Make Your Own Healthy Cleaning Products
Ever taken a look at the labels on your favorite cleaning supplies? You probably noticed that long list of ingredients you can’t pronounce. It’s enough to make you wonder what exactly you’re spraying all over your home. Control over what they put into their family’s space is why so many people are turning to homemade and healthy cleaning products.
With a few pantry staples, you can mix up your own healthy cleaning products that handle cleanup just as well (and sometimes even better) than store-bought products.
In this post, we’ll talk about some easy DIY recipes, how they compare to store-bought cleaners, what you can expect to pay, and why making your own might be one of the healthiest swaps you can make for your home.
Why Make Your Own Cleaning Products?
When you make your own cleaners, you’ll find a ton of benefits, like:
- You know exactly what’s going into them.
- You get to skip the artificial fragrances, dyes, and other chemicals that can trigger allergies or irritate your skin.
- You also reduce plastic waste by reusing bottles instead of tossing them out every few weeks.
There’s another perk that’s hard to ignore: the cost. A bottle of all-purpose cleaner from the store might run you $5 to $10, depending on the brand and the size. When you make your own, you’re looking at pennies per ounce.
And while many commercial “green” cleaners claim to be eco-friendly, they can cost even more than conventional brands. By mixing your own, you get to control both the quality and the budget.
The Power of Natural Ingredients
Before we dive into recipes, let’s talk about the ingredients that make homemade cleaners work so well:
- White Vinegar: Cuts through grease and kills bacteria. Great for glass, counters, and bathrooms.
- Baking Soda: Gently cleans grime and deodorizes surfaces.
- Castile Soap: Plant-based soap that’s effective for almost any cleaning task.
- Lemon Juice: Natural antibacterial and degreaser with a fresh scent.
- Hydrogen Peroxide: Mild disinfectant and stain remover.
- Essential Oils: Natural fragrance with antimicrobial benefits. Tea tree, lavender, lemon, and eucalyptus are popular choices.
1. All-Purpose Cleaner
Best for: Countertops, stovetops, bathrooms, and glass.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 10 drops of lemon or lavender essential oil
How to Make It:
Mix everything in a spray bottle. Shake well before using. Spray directly on surfaces and wipe clean with a soft cloth.
Why It Works:
The vinegar dissolves grime, while the essential oils add a light, clean scent. The simple formula works just as well as store-bought sprays.
Tip: Avoid using vinegar on granite or marble because it can dull the finish.
2. Glass and Mirror Cleaner
Best for: Windows, mirrors, and glass surfaces.
What You’ll Need:
- 2 cups water
- ½ cup white vinegar
- ¼ cup rubbing alcohol
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for streak-free shine)
How to Make It:
Combine all your ingredients in a spray bottle and shake before each use. Spray on glass and wipe with a clean cloth or crumpled newspaper for a streak-free shine.
Why It Works:
The vinegar and alcohol cut through fingerprints and soap scum, while cornstarch helps polish the surface. It’s every bit as effective as a bottle of Windex but without the smell or price tag.
3. Natural Disinfecting Spray
Best for: Kitchen counters, bathroom sinks, cutting boards, and doorknobs.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup 3% hydrogen peroxide
- 20 drops of tea tree or eucalyptus essential oil
How to Make It:
Mix in a dark spray bottle (hydrogen peroxide breaks down in light). Spray on, let it sit for 5 minutes, then wipe clean.
Why It Works:
Hydrogen peroxide kills bacteria and viruses without leaving toxic residue. Tea tree oil adds extra antimicrobial power and a crisp scent.
Note: Don’t mix hydrogen peroxide and vinegar in the same bottle because they neutralize each other. Instead, alternate between them for heavy-duty disinfecting.
4. Homemade Floor Cleaner
Best for: Tile, vinyl, and sealed hardwood floors.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 gallon of warm water
- ¼ cup white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Castile soap
- 10 drops of lemon or orange essential oil
How to Make It:
Mix all ingredients in a bucket. Mop as usual and skip the rinse.
Why It Works:
The Castile soap cuts dirt and grease, vinegar disinfects, and citrus oil leaves a light scent. Compared to commercial floor cleaners, you’ll spend less and won’t dull your floors.
5. Scrubbing Paste
Best for: Sinks, tubs, stovetops, and oven doors.
What You’ll Need:
- ½ cup baking soda
- 2 to 3 tablespoons water (adjust for thickness)
- 5 drops peppermint or lemon essential oil
How to Make It:
Mix into a paste and apply with a sponge. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes, then scrub and rinse.
Why It Works:
Baking soda removes grime without scratching surfaces. It’s a good replacement for abrasive powders like Comet or Bar Keeper’s Friend.
6. DIY Fabric and Air Freshener
Best for: Upholstery, linens, and the air around your home.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- 10 to 15 drops of lavender or orange essential oil
How to Make It:
Mix in a spray bottle and shake before each use. Spray lightly on fabrics or into the air to freshen up rooms.
Why It Works:
Baking soda neutralizes odors, and essential oils leave a natural scent.
7. Wood Polish
Best for: Furniture, cutting boards, and wooden surfaces.
What You’ll Need:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup white vinegar or lemon juice
How to Make It:
Combine ingredients and apply with a soft cloth, wiping in the direction of the grain. Buff with a clean, dry cloth.
Why It Works:
Olive oil nourishes the wood while vinegar (or lemon juice) removes residue. It’s an eco-friendly alternative to commercial polishes like Pledge, which often contain silicone and petroleum-based chemicals.
Comparing Homemade vs. Store-Bought Cleaners
| Cleaner Type | Homemade Cost (Per 16 oz) | Store-Bought Equivalent | Average Price | Winner |
| All-Purpose Spray | $0.50 | Mrs. Meyer’s/Method | $5 to $8 | Homemade |
| Glass Cleaner | $0.30 | Windex/Seventh Generation | $4 to $6 | Homemade |
| Disinfectant | $0.75 | Lysol/Clorox Green Works | $5 to $7 | Homemade |
| Floor Cleaner | $0.60 | Bona/Swiffer | $8 to $10 | Homemade |
| Wood Polish | $0.80 | Pledge/Murphy’s Oil Soap | $6 to $9 | Homemade |
A Healthier Home, One Spray at a Time
Making your own cleaning products lets you spend less money, waste fewer plastic bottles, and create a home environment that’s healthier for you, your family, and even your pets. It’s another way to take control of what comes into your home and live more intentionally.
So, the next time you run out of your favorite cleaner, skip the trip to the store. Grab some vinegar, baking soda, olive oil, and essential oils instead.
