Over the past few years our family has been making the move to a less toxic, more earth friendly home. One step at a time we have bought reusable grocery bags, gone organic when possible, and of course, reduce, reuse, recycle! The next step for us is to reduce the toxic substances that touch our skin, that we breathe in through the air, or that damage our planet. Being nature lovers, we feel really strongly about being earth friendly and non toxic, but you don’t always have to run out and buy a natural cleaning product that bites into your budget. These recipes for safe and natural homemade cleaners will save you money, and make your home a less toxic, healthier place to live. And, you get bonus “save the planet” points! These are easy to make, and use household ingredients most of us already have. So are you ready to take the next step like us and try some homemade cleaners? Yes? Woohoo! Keep reading!
Safe & Natural Homemade Cleaners
Homemade Carpet Cleaners
Our first homemade carpet cleaner recipe is simple and fast to make. You can use this to spot clean your carpet, or you can use it in a steam cleaner as well. Note : Always remember to spot test any cleaner in a inconspicuous place on your carpet first. Always.
- 4 Cups Hot Water
- 1 tablespoon Castille Soap
- 1 Tablespoon White Vinegar
- 1/4 Cup Hydrogen Peroxide
We’ve seen some bloggers use a similar recipe and add essential oils to this mix for scent. If you do this, we suggest using no more than 10 drops. BTW, for all of you worried about the smell of vinegar, once it dries the smell disappears. We use “Dr. Bronners Castille Soap”.
The next carpet cleaner option we have for you is from ‘Popsugar‘. They use baking soda, vinegar and a touch of dish soap to create their recipe. Go check out the recipe and the before and after effects of this cleaner!
DIY Drain Cleaners
There aren’t many things on this planet as toxic as drain cleaners. If you want to DIY Drain-O, this homemade drain cleaner really works.
- Use a funnel or paper cone to pour 1/2 cup baking soda down your clogged drain.
- Pour 1 cup of white vinegar into the drain following the baking soda. Let sit at least 15 minutes
- Follow by pouring 2 cups of boiling water into the drain. Repeat if necessary.
Another option is to use a “snake” to unclog the drain. You can even buy small plastic versions at the home improvement store or at Amazon, that are perfect for unclogging hair in bathroom drains.
Homemade Window & Glass Cleaners
This DIY natural glass & window cleaner recipe is from ‘Root & Revel‘. Their recipe has a surprising ingredient that really works!
If you want a window and glass cleaner that is odorless too, ‘Bren Did‘ has a twist in her recipe that makes any smell in the cleaner virtually disappear. She has two surprising ingredients!
Oven Cleaners
The one homemade oven cleaner that we have actually used, and that worked on our baked on mess has to sit on overnight. (Or, at least a few hours.) Here is the recipe and instructions.
- Make a spray bottle with half white vinegar/half water. Spray the interior of the oven.
- Sprinkle baking soda over the vinegar/water mix. I like to scrub it into a paste at this point.
- Spray one more time with the vinegar water solution. Allow to sit overnight.
- In the morning, you can wipe it clean with warm water. It works!
Another option is to steam clean your oven with a pot of water. Follow these simple directions from ‘Family Handyman‘. In general, this probably works best for an oven that doesn’t have too much burnt on food to clean.
Homemade Floor Cleaners
An easy homemade floor cleaner uses vinegar and water, with a dash of dish soap. You can use this with a regular mop, or in one of the “spray as you go” mops.
- 1 cup vinegar
- 2 Cups Water
- One good squirt of dish soap
If you have wood floors, try this homemade wood floor cleaner & polish from ‘Mom 4 Real‘. No harsh chemicals for little (or not so little) feet to absorb, and leaves your hardwood floors in better condition.
Bathroom Cleaners and Natural Disinfectants
This homemade bathroom cleaner has tea tree oil in it, which is a natural disinfectant and deodorizer. Check out the full recipe from ‘Root & Revel‘! She made this entire bottle for just over $1! You will not find anything this good at the dollar store!
If you need a non toxic scrub cleaner for tubs, sinks and tougher jobs, but you don’t want to use bleach based cleaners, then try this recipe from ‘Farmhouse on Boone‘.
Love the idea of the convenience of disinfecting wipes, but not the chemicals? Or the wasteful wipes that need to be thrown away? Then try this recipe for natural disinfecting wipes from ‘A Life Adjacent‘.
Want a natural homemade disinfectant, but don’t want the room to smell like vinegar? No problem, ‘Primally Inspired’ has the perfect solution for you! Read her “trick”!
DIY Toilet Bowl Cleaners
These homemade toilet bowl cleaner tablets are the perfect way to get all that cleaning power, but none of the harsh chemicals. Just be sure not to confuse these for your spa bath bombs! With this recipe you are good to go for a clean toilet and safe planet! Full tutorial at ‘Get Green Be Well‘.
Homemade All Purpose Cleaners
These fizzy homemade cleaning bombs are perfect for cleaning garbage disposals and sour sinks. You can also use them as toilet cleaner too. Recipe and instructions from Stephanie at ‘Garden Therapy‘.
If you want a safe, all purpose homemade cleaner that is safe for granite and quartz, then check out this recipe and instructions at ‘Alison Sullivan’.
These all purpose natural cleaning wipes clean and even disinfect, so you can use them just about anywhere. When was the last time you cleaned that TV remote? From ‘One Essential Community‘.
That should get you started making natural homemade cleaners that are safe for your home, and for our planet! We think you will also want to check out our posts on Should You Eat Organic Foods? The Dirty Dozen & The Clean 15, and also Natural Beauty Products Under $10 We Actually Use!
