13 Household Cleaners You Can Make from Ingredients in Your Pantry

Many effective cleaning solutions can be made from simple ingredients found right in your pantry. These DIY cleaners are not only affordable and easy to make but also gentle on surfaces and free from harsh additives. These homemade formulas tackle nearly every household cleaning task. With just a few everyday items like baking soda, vinegar, and essential oils, you can keep your home sparkling and fresh.

All-Purpose Vinegar Cleaner

This easy all-purpose cleaner combines white vinegar and water to tackle messes around the house. Begin by mixing equal parts of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Adding a few drops of essential oil, like lemon or tea tree, can help mask the vinegar smell and add extra cleaning power. This simple mixture works effectively on countertops, stovetops, and windows, cutting through grime and leaving a shine. Shake well before each use, spray onto surfaces, and wipe with a cloth or paper towel for a streak-free finish. This cleaner is perfect for those who prefer a chemical-free option.

Baking Soda Scrub

For a gentle yet powerful abrasive cleaner, try making a baking soda scrub to tackle stubborn grime in the kitchen and bathroom. Start by mixing 1/4 cup of baking soda with just enough water to form a thick, spreadable paste. For added freshness, you can include a few drops of essential oil, such as lavender or eucalyptus. Apply the paste to areas like sinks, tubs, and stovetops, scrubbing with a sponge or brush to lift dirt and stains. Rinse thoroughly with warm water to reveal clean, shiny surfaces. This scrub is both eco-friendly and highly effective.

Lemon and Salt Cleaner

Lemon and salt make a powerful natural cleaner, perfect for removing stains and odors from cutting boards, sinks, and other surfaces. Start by slicing a lemon in half and sprinkling salt on the cut side. Use the salted lemon as a scrubber, rubbing it directly onto the surface you wish to clean. The lemon’s acidity disinfects, while the salt acts as an abrasive to lift grime and odor. After scrubbing, rinse the area with water to wash away any residue, leaving a fresh citrus scent behind. This cleaner is ideal for quick clean-ups in the kitchen.

Olive Oil and Vinegar Wood Polish

To bring a natural shine to wooden furniture, a mix of olive oil and vinegar makes a gentle yet effective wood polish. Combine 1/4 cup of olive oil with 1/4 cup of white vinegar in a spray bottle, shaking it well to mix. Spray onto a cloth, then apply to wooden surfaces in a gentle, circular motion to buff and bring out the wood’s natural beauty. The vinegar helps clean, while the olive oil conditions the wood to prevent drying and cracking. Use sparingly to avoid buildup and finish by polishing with a soft cloth. This polish is a natural, cost-effective alternative to store-bought products.

Citrus-Powered Grease Cleaner

A citrus peel-infused cleaner is a great way to tackle grease and grime, especially in the kitchen. Place peels from lemons, oranges, or limes in a jar and cover them with white vinegar, allowing it to sit for about two weeks to fully infuse. Once ready, strain the liquid into a spray bottle to create a natural, powerful cleaner. The acidity of the vinegar and oils from the citrus peels help break down grease on surfaces like stovetops, ovens, and counters. This cleaner is highly effective and leaves a refreshing scent behind. Use it anytime you need to cut through oily residues.

Cornstarch Glass Cleaner

For a streak-free glass cleaner, a mix of cornstarch and vinegar works wonders on windows and mirrors. Start by combining 1/4 cup of white vinegar, 1/4 cup of cornstarch, and 2 cups of warm water in a spray bottle, shaking well to dissolve the cornstarch. Spray this mixture onto glass surfaces, and wipe it down with a lint-free cloth or newspaper for a clear, polished look. The cornstarch helps polish the glass, while the vinegar cuts through fingerprints and smudges. This solution is perfect for a spotless, shiny finish. It’s an easy and affordable alternative to commercial glass cleaners.

DIY Carpet Deodorizer

Freshen up carpets naturally by making a homemade carpet deodorizer with baking soda and essential oils. In a small jar, combine 1 cup of baking soda with 10 drops of essential oil, such as lavender or peppermint, for a pleasant scent. Shake well, then sprinkle over your carpet, letting it sit for 15-30 minutes to absorb odors before vacuuming thoroughly. The baking soda neutralizes unwanted smells, while the essential oils add a lasting fragrance to the room. This solution is ideal for refreshing carpets between deep cleanings. It’s a quick and affordable way to keep your home smelling fresh.

Microwave Steam Cleaner

For an effortless microwave cleaner, use a simple mix of water and vinegar to steam away food residue and splatters. Place 1 cup of water and 1 tablespoon of vinegar in a microwave-safe bowl, then heat on high for 5 minutes. Let the bowl sit for another few minutes to allow steam to soften any stuck-on food. Carefully remove the bowl, then wipe down the interior with a damp cloth to remove loosened grime. This steam-cleaning method is quick, chemical-free, and uses only pantry staples. Your microwave will be fresh and odor-free with minimal effort.

Vinegar and Baking Soda Drain Cleaner

Clear slow drains with a fizzy solution made from vinegar and baking soda, which helps break down buildup naturally. Start by pouring 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by 1/2 cup of white vinegar. Allow it to sit and bubble for 10-15 minutes, then flush the drain with hot water to clear any remaining residue. This reaction works to dislodge blockages and deodorize your pipes, keeping them clean and free-flowing. It’s safe for regular use and avoids the need for harsh chemicals. This simple solution is ideal for monthly maintenance of your drains.

Dish Soap and Vinegar Shower Cleaner

A mixture of vinegar and dish soap makes an excellent cleaner for showers and tubs, effectively cutting through soap scum and hard water stains. In a spray bottle, combine equal parts white vinegar and liquid dish soap, shaking to blend. Spray generously on shower surfaces, letting the solution sit for 10-15 minutes to penetrate dirt and grime. Use a sponge or scrub brush to tackle any stubborn spots, then rinse thoroughly with water. This cleaner leaves showers sparkling and is much gentler than chemical-based cleaners. It’s a quick and efficient solution for tackling bathroom buildup.

Baking Soda and Essential Oil Air Freshener

Keep your home smelling fresh with a homemade air freshener using baking soda and essential oils. Mix 1/2 cup of baking soda with 10-15 drops of your favorite essential oil, such as lavender or citrus, for a pleasant scent. Pour the mixture into a small bowl or jar, leaving it uncovered to naturally diffuse the fragrance. The baking soda absorbs unwanted odors, while the essential oils release a refreshing aroma. Place it in any room, closet, or even the fridge to keep spaces smelling clean. This DIY freshener is affordable and free of harsh chemicals.

Hydrogen Peroxide Toilet Bowl Cleaner

To keep your toilet bowl clean and fresh, a simple combination of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda does the trick. Start by adding 1/2 cup of baking soda directly into the bowl, followed by 1/2 cup of hydrogen peroxide. Allow the mixture to sit and fizz for about 10 minutes, then scrub with a toilet brush before flushing. The baking soda deodorizes, while the peroxide disinfects and brightens the porcelain. This cleaner is effective and gentle on plumbing. It’s an ideal solution for keeping the toilet clean without strong chemicals.

Lemon Vinegar Counter Cleaner

A lemon and vinegar cleaner provides a natural way to disinfect kitchen counters with a fresh citrus scent. Combine 1/2 cup of lemon juice with 1/2 cup of white vinegar in a spray bottle and shake well. Spray directly onto countertops and let it sit for a minute before wiping with a cloth. The acidity of the vinegar and lemon juice works well to eliminate bacteria and stains on non-porous surfaces. This cleaner leaves counters sanitized and smelling fresh. It’s especially handy for wiping down high-traffic areas in the kitchen.

Lavender and Baking Soda Mattress Freshener

Refresh your mattress with a lavender and baking soda mix, perfect for deodorizing and adding a calming scent. Combine 1 cup of baking soda with 10 drops of lavender essential oil, stirring well to distribute the fragrance. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the mattress surface and let it sit for at least 30 minutes to absorb odors and moisture. Vacuum thoroughly to remove the baking soda, leaving your mattress fresh and inviting. This method is ideal for periodic mattress upkeep without chemicals. It’s a natural way to keep bedding areas clean and comfortable.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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