Keeping your home clean doesn’t have to mean buying an array of expensive store-bought cleaners. In fact, many effective cleaning solutions can be made using simple, everyday household items. Not only are these DIY cleaners cost-effective, but they’re also better for the environment and can be customized with your favorite scents.
Ready to transform your cleaning routine? Here are ten DIY cleaning solutions to make your home sparkle.
1. Scented All-Purpose Cleaner
Nothing beats an all-purpose cleaner that smells as good as it works. For a simple yet effective cleaner, you’ll need:
- Ingredients: White vinegar, water, lemon rind, and rosemary sprigs.
- Instructions: Combine equal parts white vinegar and water, add lemon rind and rosemary sprigs. Pour into a spray bottle and shake. Let the mixture infuse for a week before use.
This cleaner is great for wiping away wall smudges, cleaning trash cans, and removing hard water stains. Just remember not to use acidic solutions like this on granite or stainless steel surfaces, as they can cause damage.
2. All-Purpose Cleaner with Dish Soap
If you need an all-purpose cleaner that cuts through grease and grime, this one’s for you.
- Ingredients: 1 cup water, ¼ teaspoon dish soap, 4-6 drops of your favorite essential oil.
- Instructions: Combine ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well.
This cleaner works wonders on greasy fingerprints on walls, smudges on stainless steel, and spots inside your fridge. Avoid using it on wood surfaces as dish soap can damage the wood.
3. Glass Cleaner
For spotless windows and mirrors, this DIY glass cleaner is a must-try.
- Ingredients: ½ cup white or cider vinegar, 2 cups water, ¼ cup rubbing alcohol (70% concentration), and 1-2 drops of orange essential oil (optional).
- Instructions: Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well.
The orange essential oil not only adds a pleasant citrus scent but also helps to minimize streaks by making the solution evaporate quickly. Avoid using this cleaner on hot, sunny days as it can dry too quickly and leave streaks.
4. Carpet Stain Cleaner
Stains on your carpet? This easy solution can help.
- Ingredients: 1 cup water, ¼ teaspoon liquid dish soap.
- Instructions: Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well. Spritz the stains on your carpet and blot with a microfiber cloth. Follow up with a spray of clean water to rinse and blot dry.
This simple cleaner can make a huge difference in maintaining the cleanliness of your carpets and rugs.
5. Natural Stone Cleaner
Cleaning stone surfaces requires a gentle touch. This DIY cleaner is perfect for the job.
- Ingredients: ¼ cup rubbing alcohol, ¾ cup water, 1 teaspoon dish soap, and up to 10 drops of essential oil (optional).
- Instructions: Mix the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well.
Avoid using acidic substances like lemon and vinegar on natural stone, as these can break down the stone over time.
6. DIY Grease Cleaner
Grease in the kitchen can be tough to tackle, but this DIY cleaner makes it easier.
- Ingredients: 2 tablespoons sudsy ammonia, enough water to fill a spray bottle.
- Instructions: Combine the sudsy ammonia and water in a spray bottle and shake well. Spray the solution on greasy stovetops, ovens, and microwaves, then wipe clean with a sponge or cloth.
Remember to avoid using ammonia on aluminum surfaces as it can cause pitting and darkening.
7. Cleaning Metal
Maintaining the beauty of your metal decor pieces requires a gentle yet effective cleaning solution. Whether it’s intricate wrought iron or sleek modern sculptures, using the right cleaner is essential to preserve their finish.
- Ingredients: 1 cup water, 1 teaspoon mild dish soap, 1 tablespoon baking soda.
- Instructions: Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well.
Lightly spritz the solution onto your Creative Metal Design pieces and wipe with a soft cloth. For stubborn spots, use a soft-bristle brush. Avoid abrasive materials to prevent scratching.
8. Freshener Spray
Say goodbye to bad odors with this simple air freshener spray.
- Ingredients: 1 tablespoon baking soda, 5-6 drops of essential oil, enough water to fill a spray bottle.
- Instructions: Mix baking soda and essential oil in a small dish, then pour into a spray bottle. Fill the bottle with water and shake well.
Spritz around trash cans, inside shoes, or anywhere else that needs a fresh scent. Popular essential oils for this include peppermint, orange, grapefruit, lavender, and rosemary.
9. DIY Glass Cleaner
Mirrors and windows require a special touch to get them truly clean. This DIY glass cleaner is both effective and easy to make.
- Ingredients: ½ cup white or cider vinegar, ¼ cup rubbing alcohol, 2 cups water, and 1-2 drops of orange essential oil (optional).
- Instructions: Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle.
This cleaner works wonderfully on glass surfaces, leaving them streak-free and sparkling. The rubbing alcohol helps the solution to evaporate quickly, minimizing streaks.
10. Bathroom Cleaner
Keep your bathroom sparkling clean with this powerful DIY cleaner.
- Ingredients: 1 cup white vinegar, 1 cup water, and a few drops of your favorite essential oil.
- Instructions: Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well.
This cleaner is excellent for disinfecting surfaces, removing soap scum, and leaving your bathroom smelling fresh. Avoid using vinegar on natural stone surfaces.
Bonus: Mold and Mildew Remover
Mold and mildew can be tricky to tackle, but this DIY solution can help.
- Ingredients: 1 cup white vinegar, 1 cup water, 1 teaspoon tea tree oil.
- Instructions: Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well. Spray the affected areas and allow to sit for several minutes before scrubbing and rinsing clean.
Tea tree oil is a natural fungicide and works well in eliminating mold and mildew.
Conclusion
Creating your own cleaning solutions can be both gratifying and practical. With ingredients you probably already have at home, like white vinegar, essential oils, baking soda, and dish soap, you can concoct efficient cleaners for almost every need. Plus, these DIY solutions cut expenses and limit exposure to harsh chemicals.
Whether you’re scrubbing away greasy stovetops, freshening up carpets, or wiping down glass, these homemade cleaners are up to the task. So next time you encounter a mess, don’t rush to buy commercial products. Instead, try out one of these DIY cleaners and enjoy a sparkling clean home, the natural way.