DIY cleaners can include everything from a homemade all-purpose cleaner to a natural glass cleaner and a solution for grimy, hardwood floors. We name the ingredients you need—chances are, you already have most of them—plus the steps for mixing up the cleaning solutions and using them. Homemade or natural cleaning solutions use simple chemicals and ingredients to remove grime, deodorize, and, in some cases, even disinfect surfaces. They’re great for making surfaces look sparkling clean. Still, if you’re trying to disinfect or sanitize a surface, you may be better off turning to a store-bought disinfectant (preferably one approved by the FDA to kill bacteria and viruses) to ensure you’ve removed any harmful entities. For everyday cleaning, though, these homemade solutions might be just what you need. What’s the shelf life of homemade cleaners? Most natural, DIY cleaning solutions can last up to a month. But some ingredients (like hydrogen peroxide) lose their potency more quickly. Your best bet is to mix up enough for only a one-time use. Ready to start mixing and cleaning? Take a look at our cleaning recipes below, organized in one convenient chart, or read on for a full breakdown of each recipe. Click here for a larger version.
10 Homemade, Natural Cleaning Solution Recipes
What you’ll need:
3/4 cup water1/4 cup rubbing alcohol5 to 10 drops peppermint, lemon, or orange essential oil1 squirt natural dish soap16-ounce spray bottle
Directions: Recipe by Melissa Maker What you’ll need:
2 cups water2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice1/2 teaspoon Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap1 tablespoon baking soda24-ounce spray bottle
Directions: Recipe by Linda Cobb What you’ll need:
1/2 cup white vinegar1/2 cup unflavored vodka10 drops lemon essential oil10 drops lavender essential oil1 1/2 cups water24-ounce spray bottle
Directions: Recipe by Becky Rapinchuk What you’ll need:
2 cups water2 tablespoons white vinegar2 tablespoons rubbing alcohol5 drops peppermint essential oil24-ounce spray bottle
Directions: Recipe by Becky Rapinchuk What you’ll need:
2 cups water1/2 teaspoon Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap3 tablespoons white vinegar24-ounce spray bottle
Directions: What you’ll need:
1/4 cup natural dish soap1/4 cup baking soda5 drops clove essential oilAbout 3 drops of waterMixing bowl
Directions: Recipe by Melissa Maker What you’ll need:
2 cups baking soda10 drops clove essential oil10 drops lemon essential oil1 squirt Dr. Bronner’s Castile SoapA few drops of waterButter knifeAirtight container
Directions: Recipe by Becky Rapinchuk What you’ll need:
1/4 cup baking soda1 cup waterMicrowave-safe bowl24-ounce spray bottle
Directions: Recipe by Debra Johnson What you’ll need:
2 cups water2 teaspoons tea-tree oil1/4 cup baking soda24-ounce spray bottle
Directions: Recipe by Linda Cobb What you’ll need:
1/2 cup white vinegar1 gallon warm water2 to 3 drops lemon essential oil2-gallon bucket
Directions: Recipe by Becky Rapinchuk
