When it comes to cleaning your home, you don't always need to rely on commercial cleaning products filled with chemicals. In fact, you can create effective and environmentally friendly cleaning supplies right in your own home using simple ingredients.
Homemade cleaning supplies help maintain a healthy living space for you, your family, and pets. In this blog, we will explore the seven best homemade cleaning supplies that are easy to make and highly effective in keeping your home clean and fresh.
I saw a video a few years ago of someone’s dog having a severe reaction to Lysol cleaners—they began having seizures after their owner cleaned using these kinds of chemical cleaners. I decided right then, never will I use a chemical cleaner again!
Even if you don’t have pets, think of how these chemical cleaners are affecting your system—what are these harsh chemicals doing when you inhale them into your body or they are absorbed through your skin?
Spoiler: the secret ingredients to chemical-free cleaners are vinegar, water, baking soda, essential oils, and spray bottles to house the ingredients! Yes, it is that simple.
All-Purpose Cleaner
An all-purpose cleaner is a versatile cleaning solution that can be used on various surfaces in your home. To make a homemade all-purpose cleaner, mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Vinegar has natural disinfecting and deodorizing properties, making it an excellent choice for general cleaning. You can also add a few drops of essential oil, such as lemon or lavender, for a pleasant fragrance.
My favorite kind of all-purpose cleaner is equal parts white vinegar and water with some peppermint essential oil! I find that peppermint essential oil helps repel bugs. If the vinegar smell is too strong, you can do one part vinegar and two parts water. I just add enough essential oil until I think it smells good! I also use grapefruit essential oil for cleaning. Citrus essential oils are amazing for cleaning scents to make your area smell fresh!
Glass Cleaner
For streak-free and shiny windows and mirrors, you can make your own homemade glass cleaner. In a spray bottle, combine one part white vinegar with one part water. Add a tablespoon of rubbing alcohol to help the solution evaporate quickly and minimize streaking. Shake the bottle well before each use, and spray the solution onto the glass surface. Wipe clean with a lint-free cloth or newspaper for sparkling results.
Seriously, cleaning glass without leaving streaks is a pain. Don’t be tricked, though, you do not need a commercial cleaner! The secret ingredient is the rubbing alcohol and will leave you with streak-free glass! I clean with a micro-fiber cloth or paper towels. Both work good for glass!
Bathroom Cleaner
To tackle soap scum, grime, and mineral deposits in your bathroom, a homemade bathroom cleaner is highly effective. In a spray bottle, mix equal parts of water and distilled white vinegar. Add a few drops of tea tree essential oil for its natural antibacterial properties and a fresh scent. Sprinkle baking soda around the problem areas in your bathroom like the toilet, sink, and shower. Spray the solution onto the baking-soda coated surfaces, let it sit for a few minutes, and then scrub with a brush or sponge. Rinse thoroughly with water.
Oven Cleaner
Cleaning your oven doesn't have to involve harsh chemicals. Create a natural oven cleaner by combining baking soda and water to make a paste. Apply the paste to the inside of the oven, avoiding the heating elements, and let it sit for several hours or overnight. Then, scrub away the grime with a sponge or cloth. For stubborn stains, you can use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to create a foaming action that helps lift the residue.
I remember the last time I used oven cleaners, and I was surprised at how harsh they are! I didn’t want to use them in my home ever again.
Floor Cleaner
For a homemade floor cleaner that works on various types of flooring, mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in a bucket. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil, such as peppermint or eucalyptus, for a fresh scent. Use this solution to mop your floors, ensuring you wring out the mop well to avoid excessive moisture on hardwood or laminate surfaces. This simple and effective floor cleaner leaves your floors clean and refreshed
I have hardwood in my house and I clean my floors with vinegar and water and they get so clean! Some people think this simple homemade floor cleaning solution doesn’t work, but it does!
Stainless Steel Cleaner
To bring back the shine to your stainless steel appliances, make a homemade stainless steel cleaner. In a spray bottle, combine equal parts of water and white vinegar. Spray the solution onto the stainless steel surface and wipe with a microfiber cloth or soft sponge. For stubborn smudges or fingerprints, you can apply a small amount of olive oil or baby oil to the cloth and gently buff the surface. This homemade cleaner helps remove dirt and leaves your stainless steel appliances gleaming.
I have stainless steel appliances, and I was skeptical at first using this thinking they wouldn’t work as good as the conventional stainless steel wipes, but it worked even better! I would definitely suggest to use microfiber cloths if possible for this because it will help buff the surfaces.
Wood Furniture Polish
To nourish and polish your wooden furniture, create a homemade wood furniture polish. In a small bowl, combine one part olive oil with one part white vinegar. Add a few drops of lemon essential oil for a fresh scent. Dip a soft cloth into the mixture and gently rub it onto the wood surface, following the direction of the grain. The combination of olive oil and vinegar helps clean and condition the wood, leaving it with a natural shine.
Create your own
Creating homemade cleaning supplies is a simple and effective way to keep your home clean while avoiding harsh chemicals. The all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, bathroom cleaner, oven cleaner, floor cleaner, stainless steel cleaner, and wood furniture polish are versatile and eco-friendly solutions that can be easily made using common household ingredients. By incorporating these homemade cleaning supplies into your cleaning routine, you can maintain a clean, healthy, and environmentally conscious home.
Isn’t it amazing how you can do so much with water and vinegar? The best part is that because these cleaners are natural, you won’t have to worry about how you, your family, or pets are being poisoned.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are homemade cleaning supplies as effective as commercial products?
Yes, homemade cleaning supplies can be just as effective as commercial products, if not more. Ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon have natural cleaning properties that can tackle dirt, grime, and bacteria effectively.
Can I personalize the scents of homemade cleaning supplies?
Absolutely! You can add essential oils, such as lavender, lemon, or tea tree oil, to your homemade cleaning supplies to create pleasant scents and enhance the cleaning experience.
Are homemade cleaning supplies safe to use around children and pets?
Yes, homemade cleaning supplies are generally safe to use around children and pets. However, it's always a good idea to keep cleaning solutions out of reach and ensure proper ventilation when using them.
Can I make larger batches of homemade cleaning supplies for future use?
Yes, you can adjust the quantities of the ingredients to make larger batches of homemade cleaning supplies. Store them in labeled containers in a cool, dark place for future use.
Are homemade cleaning supplies cost-effective?
Absolutely! Homemade cleaning supplies are often more cost-effective compared to commercial products. The ingredients used are inexpensive and readily available in most households, making them a budget-friendly option.
