4 Non-Toxic Homemade Cleaners That Actually Work

When you’re switching to non-toxic cleaners, it’s common to run into a huge problem…most of the cleaners simply don’t work. You may start to think that natural and homemade cleaners aren’t effective, and you’d be right most of the time! But these four recipes are easy to make and highly effective for cleaning your home from top to bottom, inside and out. Not only that, but you probably already have the ingredients on hand! Even if not though, it only takes a few budget-friendly ingredients to make all of these recipes. Keep reading to find four recipes for homemade cleaners that you must try for your non-toxic home!

Multi Purpose Cleaning Spray

This multi purpose cleaning spray is one of the most versatile homemade cleaners that you can make. Technically, all of the options listed here are “multi-purpose”, but this one in particular is the go-to for disinfecting and tackling the general dirty work. It’s a great mildew buster, degreaser, and everything in between!

Uses

• Use as an all-natural disinfectant spray
• Disinfect bathrooms, including showers, tubs, sinks, faucets, and toilets
• Spray mop tile, vinyl, linoleum, and other hard floors (except for wood floors)
• Sanitize kitchen, including inside and outside of appliances, sink and faucet, and countertops (except natural stone)
• Wipe down washing machines and dryers, both interior and exterior
• Use as a mildew buster for those hard to reach corners in bathrooms and more

Do NOT use on:

• Wood floors or furniture, especially unfinished wood (due to the acidity of vinegar)
• Natural stone countertops (due to the acidity of vinegar)

Supplies

• Spray bottle: This glass spray bottle with a silicone base is durable and beautiful!
• Funnel: Use a funnel to make it easy to get the ingredients into the small spray bottle top.
• Measuring cup: It is easiest to use a glass measuring cup for making spray cleaners.

Ingredients

• 1 cup distilled water
• 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar
• 1/2 cup isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol
• (Optional) Essential oils (about 50-60 drops)

Directions

1. Measure out each ingredient and pour them into the spray bottle.
2. Attach the lid and swirl to combine. Happy cleaning!

Vinegar Cleaning Spray

This 2-ingredient spray is the fastest and easiest spray to make in a pinch. Plus, you likely already have both ingredients on hand! This will leave your glass completely streak free, will get just about anything off your floors, and is one of the most cost-effective options if you have a big job and need to use lots of cleaner in one go.

Uses

• Use on glass, windows, and mirrors for a streak-free finish
• Clean kitchen, including inside and outside of appliances, sink and faucet, and countertops (except natural stone)
• Wipe down washing machines and dryers, both interior and exterior
• Use as a deodorizer
• Spray mop tile, vinyl, linoleum, and other hard floors (except for wood floors)
• Spray clean house exterior, especially plastic siding

Do NOT use on:

• Wood floors or furniture, especially unfinished wood (due to the acidity of vinegar)
• Natural stone countertops (due to the acidity of vinegar)

Supplies

• Spray bottle: This glass spray bottle with a silicone base is durable and beautiful!
• Funnel: Use a funnel to make it easy to get the ingredients into the small spray bottle top.
• Measuring cup: It is easiest to use a glass measuring cup for making spray cleaners.

Ingredients

• 1 cup distilled white vinegar
• 1 cup distilled water

Directions

1. Measure out each ingredient and pour them into the spray bottle.
2. Attach the lid and swirl to combine. Happy cleaning!

Castile Soap Spray

This Castile soap spray is the most mild of all the homemade cleaners. This makes it the perfect choice for delicate cleaning jobs. Essentially, if you’re in doubt on which cleaner to use for something, go ahead and grab this one!

Uses

• Use as an all-purpose dusting spray, including finished and unfinished wood furniture
• Spray mop all hard floors, including wood flooring
• Spot clean upholstered furniture
• Spot clean carpets
• Use as a fabric freshener spray
• Clean natural stone countertops, including granite
• Wipe down piano keys (yes, it’s that mild!)
• Dust car interiors
• Wipe down kids’ toys, and dust kids’ rooms

Supplies

• Spray bottle: This glass spray bottle with a silicone base is durable and beautiful!
• Funnel: Use a funnel to make it easy to get the ingredients into the small spray bottle top.
• Measuring cup: It is easiest to use a glass measuring cup for making spray cleaners.
• Measuring spoon: These measuring spoons are convenient because they have a flat bottom that keep them from tipping.

Ingredients

• 2 tsp. Castile soap
• 2 cups distilled water

Directions

1. Measure out each ingredient and pour them into the spray bottle.
2. Attach the lid and swirl to combine. Happy cleaning!

Cleaning Pods

Though these pods take longer to make than the sprays, I’ve found that these pods really are needed to complete the cleaning set. The baking soda and salt combine to lift away stains that no other homemade cleaner can! So save yourself some frustration, and go ahead and make these pods when you make the sprays.

Uses

• Use to clean the garbage disposal, by dropping 2-3 pods into the disposal, streaming cold water slowly down the drain, and turning the disposal on until they’ve washed away
• Clean the toilet bowl, by dropping 4 pods into the toilet bowl, pouring a half cup of vinegar into toilet bowl, and allowing to bubble before scrubbing and flushing the toilet
• Set a few in the back of kitchen and bathroom cabinets to deodorize and freshen the space
• Scrub those pesky stains off your cookware by putting a pod in the middle of the pan or pot, pouring a little hot water on top, and using a scrub brush to scrub clean
• Get dark stains out of the shower by dropping one of these in the bottom, wetting it, and using a sponge to scrub away the stains

Supplies

• Medium bowl: We prefer to use one from our glass bowl set.
• Fork: We just use one from our regular silverware set.
• Measuring cups and spoons: I use these measuring cups and these measuring spoons.
• Small dough scoop: Using a dough scoop to shape the pods is so easy and quick. If you don’t have a dough scoop, you can use an ice cream scoop instead; you just may end up with larger pods.
• Airtight container: Use a container, such as a mason jar, for storing the pods.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup baking soda
• 1/2 cup table salt or sea salt
• 1 tbsp. Castile soap
• 3-5 tbsp. distilled water
• (Optional) Essential oil (about 10 drops)

Directions

1. Use the fork to stir the baking soda and table salt together until combined.
2. Add the Castile soap and optional essential oil, and stir.
3. Add the water, one tablespoon at a time, until the consistency is slushy. You want it to be just wet enough to combine, but just dry enough to remain moldable. This often takes about four tablespoons of water to reach this point.
4. Use the dough scoop to shape the mixture into individual pods, lining them up on a lined tray or baking sheet.
5. Allow to dry out for 24 hours. Once they are dry, transfer to an airtight container for storage. These will store indefinitely as long as they are kept away from moisture until used.

Are homemade cleaners safe for kids and pets?

Yes! As long as you are using non-toxic ingredients, the cleaners will be safe for both kids and pets. If you’re using ingredients like essential oils, you will need to do your own research to determine if your specific oils are safe around kids and pets. As with all cleaners, it’s best to allow surfaces to dry completely before allowing children and pets to come into contact with them.

What are the best natural cleaning products?

The best natural cleaning products are the ones that you make yourself. With homemade cleaners, you control exactly what is in them and what you and your family are coming into contact with. Many of the store-bought ‘natural cleaners’ are nothing more than beautifully marketed traditional cleaners, containing harsh chemicals and artificial ingredients.

Be sure to pin the recipe for later!