21 Natural Cleaners You Can Make at Home

Home cleaning products — Photo:
Anna Puzatykh / Getty Images

While store-bought cleaners are effective, many contain unnecessary chemicals that aren't really needed to get the job done. When it comes to deep cleaning your home, some of the best cleaners can be made with simple household ingredients, like vinegar and baking soda. Whether you want to give your kitchen a quick clean, or take on a tougher task like removing grime from grout, these natural cleaners will keep every area of your home sparkling.

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Hardwood Floor Cleaner

Hardwood floors can become dingy over time due to foot traffic, dust build up, and pets. To restore their natural shine, fill a bucket with warm water, a few drops of natural dish soap, and a teaspoon of olive oil or castile soap.

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Fabric Softener

Fabric softener prevents wrinkles, reduces static cling, and keeps your garments feeling silky smooth. To make your own, combine 2 cups of distilled white vinegar with 20 to 30 drops of essential oils. Shake until thoroughly combined. To use, pour about 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup of the fabric softener into the rinse cycle dispenser of your washing machine during the final rinse.

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Dust Spray

Keep dust off of the surfaces in your home for longer by making this effective spray. In a spray bottle, combine a 1/2 cup white vinegar, 2 cups warm water, and a 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil. Spray it onto the surfaces of your home to combat dust buildup.

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Dishwashing Detergent

Rather than buying dishwasher pods, use this simple formula instead. In a container, combine 8 ounces castile soap, 1 cup of water, and 3 tablespoons vinegar. Mix thoroughly and then dispense 1 tablespoon into the detergent compartment.

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Countertop Cleaner

Quartz Countertops — hikesterson / GETTY IMAGES

Some countertop materials can't handle harsh ingredients, like vinegar. To make an all-purpose countertop cleaner, combine water with a few drops of natural dish soap in a spray bottle and use as needed.

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Oven Cleaner

Give your oven a refresh with this simple cleaner. In a bowl, mix 1/4 cup of water with a 3/4 cup of baking soda. Once thoroughly combined, apply the solution to your oven and gently scrub the surface clean with a sponge or soft-bristled brush.

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All-Purpose Cleaner

Whether you're cleaning your countertops, windows, or other areas of your home, this all-purpose cleaner does it all. To make it, combine a 1/2 cup of white vinegar and 4 cups of warm water in a spray bottle and shake to thoroughly mix the solution.

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Glass Cleaner

Remove fingerprints, dust, and smudges from glass by combining equal parts water and distilled white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray the glass with the cleaner and wipe the surface dry with a soft cloth, moving in an "S" pattern.

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Laundry Detergent

To make homemade laundry detergent, start by combining 8 cups boiling water, 2 cups of borax, and 2 cups of baking soda. Then dilute 1 cup of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide with 2 cups of water and add it to the mixture. To personalize your scent, add up to 50 drops of your favorite essential oil. Once the mixture cools down, it will thicken and can be used in lieu of store-bought detergents.

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Carpet Cleaner

Remove stains and discoloration from your carpets with this three-ingredient cleaner. In a bowl, combine 2 cups distilled white vinegar and 2 cups water. Then, slowly add 2 tablespoons of baking soda to the bowl. Stir the mixture until the baking soda is dissolved. Transfer the solution to a spray bottle and use it to spot clean your carpet.

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Carpet Deodorizer

Get stubborn odors of of your carpet with this simple cleaner. In a bowl, combine 1 cup of baking soda with 10 to 20 drops of your chosen essential oil. Mix until thoroughly combined, then sprinkle the solution over your carpet. Let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes before vacuuming it up.

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Tile Floor Cleaner

To clean tile floors, fill a bucket with water and add a few drops of dish soap. Use the solution to mop your floors or spot clean problem areas.

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Grout Cleaner

A bathroom with white tile and wooden vanity — John Keeble/Getty Images

Clean grout lines with baking soda by mixing it with water until a thick paste forms. Apply the paste to the grout lines and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Scrub the grout with a brush then rinse with warm water.

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Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Give your toilet a deep clean with this three-ingredient solution. In a bowl, combine 1 cup of baking soda and 1/4 cup of citric acid and stir to combine. Sprinkle the solution into the toilet, then add a 1/2 cup of vinegar. Scrub thoroughly, then flush.

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Mildew Cleaner

To remove mildew from household surfaces, mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a mixing bowl in a spray bottle. Add 3 tablespoons of baking soda to the mixture and shake until the baking soda dissolves. Apply the solution over the mildew area and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Scrub clean then rinse with warm water.

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Drain Cleaner

Keep your sink drain free of any items that may potentially cause clogs by regularly cleaning it with this DIY solution. In a bowl, mix 1/2 cup borax powder, 1/2 cup table salt, and 1 cup white vinegar. Stir the mixture until it forms a paste-like consistency. Pour the solution down the drain, let it sit for 30 minutes, then flush the drain with a pot of boiling water.

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Wood Polish

Restore shine to your wood furniture by combining a 1/2 cup of olive oil with a 1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar. Dip a microfiber cloth in the solution and apply it to the piece you are polishing.

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Stain Remover

Martha's DIY stain remover can get out everything from grease to wine stains. To make it, combine 1 tablespoon of liquid soap and 9.5 ounces of water in a spray bottle and shake to combine. Use this cleaning solution in tandem with other household products when treating specific stains, like grease.

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Laundry Brightener

Washing soda, which can be used to brighten laundry, is easy to make at home. Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with foil and sprinkle baking soda over it in a thin, even layer. Bake for one hour. To use, add two tablespoons to laundry detergent to boost its efficacy.

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Stovetop

Keep your stovetop sparkling by combining equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto the stovetop and wipe clean with a non-abrasive cleaning pad.

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Shower Cleaner

Shower in modern bathroom — hmzalldesign / GETTY IMAGES

How you clean you shower may vary depending on the material, but this natural cleaner is suitable for most surfaces. Fill a spray bottle with equal parts distilled white vinegar and warm water. Spray the vinegar solution on shower surfaces and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Sprinkle baking soda on a damp cloth and scrub the shower clean.

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