In a world filled with harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances, making your own cleaners is a great way to ensure a healthier home for you and your family. Homemade cleaners are often just as effective as store-bought options, while eliminating unnecessary toxins from your living space. You also might be surprise at how cost effective making your own cleaners can be as well. Below are some ideas for how to begin incorporating homemade cleaners into your home, as well as recipes for different types of cleaners.
Why Make Your Own Cleaners?
- Non-Toxic: These cleaners are safer for kids, pets, and the environment.
- Budget Friendly: Most of the following ingredients are pantry staples and will cost less than a dollar to make.
- Customizable: There are so many essential oil scents and uses. Use what you like, or even a combination to make a custom blend.
- Less Waste: Reuse old containers or keep refilling glass spray bottles when needed.
All-Purpose Cleaner
This cleaner is ideal for countertops, sinks, and most hard surfaces. Below are two different variations of All-Purpose Cleaners.
Vinegar Based:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 10 drops of essential oil of your choice (lemon, tea tree, and lavender are popular)
Mix all ingredients into a spray bottle (ideally glass) and shake well. Spray the cleaner onto surfaces and wipe clean with a cloth.
Note: Avoid using vinegar on natural stone such as marble or granite.
Castile Based:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup rubbing alcohol (at least 70%)
- 3-5 drops of Castile soap (I personally like Dr. Bronner’s brand in Lavender)
Mix all ingredients into a spray bottle (ideally glass) and shake well. Spray the cleaner onto surfaces and wipe clean with a cloth.
Note: Castile soap can make this cleaner appear foggy. This is normal and expected.
Disinfecting Cleaner
This type of cleaner is ideal for bathrooms, doorknobs, and high-touch surfaces.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rubbing alcohol (at least 70%)
- 1 cup water
- 10 drops of tea tree or eucalyptus essential oil
Mix all ingredients into a spray bottle (ideally glass) and shake well. Spray the cleaner onto surfaces and air dry to allow disinfection.
Glass and Mirror Cleaner
This cleaner leaves mirrors and windows streak-free and sparkly.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup distilled water
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 10 drops of peppermint or lemon essential oil
Mix all ingredients into a spray bottle (ideally glass) and shake well before each use. Spray onto glass surfaces and wipe with a microfiber cloth for a streak-free shine.
Natural Scrubbing Cleaner
This cleaner is great for sinks, tubs, and other tough-to-clean surfaces.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 2 tablespoons Castile soap
- 5 drops lemon or orange essential oil
- a few drops of water as needed
Mix baking soda and Castile soap in a bowl until a paste forms. Add essential oil for an extra fresh scent. Apply mixture to surfaces with a sponge, scrub, and rinse clean.
Floor Cleaner
This cleaner works well on tile, laminate, and hardwood floors.
Ingredients:
- 1 gallon warm water
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Castile soap
- 10 drops essential oil of your choice
Combine all ingredients in a bucket and mop floors as usual. No rinsing needed!
The Gentle Harvest 
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