baking soda and a cup of warm water. This blend effectively dissolves grease and works well on stovetops and kitchen tiles.
9. White Vinegar and Baking Soda Drain Cleaner – Pour 1/2 cup baking soda followed by 1 cup vinegar down your drain. After 15 minutes, flush with boiling water to clear clogs and deodorize.
10. Essential Oil Grease Cutter – Combine 1 cup hot water, 1 tbsp liquid castile soap, and 15 drops of lemon or eucalyptus essential oil. This mixture cuts through heavy grease on ovens and exhaust hoods.
Heavy-duty cleaners like these make the toughest messes manageable without the harsh chemicals. Now, let’s explore natural glass and mirror cleaners for a streak-free shine.
Glass and Mirror Cleaners for Crystal Clear Surfaces
Nothing beats a sparkling window or mirror, but commercial glass cleaners often contain alcohol and ammonia, which some prefer to avoid.
Thankfully, homemade glass cleaners use simple ingredients to leave your glass surfaces crystal clear and streak-free.
These recipes are gentle on the environment and your wallet, while still delivering that brilliant shine.
11. Vinegar and Water Glass Cleaner – Mix 1 part white vinegar with 3 parts water in a spray bottle. Spray on glass and wipe with a microfiber cloth for streak-free windows and mirrors.
12. Rubbing Alcohol and Vinegar Solution – Combine 1 cup water, 1 cup rubbing alcohol, and 1 tbsp vinegar for a quick-drying glass cleaner that removes fingerprints and smudges effortlessly.
13. Cornstarch Glass Polish – Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 cups water and 1/4 cup vinegar for a homemade glass polish. It helps absorb oils and grime, leaving surfaces spotless.
14. Castile Soap and Water Cleaner – Add a few drops of liquid castile soap to a spray bottle filled with water. This mild cleaner is great for delicate glass or lightly soiled mirrors.
15. Lemon Juice and Water Spray – Combine 2 tbsp lemon juice with 2 cups water for a fresh-smelling glass cleaner that gently cuts grease and grime.
With your windows and mirrors shining bright, let’s turn to natural air fresheners and odor eliminators to keep your home smelling as clean as it looks.
Natural Air Fresheners and Odor Eliminators
Cleaning is not just about visible dirt but also about making your home smell fresh and inviting. Synthetic air fresheners can mask odors but often contain chemicals you might want to avoid.
Natural air fresheners neutralize odors instead of covering them up, using ingredients you likely already have on hand.
These DIY options can be customized with your favorite scents for a personalized touch.
16. Baking Soda and Essential Oil Jar – Fill a small jar with baking soda and add 10-15 drops of your favorite essential oil. Leave it open in rooms that need freshening; the baking soda absorbs odors while the oil adds scent.
17. Homemade Citrus Potpourri – Simmer water with orange peels, cloves, and cinnamon sticks on the stove for a natural, warm fragrance that fills your home.
18. Vinegar Room Spray – Mix equal parts vinegar and water with a few drops of essential oil in a spray bottle. Vinegar neutralizes odors and the oils add a pleasant scent.
19. Coffee Grounds Deodorizer – Place dry coffee grounds in a bowl to absorb unwanted smells in refrigerators or closets. It’s a simple, zero-waste solution.
20. Herbal Sachets – Fill small fabric bags with dried lavender, rosemary, or mint to tuck into drawers, closets, or shoes for a long-lasting fresh scent.
Now that your home smells inviting, let’s finish with specialized cleaners made for fabrics and delicate surfaces.
Fabric and Delicate Surface Cleaners
Cleaning fabrics and delicate surfaces requires a gentle touch. Harsh chemicals can damage upholstery, clothing, and delicate finishes.
These homemade solutions are designed to lift stains, refresh fabrics, and clean delicate surfaces without harm.
They’re perfect for keeping your linens, clothes, and treasured items looking their best while staying on budget.
21. Baking Soda and Vinegar Fabric Refresher – Sprinkle baking soda on upholstery or carpets, let sit for 15 minutes, then vacuum. Follow with a spray of diluted vinegar (1 part vinegar to 3 parts water) to neutralize odors.
22. Castile Soap Laundry Detergent – Mix 1 cup liquid castile soap, 1 cup washing soda, and 1 cup baking soda for an effective homemade laundry detergent that’s gentle on fabrics and wallets.
23. Hydrogen Peroxide Spot Cleaner – Dab hydrogen peroxide directly on fabric stains to help lift and whiten without harsh bleaches. Always test on a small area first.
24. Lemon Juice and Salt Stain Remover – Apply lemon juice and salt paste to rust stains or yellowing on white fabrics. Sit in the sun for natural bleaching before rinsing.
25. Olive Oil Leather Conditioner – Rub a small amount of olive oil onto leather furniture or shoes to condition and restore shine naturally without synthetic chemicals.
With these gentle but effective cleaners, you can care for your fabrics and delicate belongings safely and affordably.
These homemade cleaning products are simple, cheap, and effective ways to keep your home fresh and spotless. By using ingredients you likely already have, you not only save money but reduce exposure to harsh chemicals. Start experimenting with these recipes today and enjoy a cleaner, greener home!
Don’t be afraid to customize these recipes with your favorite scents or tweak them to fit your needs. The best part about homemade cleaners is their flexibility and the satisfaction of making something yourself.
We’d love to hear which recipes you try first or any homemade cleaning hacks you’ve discovered along the way—share your thoughts and keep the clean conversation going!
