DIY Natural Cleaners: Safe and Effective Ways to Clean Your Home

When it comes to cleaning our homes, many of us reach for commercial cleaners that promise to get the job done quickly and easily.

However, these cleaners often contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful to our health and the environment.

The good news is that you can create your own natural cleaners using ingredients you likely already have at home.

Not only are these cleaners safer, but they are also just as effective as their commercial counterparts.

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Best DIY Natural Home Cleaning Solutions

Here are some DIY recipes and tips for creating your own natural cleaners:

It’s best to start off with glass spray bottles are these are easy to wash and clean and you’re avoiding plastic which is always a bonus!

All-purpose cleaner

This cleaner can be used to clean surfaces such as countertops, sinks, and toilets.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1 cup water
• 10-15 drops of your favorite essential oil (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mix the white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
2. Add your favorite essential oil for a pleasant scent (optional).
3. Shake the bottle to mix the ingredients.
4. Spray the cleaner on the surface you wish to clean and wipe with a clean cloth.

This all-purpose cleaner is perfect for cleaning surfaces such as countertops, sinks, and toilets. It is also effective for removing grease, grime and dirt from these surfaces.

The combination of white vinegar and water creates a powerful solution that has antimicrobial properties, making it a great choice for sanitizing surfaces. Additionally, the vinegar helps to neutralize odors, leaving your home smelling fresh and clean.

If you’re thinking about which essential oils to use, citrus oils are a great choice as they can help to cut through grease and grime.

Glass cleaner

This cleaner is perfect for cleaning windows, mirrors, and other glass surfaces.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup white vinegar

Instructions:

1. Mix the water and white vinegar in a spray bottle.
2. Shake the bottle to mix the ingredients.
3. Spray the cleaner on the glass surface you wish to clean.
4. Wipe the surface with a clean cloth or newspaper for a streak-free shine.

Although this is very basic, this glass cleaner can be surprisingly effective. The combination of water and white vinegar helps to break down dirt, grime, and grease, leaving a streak-free shine.

If you’re looking for a glass cleaner with a bit more shine, you can add a few drops of lemon or orange essential oil to the mixture. These citrus oils will add an extra sparkle to your glass surfaces.

To keep your glass surfaces looking their best, it’s important to wipe the cleaner off with a lint-free cloth or newspaper rather than a sponge or rag, as these may leave streaks.

Also read: How to clean your jewelry without using harsh chemicals

Oven cleaner

This cleaner is perfect for cleaning your oven and other kitchen appliances.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup baking soda
• 2 tablespoons liquid soap
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• Water (as needed)

Instructions:

1. Mix the baking soda, liquid soap, and white vinegar together in a bowl, adding enough water to make a thick paste.
2. Spread the paste over the oven surfaces.
3. Let sit for 30 minutes or longer if needed.
4. Scrub any stubborn spots with a scrub brush and wipe off the cleaner with a damp cloth.

The combination of baking soda, liquid soap, and white vinegar creates an effective yet gentle cleaner that won’t damage your kitchen appliances. The paste helps to break down dirt and grime, making it easier to scrub away baked-on residue.

Adding liquid soap to the mixture helps to create a better lather, making it easier to spread the paste onto your surfaces. This can also make cleaning up any messes much faster and more efficient.

Toilet bowl cleaner

This cleaner is perfect for keeping your toilet bowl clean and fresh.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 1 cup white vinegar
• 3-5 drops of tea tree oil (optional)

Instructions:

1. Pour the baking soda into the toilet bowl and let it sit for 10 minutes.
2. Add the white vinegar and allow it to foam, then scrub with a toilet brush.
3. Flush the toilet and add 3-5 drops of tea tree oil (optional).

The combination of baking soda and white vinegar creates an effective cleaner that helps to remove dirt, grime, and odors from your toilet bowl.

Baking soda is also highly absorbent, helping to prevent future build up.

Tea tree oil is optional but can help to disinfect the area and leave a fresh scent. It has antimicrobial properties, making it a great choice for sanitizing your toilet bowl.

For tougher stains, you may need to let the mixture sit overnight before scrubbing away the residue. With regular use, this cleaner will help keep your toilet bowl looking and smelling clean.

Carpet cleaner

This cleaner can be used to clean carpets and upholstery.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup baking soda
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 10-15 drops of your favorite essential oil (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mix the baking soda and cornstarch in a bowl.
2. Add your favorite essential oil for a pleasant scent (optional).
3. Sprinkle the mixture onto the carpet or upholstery you wish to clean.
4. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes.
5. Vacuum the area thoroughly.

The benefit of using baking soda and cornstarch for carpet cleaning is that it’s safe to use around pets. The powder absorbs odors, dirt, and grease without introducing harsh chemicals into your home.

Adding essential oil is optional but helps to make the area smell fresh and clean.

For tougher stains, you can sprinkle a bit of liquid detergent into the mixture before spreading it onto the carpet. This will help to break down difficult stains, making them easier to remove.

For best results, vacuum thoroughly afterwards to ensure that all of the powder is removed from the area. With regular use, this cleaner can help keep your carpets and upholstery looking their best all the time.

Rust cleaner

This cleaner is perfect for removing rust and other hard-to-remove stains.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 2 tablespoons borax
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• Water (as needed)

Instructions:

1. Mix the baking soda, borax, and white vinegar together in a bowl, adding enough water to make a paste.
2. Spread the paste over rust stains or other hard-to-remove spots and let sit for 30 minutes or longer if needed.
3. Scrub with a brush and wipe off with a damp cloth.

The combination of baking soda, borax, and white vinegar is particularly effective at removing rust and other difficult stains. The baking soda helps to break down the rust, while the borax adds an abrasive element that helps scrub away any residue.

White vinegar is a natural disinfectant and can help remove odors from rusty surfaces. Adding water creates a paste-like consistency that is easier to spread over the affected area.

For tougher stains, you may need to repeat the process several times until the spot is removed. With regular use, this cleaner will help keep your surfaces looking like new.

Tips for creating your own natural cleaners

• Always test a small area before using a cleaner on a larger surface.
• Use distilled water for your cleaners to avoid minerals and other impurities.
• Label your cleaners and keep them out of reach of children and pets.
• Use a funnel to help pour ingredients into spray bottles and other containers.
• Store your cleaners in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.

Conclusion

Creating your own natural cleaners is a safe and effective way to clean your home without the use of harsh chemicals.

With these DIY recipes and tips, you can clean your home while also protecting your health and the environment.