Simple DIY Cleaning Products to Save Money and the Environment

Cleaning your home doesn’t have to cost a fortune or involve harmful chemicals. In fact, you can make your own cleaning products at home using simple, inexpensive ingredients that are often already in your pantry. Not only will this save you money, but DIY cleaners are also eco-friendly and better for your health.

Here’s how you can create your own powerful cleaning products for every room in your house, plus the benefits of switching to homemade alternatives.

Why Make Your Own Cleaning Products?

1. Cost-Effective: Store-bought cleaners can be pricey, especially the eco-friendly or natural ones. Making your own cleaners costs a fraction of the price and often uses ingredients you already have.
2. Eco-Friendly: DIY cleaning products reduce your household’s reliance on plastic packaging and eliminate the use of toxic chemicals that can harm the environment.
3. Safe for Your Health: Many commercial cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can cause respiratory issues, skin irritation, or allergies. DIY products use natural ingredients, making them safer for you and your family.
4. Customizable: You can adjust the scent, strength, and ingredients in your homemade cleaners to suit your preferences and cleaning needs.

Basic Ingredients You’ll Need

Most DIY cleaning products rely on a few key ingredients that are inexpensive and widely available:

• White vinegar: Great for cutting through grease and removing stains.
• Baking soda: A natural abrasive that helps scrub and deodorize.
• Castile soap: A gentle yet effective plant-based soap that cleans almost anything.
• Lemon juice: Provides natural antibacterial properties and leaves a fresh scent.
• Essential oils: Optional, but can add a pleasant fragrance and extra antibacterial properties (e.g., tea tree oil, lavender, or lemon essential oil). Just make sure if you have pets you use the kind that are safe for them, or leave them out.

DIY Cleaning Recipes

1. All-Purpose Cleaner

This versatile cleaner works on countertops, appliances, and most surfaces in your home.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1 cup water
• 10-15 drops of essential oil (optional, for fragrance)

Instructions:

• Mix the vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
• Add essential oils if desired.
• Spray directly on surfaces and wipe with a clean cloth. For tough spots, let it sit for a minute before wiping.

Tip: Avoid using vinegar on natural stone surfaces like granite or marble, as it can cause damage over time.

2. Glass and Mirror Cleaner

Say goodbye to streaky windows and mirrors with this simple solution.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup rubbing alcohol (70% concentration or higher)
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar

Instructions:

• Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle.
• Spray on glass or mirrors and wipe with a microfiber cloth or newspaper for a streak-free finish.

3. DIY Toilet Cleaner

Clean your toilet bowl naturally without the harsh fumes.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup baking soda
• 1 cup white vinegar
• 10 drops of tea tree essential oil (optional)

Instructions:

• Sprinkle baking soda into the toilet bowl.
• Add vinegar and essential oil if using. Let it fizz for a few minutes.
• Scrub with a toilet brush and flush.

4. Natural Floor Cleaner

This mixture works well for most floor types, including tile and laminate.

Ingredients:

• 1 gallon of hot water
• 1/2 cup white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Castile soap
• 10 drops of your favorite essential oil (optional)

Instructions:

• Combine all ingredients in a bucket.
• Mop floors as usual, ensuring not to leave excess water on the floor (especially for wood or laminate).

5. DIY Laundry Detergent

Make your own laundry detergent with this simple recipe that will save you money with every load.

Ingredients:

• 1 bar of Castile soap (grated)
• 1 cup washing soda
• 1 cup borax (optional)

Instructions:

• Mix all ingredients together and store in an airtight container.
• Use 2 tablespoons per load of laundry for a regular machine, or 1 tablespoon for a high-efficiency (HE) machine.

6. Carpet Deodorizer

Refresh your carpets and rugs with this quick, easy deodorizer.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup baking soda
• 10-15 drops of essential oil (optional)

Instructions:

• Mix the baking soda and essential oil in a small container or shaker.
• Sprinkle over carpets, let sit for 15-20 minutes, then vacuum thoroughly.

Tips for Storing and Using DIY Cleaners

• Label your bottles: Always label your homemade cleaning solutions with their contents and the date you made them.
• Use glass spray bottles: If you use essential oils in your cleaners, opt for glass bottles as they can break down plastic over time.
• Test before using: Before using any DIY cleaner on a new surface, test it in a small, inconspicuous area to ensure it won’t cause damage.

DIY cleaning products are a fantastic way to save money, reduce your environmental impact, and create a healthier home. With just a few simple ingredients, you can replace many of the commercial cleaners in your home and feel good about what you’re using around your family. Start small with one or two of these recipes and see how easy it is to make the switch to natural, homemade cleaners!