23 Homemade All-Natural Cleaning Recipes
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23 Homemade All-Natural Cleaning Recipes
Cleaning products can quickly fill a cupboard, with a different bottle for every room and surface. They can also become surprisingly expensive.
The good news is that many everyday cleaning jobs can be tackled with a few simple ingredients you may already have at home. White vinegar, bicarbonate of soda, washing-up liquid, lemons and rubbing alcohol can clean everything from greasy ovens to cloudy mirrors.
These 23 homemade cleaning recipes are inexpensive, easy to prepare and ideal for anyone trying to reduce the number of heavily fragranced products used around the home.
Before You Make These Homemade Cleaners
Although these recipes use familiar household ingredients, they still need to be handled carefully.
Never mix bleach with vinegar, ammonia, rubbing alcohol or any other cleaning product. Dangerous gases can be produced. Keep every homemade cleaner clearly labelled and out of reach of children and pets.
It is also important to understand the difference between cleaning and disinfecting. Soap, water and scrubbing remove dirt and many germs, but a homemade vinegar cleaner should not be treated as a proven disinfectant. When genuine disinfection is necessary, use a properly registered product according to its label. CDC cleaning and disinfecting guidance
Always test a cleaner on a small, hidden area first. Never use acidic cleaners containing vinegar or lemon on marble, granite, limestone, travertine or other natural stone.
Basic Ingredients Worth Keeping at Home
You do not need an enormous collection of ingredients. Most of these recipes use some combination of:
- White vinegar
- Bicarbonate of soda
- Washing-up liquid
- Castile soap
- Fresh lemons
- Rubbing alcohol
- Cornflour
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Olive oil
- Table salt
- Essential oils, if suitable for your household
- Microfibre cloths
- Reusable spray bottles
Essential oils are optional and are mainly included for fragrance. Take extra care if you have pets, babies, breathing conditions or fragrance sensitivities.
1. Everyday All-Purpose Cleaning Spray
This simple spray works well on sealed worktops, cupboard doors, tiles and many other washable surfaces.
Ingredients
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- Fresh lemon peel
- 5 drops lemon essential oil, optional
Method
Place the vinegar and lemon peel in a clean jar and leave it for several days. Strain the vinegar, pour it into a spray bottle and add the water.
Spray lightly onto the surface and wipe with a clean cloth.
Do not use this cleaner on natural stone, unsealed grout, waxed furniture or unfinished wood.
2. Streak-Free Glass and Mirror Cleaner
You do not need a bright blue commercial spray to clean glass.
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- ½ cup white vinegar
- ¼ cup rubbing alcohol
- 1 teaspoon cornflour
Method
Add everything to a spray bottle and shake well. Spray sparingly onto the glass, then polish with a clean, lint-free cloth.
Shake the bottle before each use because the cornflour will settle at the bottom.
3. Greasy Kitchen Cleaning Spray
This mixture is useful for greasy splashbacks, sealed worktops and the outside of kitchen appliances.
Ingredients
- 2 cups warm water
- 1 tablespoon washing-up liquid
- 1 tablespoon bicarbonate of soda
Method
Add the warm water to a spray bottle, followed by the washing-up liquid and bicarbonate of soda. Move the bottle gently to combine without creating too many bubbles.
Spray onto the greasy area, leave for two or three minutes and wipe clean. Use a damp cloth afterwards to remove any soapy residue.
4. Homemade Soft Scrub Cleaner
This thick cleaning paste is helpful for sinks, baths and stubborn marks.
Ingredients
- ½ cup bicarbonate of soda
- 2 tablespoons liquid Castile soap
- Enough water to form a paste
Method
Combine the bicarbonate of soda and Castile soap in a small bowl. Add water a teaspoon at a time until you have a creamy paste.
Apply with a damp sponge, scrub gently and rinse thoroughly.
Make small batches because this cleaner is best used fresh.
5. Stainless-Steel Sink Cleaner
A dull stainless-steel sink can often be revived using two kitchen staples.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons bicarbonate of soda
- A little water
- 1 teaspoon olive oil, for polishing
Method
Mix the bicarbonate of soda with enough water to make a paste. Apply it with a soft cloth, following the direction of the steel grain.
Rinse and dry the sink completely. Add a tiny drop of olive oil to a clean cloth and buff the steel for extra shine.
6. Chopping Board Freshener
This is a useful way to clean and freshen a wooden chopping board after preparing strongly scented food.
Ingredients
- ½ lemon
- 1 tablespoon coarse salt
Method
Sprinkle the salt across the board. Rub the cut side of the lemon over the surface, working the salt into the wood.
Leave it for about five minutes, scrape away the residue and wipe the board with a clean damp cloth. Stand the board upright and allow it to dry completely.
This freshens and cleans the board but should not be relied upon as a disinfecting treatment after contact with raw meat.
7. Natural Fridge Cleaner
A mild, unscented mixture is often the best choice for cleaning the inside of a refrigerator.
Ingredients
- 2 cups warm water
- 2 tablespoons bicarbonate of soda
- 1 teaspoon washing-up liquid
Method
Mix the ingredients in a bowl. Dip a clean cloth into the mixture, wring it out and wipe the shelves, walls and drawers.
Finish with a cloth dampened with clean water, then dry everything before returning the food.
8. Microwave Steam Cleaner
Steam helps soften dried-on food so you do not have to scrub as hard.
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- ½ lemon, sliced
Method
Put the water and lemon slices into a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for three to five minutes, until the water produces plenty of steam.
Leave the door closed for another five minutes. Carefully remove the hot bowl and wipe the inside of the microwave.
9. Oven Cleaning Paste
This paste can loosen baked-on grease without filling the kitchen with strong fumes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup bicarbonate of soda
- ⅓ cup water
- 1 tablespoon washing-up liquid
Method
Mix the ingredients into a spreadable paste. Remove the oven racks and spread the paste over dirty areas, avoiding heating elements, fans and electrical components.
Leave it for several hours or overnight. Wipe away the paste with a damp cloth, rinsing the cloth frequently.
Check your oven manufacturer’s instructions before using any homemade cleaner, particularly in a self-cleaning oven.
10. Oven-Rack Soak
Give dirty oven racks time to soak and much of the hard work will be done for you.
Ingredients
- Very hot water
- 2 tablespoons washing-up liquid
- ½ cup bicarbonate of soda
Method
Place old towels in the bath or use a large plastic container to protect the surface. Add the oven racks and cover them with hot water.
Add the washing-up liquid and bicarbonate of soda. Leave the racks to soak for several hours, then scrub, rinse and dry.
11. Ceramic Hob Cleaning Paste
This gentle paste can help remove light residue from a cooled ceramic hob.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons bicarbonate of soda
- Enough water to make a thin paste
Method
Make sure the hob is completely cool. Spread the paste over the marks and leave it for ten minutes.
Wipe gently with a soft damp cloth, then buff dry. Avoid abrasive pads and check the appliance instructions first.
12. Dishwasher Freshening Treatment
Grease and food particles can leave a dishwasher smelling stale.
Ingredients
- 1 cup white vinegar
- ½ cup bicarbonate of soda
Method
Empty the dishwasher and clean its filter according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Place a dishwasher-safe bowl containing the vinegar on the upper rack and run a hot, empty cycle. Once that cycle has finished, sprinkle the bicarbonate of soda over the bottom and run a separate short hot cycle.
Do not combine the two ingredients in a sealed container. Used together they mostly neutralise each other, which is why they are used in separate stages here.
13. Bathroom Soap-Scum Spray
This cleaner can help loosen soap residue from shower screens and ceramic tiles.
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm white vinegar
- 1 cup washing-up liquid
Method
Pour the ingredients into a spray bottle and move it gently to combine. Spray onto the affected area and leave it for ten to fifteen minutes.
Wipe with a damp sponge and rinse thoroughly.
Do not use it on natural stone, and test it before using it on metal finishes or delicate shower coatings.
14. Grout Cleaning Paste
Grout can collect dirt even when the surrounding tiles look clean.
Ingredients
- ½ cup bicarbonate of soda
- ¼ cup hydrogen peroxide
- 1 teaspoon washing-up liquid
Method
Mix the ingredients in a small bowl. Apply the paste to the grout and leave it for five to ten minutes.
Scrub with an old toothbrush or grout brush, then rinse well.
Wear gloves, ventilate the room and test a hidden area first. Never mix hydrogen peroxide with vinegar or bleach.
15. Toilet-Bowl Cleaning Powder
This quick treatment is useful for routine cleaning and deodorising.
Ingredients
- ½ cup bicarbonate of soda
- A small amount of washing-up liquid
Method
Sprinkle the bicarbonate of soda around the toilet bowl and add a small squeeze of washing-up liquid.
Scrub thoroughly with a toilet brush, including beneath the rim, then flush.
This is a cleaner rather than a registered disinfectant. Never add it to a bowl that contains bleach or another chemical cleaner.
16. Limescale Treatment for Taps
White vinegar can help dissolve mineral deposits around many ordinary chrome taps.
Ingredients
- White vinegar
- A clean cloth or paper towel
Method
Soak the cloth in vinegar and wrap it around the affected part of the tap. Leave it for fifteen to thirty minutes.
Remove the cloth, wipe away the loosened deposits and rinse thoroughly.
Check the manufacturer’s care instructions first. Vinegar may damage some special, plated or stone finishes.
17. Showerhead Limescale Soak
A blocked showerhead can reduce water flow and spray water in every direction.
Ingredients
- Enough white vinegar to cover the showerhead
- A strong reusable bag
- An elastic band
Method
Fill the bag with enough vinegar to submerge the spray face. Secure it around the showerhead and leave it for thirty minutes to an hour.
Remove the bag, scrub the holes with an old toothbrush and run the shower.
Avoid long soaking times on brass, nickel or other delicate finishes.
18. Homemade Floor Cleaner
This mild solution is suitable for many washable, sealed floors.
Ingredients
- 4 litres warm water
- 1 teaspoon washing-up liquid
Method
Add the washing-up liquid to the water and mix gently. Mop with a well-wrung mop, using as little water as possible.
Dry the floor if necessary to prevent streaks.
Always follow the flooring manufacturer’s instructions. Avoid soaking laminate or wooden floors, and never use vinegar on natural stone.
19. Carpet Deodorising Powder
This powder can help freshen a carpet between deeper cleans.
Ingredients
- 1 cup bicarbonate of soda
Method
Sprinkle a very light layer over the carpet and leave it for fifteen to thirty minutes. Vacuum slowly and thoroughly.
Test a hidden patch first. Keep children and pets away while the powder is down, and avoid using large amounts because fine powder can be difficult for some vacuum cleaners to handle.
20. Carpet Spot Cleaner
Acting quickly can prevent a spill from becoming a permanent stain.
Ingredients
- 2 cups warm water
- 1 teaspoon clear washing-up liquid
Method
Blot the spill with a clean white cloth. Do not rub it, as this can push the stain further into the fibres.
Mix the water and washing-up liquid. Dab a small amount onto the stain, working from the outside towards the centre. Blot with clean water and press with a dry towel.
Test for colourfastness first and use a specialist method for wool, silk or valuable carpets.
21. Fabric Upholstery Cleaner
This simple mixture works best for light marks on water-safe upholstery.
Ingredients
- 2 cups warm water
- 1 teaspoon washing-up liquid
Method
Whisk the mixture until it creates plenty of foam. Apply only the foam to the upholstery using a soft cloth or brush.
Work gently, then remove the residue with a clean, slightly damp cloth. Allow the furniture to dry with good airflow.
Check the cleaning code on the furniture label first. Do not use water on upholstery marked “S” or “X”.
22. Wooden Furniture Polish
A tiny amount of this mixture can revive sealed wooden furniture.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Method
Combine the ingredients in a small jar. Apply a very small amount to a soft cloth and rub it into the furniture following the grain.
Buff immediately with a separate dry cloth.
Make only what you need and discard any leftover mixture. Test carefully because oil can darken unfinished or absorbent wood.
23. Bin Cleaning and Deodorising Spray
Kitchen bins can hold onto smells even after the bag has been removed.
Ingredients
- 2 cups warm water
- 1 teaspoon washing-up liquid
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
Method
Remove loose debris from the empty bin. Spray the mixture inside and scrub with a dedicated brush or cloth.
Rinse if possible and allow the bin to dry completely before adding a new liner.
Never use this spray if the bin contains bleach or residue from another chemical cleaner.
Important Homemade Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid
Never Mix Cleaning Products at Random
Even familiar household ingredients can react when mixed. Bleach must never be combined with vinegar, ammonia or another cleaner. Use one product at a time, rinse the surface thoroughly and allow it to dry before changing products.
Do Not Use Vinegar on Every Surface
Vinegar is useful, but its acidity can damage:
- Marble
- Granite
- Limestone
- Travertine
- Unsealed grout
- Waxed furniture
- Some appliance parts
- Certain metal finishes
Do Not Mix Vinegar With Castile Soap
Vinegar is acidic, while Castile soap is alkaline. Combining them can cause the soap to curdle and leave an unpleasant residue.
Do Not Expect Vinegar and Bicarbonate of Soda to Remain Powerful Together
The bubbling reaction looks impressive and can help loosen some physical debris, but the ingredients largely neutralise one another. They are often more useful when applied separately.
Label Every Bottle
Write the contents and the date on every homemade cleaner. Never pour cleaning products into drinks bottles or food containers.
Make Small Batches
Water-based homemade cleaners do not contain the preservatives found in many commercial products. Make modest quantities and discard anything that changes colour, smell or texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are homemade cleaners really effective?
Homemade cleaners can be very effective for removing grease, dust, soap scum, spills and everyday dirt. However, cleaning is not the same as disinfecting. Use an approved disinfectant when one is genuinely required.
Does white vinegar kill every household germ?
No. Vinegar can be useful for cleaning and removing limescale, but it should not be relied upon to kill every harmful microorganism.
Can I add essential oils to every recipe?
Essential oils are optional and are mainly used for fragrance. They can irritate some people and may not be suitable around babies, cats, dogs, birds or other pets.
How long can homemade cleaners be stored?
Simple vinegar-based sprays can usually be kept for several weeks when stored properly. Water-based mixtures containing soap are better made in smaller amounts. Recipes containing fresh lemon juice should generally be used immediately.
Can I reuse an old cleaning bottle?
It is safer to use a new, clearly labelled bottle. Residue from the previous product could react with your homemade mixture.
Are all-natural cleaners completely harmless?
No. Natural does not automatically mean harmless. Vinegar can damage surfaces, bicarbonate of soda can scratch delicate finishes, and essential oils can cause irritation or be harmful to pets.
A Cleaner Home Without a Cupboard Full of Products
Making your own cleaners does not need to be complicated. Start with one or two simple recipes and see how well they work in your home.
A basic combination of washing-up liquid, warm water, bicarbonate of soda and white vinegar, used separately and on suitable surfaces, can handle a surprising number of cleaning jobs. You may save money, reduce packaging and finally clear some space beneath the kitchen sink.
The most important rule is to clean carefully. Label every mixture, test delicate surfaces, ventilate the room and never combine cleaning products unless you know it is safe.
