Commercial cleaning products are expensive, contain harsh chemicals, and
often come in single-use plastic bottles. The good news? You can make
equally effective cleaners at home for pennies on the dollar using
simple, non-toxic ingredients.
Here are our favorite DIY cleaner recipes that have been tested and
proven to work on everything from countertops to windows.
Essential Ingredients to Keep on Hand
White vinegar (disinfectant & degreaser)
Baking soda (abrasive & deodorizer)
Castile soap (gentle surfactant)
Essential oils (fragrance & antimicrobial)
Lemon juice (bleaching & fresh scent)
Rubbing alcohol (disinfecting & streak-free)
5 Essential DIY Cleaner Recipes
1
Basic All-Purpose Cleaner
Perfect for countertops, appliances, and most surfaces
Ingredients:
- • 1 cup water
- • 1 cup white vinegar
- • 10-15 drops essential oil (tea tree, lemon, or lavender)
- • 16 oz spray bottle
Instructions:
- 1. Combine water and vinegar in spray bottle
- 2. Add essential oils and shake well
- 3. Spray on surface, let sit 30 seconds, then wipe clean
- 4. Store at room temperature for up to 3 months
2
Glass & Window Cleaner
Streak-free shine for windows, mirrors, and glass surfaces
Ingredients:
- • 1 cup water
- • 1 cup rubbing alcohol (70% or higher)
- • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- • 16 oz spray bottle
Instructions:
- 1. Mix all ingredients in spray bottle
- 2. Spray generously on glass surface
- 3. Wipe with microfiber cloth or newspaper for best results
- 4. For extra shine, buff with a dry cloth
3
Heavy-Duty Degreaser
Cuts through kitchen grease and baked-on grime
Ingredients:
- • 2 cups warm water
- • 2 tablespoons liquid castile soap
- • 2 tablespoons baking soda
- • 20 drops lemon essential oil
- • 16 oz spray bottle
Instructions:
-
1. Add castile soap to warm water and swirl gently (don't shake to
avoid bubbles)
- 2. Add baking soda and essential oil, mix well
- 3. Spray on greasy surfaces, let sit 2-3 minutes
- 4. Scrub with sponge and rinse with clean water
4
Disinfecting Spray
Kills 99.9% of germs naturally—perfect for high-touch surfaces
Ingredients:
- • 3/4 cup water
- • 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol (70% or higher)
- • 10 drops tea tree essential oil
- • 10 drops eucalyptus essential oil
- • 5 drops lavender essential oil
Instructions:
- 1. Combine all ingredients in spray bottle and shake well
-
2. Spray on doorknobs, light switches, phones, and other
high-touch surfaces
-
3. Let sit for 2-3 minutes before wiping (contact time is crucial
for disinfecting)
- 4. Use within 1 month for maximum effectiveness
5
Scrubbing Paste
For tough stains on sinks, tubs, and tile grout
Ingredients:
- • 1/2 cup baking soda
- • 1/4 cup castile soap
-
• 1 tablespoon hydrogen peroxide (optional, for extra whitening)
- • 10 drops lemon or peppermint essential oil
Instructions:
- 1. Mix baking soda and castile soap into a paste
- 2. Add hydrogen peroxide and essential oil, stir well
- 3. Apply to surface with sponge or brush
-
4. Scrub in circular motions, let sit 5-10 minutes for tough
stains
- 5. Rinse thoroughly with water
Pro Tips for DIY Cleaners
-
Label everything: Write the recipe and date on
each bottle
-
Use glass bottles: Essential oils can degrade
plastic over time
-
Test first: Try on a small hidden area before
using on new surfaces
-
Don't mix vinegar and castile soap: They
neutralize each other
-
Avoid using on natural stone: Vinegar can etch
marble and granite
The Bottom Line
Making your own cleaning products is easier, cheaper, and safer than
buying commercial cleaners. With just a few basic ingredients, you can
create effective solutions for every room in your home.
Start with one or two recipes and gradually replace your store-bought
cleaners. Your wallet, your health, and the environment will thank
you!