Ready to build your natural cleaning arsenal? While a simple vinegar spray can handle most jobs, sometimes you need a specialized solution for tough grime, delicate surfaces, or specific rooms. We’ve compiled our complete library of tested and perfected homemade cleaning recipes that deliver results.
Let’s get mixing!
New to DIY cleaning? Start with our Complete Guide to Homemade DIY Cleaning Supplies to learn the basics.
Must-Have Everyday Cleaners
1. Homemade All-Purpose Cleaner Your daily workhorse for countertops, appliances, and most household surfaces.
- Basic Formula: 1 cup white vinegar, 1 cup water, 10-15 drops essential oil (lemon or tea tree). Mix in a spray bottle.
- Lavender Variation: Add 20 drops of lavender essential oil and 1 teaspoon of castile soap to the basic formula for extra cleaning power and a calming scent.
2. Homemade Disinfectant Cleaner For when you need something stronger, especially on high-touch surfaces.
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup vodka or rubbing alcohol
- 20 drops tea tree oil
- 10 drops eucalyptus oil
- Spray on surfaces, let sit for 5-10 minutes, then wipe clean.
3. Homemade Glass Cleaner For a crystal-clear, streak-free shine on windows and mirrors.
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons rubbing alcohol
- 3 drops essential oil (optional)
- Pro tip: Use newspaper or microfiber cloths for the best results.
Kitchen & Bathroom Power Recipes
4. DIY Bathroom Tub and Tile Spray Tackles soap scum, mildew, and water spots.
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide
- 1 tablespoon dish soap
- 10 drops peppermint oil
- Combine in a spray bottle and attack those bathroom surfaces.
5. Fizzy Toilet Bowl Cleaner Simple, effective, and satisfying to watch it work.
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 10 drops tea tree oil
- Sprinkle baking soda around the bowl, then spray vinegar mixture. Let it fizz for 10-15 minutes, scrub, and flush.
6. Baking Soda Soft Scrub Paste A gentle abrasive for sinks, tubs, and stovetops.
- Mix baking soda with just enough water to form a thick paste. Add a few drops of castile soap for extra power.
7. Natural Drain Cleaner Prevents clogs and keeps drains fresh without harsh chemicals.
- Pour 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain, followed by 1/2 cup vinegar. Cover and let it fizz for 15 minutes, then flush with hot water.
8. Homemade Scouring Powder For serious scrubbing power on tough kitchen messes.
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1/2 cup washing soda
- 1/2 cup borax
- 20 drops essential oil
- Mix well, store in a shaker, sprinkle on surfaces, scrub, and rinse.
Laundry Room Solutions
9. DIY Powder Laundry Detergent Saves significant money and handles about 80 loads.
- 2 cups washing soda
- 2 cups borax
- 1 bar grated castile soap (about 5 oz)
- 20 drops essential oil
- Mix thoroughly and store in an airtight container. Use 1-2 tablespoons per load.
10. DIY Liquid Laundry Detergent For those who prefer a liquid version.
- Dissolve the powder formula above in 2 gallons of hot water, stirring until completely mixed. Use 1/4 cup per load.
11. Homemade DIY Stain Remover Tackle laundry stains before they set.
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide
- 1/4 cup dish soap
- 2 tablespoons baking soda
- Mix and store in a dark spray bottle (hydrogen peroxide breaks down in light). Spray on stains, let sit for 10-15 minutes, then launder.
Specialty & Advanced Recipes
12. Simple Vinegar Cleaning Spray Sometimes simple is best.
- Basic Recipe: Equal parts water and white vinegar.
- Infused Version: Create a citrus vinegar cleaner by steeping orange or lemon peels in vinegar for two weeks. Strain, dilute with equal parts water, and enjoy.
13. Olive Oil Furniture Polish Nourishes and protects wood furniture.
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 10 drops lemon essential oil
- Shake well, apply a small amount to a soft cloth, and buff into wood.
14. DIY Reusable Cleaning Wipes Convenient, eco-friendly, and effective.
- Small squares of old towels or flannel
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons castile soap
- 10 drops essential oil
- Place cloths in an airtight container, pour liquid mixture over them, and store. Toss in the laundry after use.
15. Fruit and Vegetable Wash DIY Removes pesticide residues, wax, and dirt.
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- Mix gently (it will fizz), pour into a spray bottle, and spritz produce. Let sit for 5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
16. Lemon Juice Cleaner For natural bleaching or tackling mineral deposits.
- Use to remove rust stains from fabric, brighten white clothes (add 1/2 cup to wash cycle), or clean and deodorize cutting boards.
17. Soap Nuts Cleaner These dried berries contain natural saponins.
- Place 4-5 soap nuts in a small cloth bag in your washing machine. They’ll last for 4-5 loads and are completely biodegradable.
Conclusion
With this library of recipes, you’re now equipped to handle virtually any cleaning task in your home, the natural way. Remember that homemade cleaners are customizable—feel free to adjust essential oil scents or ingredient ratios to find what works perfectly for you.
Worried about safety or running into issues? Check out our Ultimate Safety Guide to DIY Cleaners to troubleshoot common problems and learn how to protect pets and surfaces.)