Affordable, Effective, and Easy DIY Cleaners for Your Whole Home
you'll look at your kitchen basics in a whole new way
We’re familiar with the fact that many green and non-toxic cleaners might be out of your budget or that you’d rather spend that extra money on something fun or delicious. Plus if you have kids, getting them to help in the cleaning routine is a lot easier when you know the products you’re using won’t be damaging their sensitive skin or lungs. Well, the good news is that you can make some really awesome DIY cleaners that are non-toxic, healthy, and good at doing what they are supposed to do for a fraction of what even traditional cleaners cost. If you need some supplies like spray bottles and scrub brushes, we’ve put together a great list of DIY cleaning supplies.
DIY All Purpose Cleaners
We have 2 recipes for DIY all purpose cleaners that we love. Honestly, we love the white vinegar and water one cause it’s so easy to remember and no measuring spoons are needed. Sometimes people don’t like the smell of vinegar, but we swear it disappears as soon as you wipe and it’s dry. Also, maybe it’s a vinegary smell isn’t that bad when compared to potentially harmful chemicals and weird synthetic fragrances. You can also add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to mask the smell. Some favorites are peppermint or eucalyptus. Also, if you have some citrus peels around, you can toss those in instead of essential oils and let them hang out in the cleaner for a while, and they have the same effect.
- Vinegar and water- Mixing equal parts white vinegar and water is an easy cleaner that is really good at cutting grease
- Liquid soap and water- Add 2 tbsp of soap to a 16 oz bottle then fill with water. Or, if you are making in bulk, add 1 cup of soap to 1 gallon of water. A safe and effective liquid soap is Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Soap.
DIY Disinfecting Spray
One of our 6 tips for healthier cleaning is that you don’t have to disinfect everything all the time, but for when you do need to disinfect (like when someone is sick or you are cooking with raw chicken), we suggest using something that is effective and safe for your lungs too.
- This might be the easiest one on the list. For a great DIY disinfectant, spray hydrogen peroxide just as it comes from the store, which is 3% diluted, let sit it for a minute, then wipe clean. Be careful that it might affect some painted surfaces.
DIY Toilet Cleaner
Cleaning the toilet is probably everyone’s least favorite household task, but somebody’s gotta do it. And, actually, doing it on a more regular basis makes it easier and not as gross. For the seat and tank, use our DIY all purpose vinegar and water cleaner. For the toilet bowl here are 3 DIY bathroom cleaner suggestions.
- 1/2 cup of vinegar- Pour into the toilet bowl starting from the rim and letting it drip into the water and let sit for 10 minutes, then scrub with brush and flush
- ½ cup of baking soda- Sprinkle into the toilet bowl and around the sides of the bowl and let sit for 10 minutes, then scrub with a brush and flush
- ½ cup of hydrogen peroxide- Pour into the toilet bowl starting from the rim and letting it drip into the water and let sit for 10 minutes, then scrub with a brush and flush
If you’re trying to get stains out, we suggest using baking soda. If things are really gross, do the hydrogen peroxide. For just basic cleaning, you can stick with the straight up vinegar.
DIY Glass Cleaner
If your windows aren’t really that dirty, just use water and a microfiber cloth to wipe clean. Honestly, microfiber cloths are amazing, and you’ll be surprised at how much they can do without any products. For when you really need a DIY glass cleaner that isn’t some funky shade of blue, we like this recipe.
- Mix ¼ cup vodka (use a cheap, bottom shelf brand), ¼ cup white vinegar, 1 tbsp cornstarch, and 2 cups of hot water to make a spray that will leave your windows spotless. Make sure to shake vigorously each time before you use it.
DIY Floor cleaner
- ½ tsp of Dr. Bronners Sals Suds or liquid soap for each gallon of water
- ½ cup vinegar for every gallon of water
When the floors are really dirty (I’m talking muddy dog, food throwing toddler) use the Sals Suds or liquid soap solution to really mop up that grease and dirt. If things have been more mellow around the house, use the vinegar solution. We’ve heard that using the vinegar on hardwood floors is not problem, but you should check what type of finish your floors have, and do a test sample somewhere out of sight just to be sure.
DIY Multipurpose Grout Cleaner and Mold and Mildew killer
This is a great DIY mold and milder cleaner or a grout cleaner. It’s great to use when you’re doing a deep clean.
- Make a paste of 1/2 cup of baking soda, 1/2 cup of hydrogen peroxide, then use a used toothbrush to scrub. Wait 5-10 minutes then rinse.