13 Eco-Friendly, DIY Cleaning Solutions to Clean Every Corner of Your Home

While multi-surface cleaners like Bar Keeper's Friend are undeniably convenient, and pet stain removers are lifesavers for tough odors like cat urine, you don’t always need store-bought products. For tasks like scrubbing sinks or wiping windows, look no further than your pantry. Everyday household items can be transformed into quick, affordable, and efficient cleaning solutions. Club soda, for instance, uses its fizzy properties to lift stains and dissolve dirt. Cleaning vinegar, with its acidic nature, fights bacteria and prevents mold and mildew. Even vodka can serve as a powerful germ-killer.

What Are DIY Cleaners?

DIY cleaners range from versatile all-purpose solutions to natural glass cleaners and remedies for dirty hardwood floors. We’ll list the ingredients—many of which you likely already own—and provide easy steps for mixing and applying these effective cleaning concoctions.

Homemade or natural cleaning solutions rely on simple, chemical-free ingredients to tackle dirt, eliminate odors, and sometimes even disinfect surfaces. While they’re excellent for achieving a spotless shine, they may not always be sufficient for full disinfection. For sanitizing purposes, consider using an FDA-approved commercial disinfectant to ensure harmful bacteria and viruses are eradicated. However, for routine cleaning, these DIY solutions are a fantastic, eco-friendly alternative.

Homemade, Natural Cleaning Solution Recipes

Ready to dive into DIY cleaning? Explore our collection of cleaning recipes, neatly organized in a handy chart, or scroll down for a detailed guide on each solution.

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1. DIY All-Purpose Cleaner with Essential Oils

This versatile homemade cleaner works on most surfaces but is not suitable for glass.

What you'll need:

• 3/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol
• 5 to 10 drops of peppermint, lemon, or orange essential oil
• 1 squirt of natural dish soap
• 16-ounce spray bottle

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients in the spray bottle and shake thoroughly.
2. Spray the solution onto the desired surface and wipe clean using a microfiber cloth.

Recipe by Melissa Maker

2. DIY Lemon Degreaser for All Surfaces

This effective cleaner is suitable for most surfaces but should not be used on wood.

What you'll need:

• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap
• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• 24-ounce spray bottle

Directions:

1. Mix all ingredients in the spray bottle and shake thoroughly.
2. Spray the solution onto the surface and wipe clean with a microfiber cloth.

Recipe by Linda Cobb

3. DIY Vinegar and Vodka Disinfectant

This versatile cleaner is safe for use on all types of surfaces.

What you'll need:

• 1/2 cup white vinegar
• 1/2 cup unflavored vodka
• 10 drops lemon essential oil
• 10 drops lavender essential oil
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 24-ounce spray bottle

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients in the spray bottle and shake well.
2. Spray the solution onto the surface and allow it to sit for 10 minutes to disinfect. Wipe clean with a microfiber cloth.

Recipe by Becky Rapinchuk

4. DIY Natural Glass Cleaner

This easy-to-make glass cleaner uses just five ingredients to eliminate smudges and streaks effectively.

What you'll need:

• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons rubbing alcohol
• 5 drops peppermint essential oil
• 24-ounce spray bottle

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients in the spray bottle and shake gently to mix.
2. Spray the solution onto a microfiber cloth and gently wipe the surface.

Recipe by Becky Rapinchuk

5. DIY Chrome Cleaner

Avoid using just any cleaner on chrome surfaces. This homemade solution, paired with a bit of buffing, will make your chrome shine brilliantly.

What you'll need:

• 2 cups water
• 1/2 teaspoon Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap
• 3 tablespoons white vinegar
• 24-ounce spray bottle

Directions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a 24-ounce spray bottle and shake thoroughly.
2. Spray the solution onto the chrome surface, let it sit for 10 minutes, then wipe with a damp cloth and buff with a dry cloth.

6. Heavy-Duty Kitchen Cleaning Solution

For tackling tough kitchen messes, a powerful cleaning solution is essential. This natural cleaner provides strength without relying on harsh chemicals.

What you'll need:

• 1/4 cup natural dish soap
• 1/4 cup baking soda
• 5 drops clove essential oil
• About 3 drops of water
• Mixing bowl

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl.
2. Apply the mixture to the surface using the abrasive side of a double-sided sponge, scrub, and wipe clean with a damp cloth.

Recipe by Melissa Maker

7. DIY Sink Cleaning Solution

For a deep clean of your sink, this all-natural blend is a powerful and effective choice.

What you'll need:

• 2 cups baking soda
• 10 drops clove essential oil
• 10 drops lemon essential oil
• 1 squirt Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap
• A few drops of water
• Butter knife
• Airtight container

Directions:

1. Combine baking soda and essential oils using a butter knife, then store the mixture in an airtight container.
2. To clean, sprinkle the mixture over the sink, add a squirt of soap and a few drops of water, scrub with a nylon-bristle brush, and rinse thoroughly.

Recipe by Becky Rapinchuk

8. DIY Shower Cleaner

This straightforward, natural blend is perfect for keeping your shower clean and fresh.

What you'll need:

• 1/4 cup baking soda
• 1 cup water
• Microwave-safe bowl
• 24-ounce spray bottle

Directions:

1. Combine the ingredients in a microwave-safe bowl, heat for 30 to 60 seconds, then transfer to a spray bottle.
2. Spray the solution onto shower surfaces, let it sit for 3 to 5 minutes, and wipe clean with a microfiber cloth.

Recipe by Debra Johnson

9. DIY Mold and Mildew Cleaner

This natural solution effectively removes mild mold and mildew without relying on harsh chemicals.

What you'll need:

• 2 cups water
• 2 teaspoons tea-tree oil
• 1/4 cup baking soda
• 24-ounce spray bottle

Directions:

1. Combine water and tea-tree oil in the spray bottle and shake well.
2. Spray the solution generously on moldy areas and let it sit for 24 hours.
3. After 24 hours, mix 1/4 cup baking soda in a small bowl and gradually add the solution until a paste forms.
4. Apply the paste to the moldy surface using a clean toothbrush, scrub, and rinse thoroughly.

Recipe by Linda Cobb

10. DIY Hardwood Floor Cleaner

This natural, homemade solution is perfect for restoring the shine to your hardwood floors.

What you'll need:

• 1/2 cup white vinegar
• 1 gallon warm water
• 2 to 3 drops lemon essential oil
• 2-gallon bucket

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a 2-gallon bucket.
2. Dip a mop into the solution, wring it out until barely damp, and apply to the floors. Repeat as needed.

Recipe by Becky Rapinchuk

11. DIY Window Cleaner

A room instantly feels brighter when windows are free of streaks and smudges. Here's how to let the sunlight pour in effortlessly.

What you'll need:

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1 cup water
• 1 spray bottle

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle.
2. Spray the solution onto the glass, let it sit for 30 seconds, and wipe clean.

Recipe by Melissa Maker

12. DIY Rug Stain Remover

Accidents are inevitable! If your rug has suffered a spill or is covered in footprints (from kids, adults, or pets), this easy solution will come to the rescue.

What You'll Need:

• 1 cup white vinegar
• 2 cups water
• Mixing bowl
• Microfiber cloth

Directions:

1. Mix the ingredients in a bowl.
2. Soak a cloth in the vinegar solution, dab the stain repeatedly, and press firmly for a few seconds.
3. Wait 15 minutes, then blot the area with a warm, wet cloth to rinse.
4. Allow the carpet to dry completely for at least an hour before walking on it.

13. DIY Silver Polish

If your silver jewelry has lost its shine, this quick solution will restore its sparkle effortlessly.

What You'll Need:

• 1 quart warm water
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Aluminum Foil

Directions:

1. Line a mixing bowl with aluminum foil.
2. Place the silver items in the bowl and cover them with warm water.
3. Add salt and baking soda to the water, stir, and let the silver soak until the tarnish disappears.

14. DIY Toilet Cleaner

Is your toilet bowl looking worse for wear? This solution will have it sparkling in no time!

What You'll Need:

• 1 cup baking soda
• 1/4 cup citric acid
• 1/2 cup vinegar
• Toilet scrubbing brush
• 5 drops lemon essential oil (optional)

Directions:

1. Mix baking soda and citric acid in a bowl, stirring gently. Add a few drops of essential oil if desired.
2. Sprinkle a few scoops of the mixture into the toilet bowl and let it sit for two minutes.
3. Scrub the inside of the toilet thoroughly with a brush.
4. Pour vinegar into the bowl and wait for the bubbling reaction.
5. Scrub once more, then flush.

How Long Do Homemade Cleaners Last?

How long do homemade cleaners last? Most DIY natural cleaning solutions remain effective for about a month. However, certain ingredients, such as hydrogen peroxide, degrade faster. For optimal results, prepare only the amount needed for a single use.