15 DIY Natural Cleaning Recipes for a Toxin-Free Home

The conventional cleaning aisle is a wall of harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances. But keeping your home sparkling clean doesn’t require a hazmat suit. The most powerful and safest cleaning agents are likely already in your pantry. By creating your own cleaners, you save money, reduce plastic waste, and create a healthier environment for your family. Here are 15 simple recipes to get you started.

The Basic Toolkit

• Glass Spray Bottles
• White Vinegar
• Baking Soda
• Castile Soap (like Dr. Bronner’s)
• Washing Soda
• Essential Oils (Lemon, Tea Tree, Lavender, Peppermint)
• Water

THE RECIPES

For the Kitchen:

1. All-Purpose Cleaner: In a spray bottle, mix 1 part white vinegar, 1 part water, and 10-15 drops of lemon essential oil. Perfect for countertops (except marble/granite), sinks, and tables.
2. Scrubbing Paste: Mix baking soda with a small amount of castile soap until it forms a thick paste. Use it to scrub sinks, stovetops, and grimy pots.
3. Glass & Window Cleaner: In a spray bottle, mix 1 part white vinegar with 4 parts water. For a streak-free shine, wipe with a reusable microfiber cloth.
4. Garbage Disposal Freshener: Cut a lemon in half, toss it in the disposal, and run it. For a deeper clean, freeze vinegar in an ice cube tray and run the cubes through the disposal.
5. Floor Cleaner (for tile/vinyl): Add 1/4 cup of white vinegar to a gallon of warm water. Mop as usual.

For the Bathroom:

1. Toilet Bowl Cleaner: Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda and 1/4 cup of vinegar into the bowl. Let it fizz for 15 minutes, scrub with a brush, and flush.
2. Mold & Mildew Buster: Mix 1 part tea tree oil to 10 parts water in a spray bottle. Spray on mildew-prone areas, let it sit, and wipe clean.
3. Soap Scum Remover: Spray tough soap scum with straight white vinegar. Let it sit for 20-30 minutes before scrubbing with a stiff brush.
4. Drain Unblocker: Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by 1/2 cup of vinegar. Cover the drain, let it fizz for 30 minutes, then flush with a kettle of boiling water.
5. Mirror Cleaner: Use the same recipe as the Glass & Window Cleaner listed under “For the Kitchen.”

For the Rest of the House:

1. Wood Polish: Mix 1/4 cup olive oil with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Apply a small amount to a soft cloth and polish wood surfaces.
2. Carpet Deodorizer: In a jar, mix 1 cup of baking soda with 10 drops of lavender essential oil. Shake well. Sprinkle over carpets, let sit for 30 minutes, then vacuum thoroughly.
3. Laundry Detergent Booster: Add 1/2 cup of washing soda to your laundry load to soften water and boost your detergent’s cleaning power.
4. All-Natural Air Freshener: In a small spray bottle, mix 1 cup of distilled water with 15-20 drops of your favorite essential oil (peppermint and lavender work well). Shake before each use.
5. Sticky Residue Remover: Mix equal parts baking soda and coconut oil into a paste. Rub it onto the sticky spot (like from a price tag), let it sit, and wipe away.