If you want to ditch those costly store-bought and chemical-laden cleaning products for more natural solutions, consider making your own! DIY natural cleaners are inexpensive, easy to create and made from common household ingredients that you might already have in your cabinets. Using natural cleaning products may help protect your household’s health and the environment by limiting the need for harsh chemicals. The next time you need to wipe the windows or clean the carpet, try one of these DIY natural cleaners instead!
- All-Purpose Cleaning
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 6 cups hot water
- Essential oil for fresh scent (optional)
Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle. This all-purpose cleaner is perfect for disinfecting and removing stains from tile, countertops and other surfaces that need a quick cleaning. Avoid using this on marble or granite as vinegar can sometimes damage natural stone.
- Windows and Mirrors
- 2 cups white vinegar
- 2 cups water
Combine equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray dirty windows, and wipe them clean with a lint-free cloth. Did you know that newspaper works wonders on windows? Try using a page of black-and-white newspaper to wipe the solution away for a better streak-free result!
- Microwaves
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 1 cup water
Combine ingredients in a microwaveable bowl, and microwave until the mixture boils. Leave the door closed until the mixture cools. The steam loosens tough food stains, making them much easier to wipe away with a clean cloth.
- Stainless Steel
- 2 cups white vinegar
- 2 cups water
- Mineral or baby oil
Combine equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray stainless steel with the mixture and wipe clean with a lint-free cloth. Apply a small amount of mineral oil to the stainless steel and polish with a clean cloth. The vinegar solution is effective against stains and fingerprints, while the oil keeps your stainless steel shiny and streak-free. This method is effective on stainless steel appliances, stovetops, sinks and more.
- Hardwood Floors
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1 gallon water
Mix white vinegar with warm water in a bucket. Test the solution on an inconspicuous part of your hardwood floors first to ensure it doesn’t dull the finish. Use a damp (not soaked) mop or rag to clean the floor, then wipe away the moisture with a clean cloth immediately. Scrubbing too hard or leaving standing water can damage hardwood, so be sure to gently wipe away any noticeable moisture.
- Carpet Stains
- 1/4 cup table salt
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup borax powder
Mix the ingredients into a paste, and cover the stained area. Let the paste dry for 24 hours, then vacuum it up. Use a clean cloth with some water to remove any leftover residue. This handy paste removes stains, kills bacteria and deodorizes the carpet all at the same time! Test on a small spot before tackling larger areas.
- Grout
- 2 cups baking soda
- 1 cup white vinegar
Mix the baking soda and vinegar to form a paste. Using a grout brush or old toothbrush, apply the paste to dirty grout lines, and let it sit for five minutes. Then, scrub the surface clean, and rinse it with water.
With the help of these natural cleaning solutions, you can enjoy a cleaner and healthier home!
