Cleaning products are getting more expensive, and most are filled with harsh chemicals you don’t need.

Many store-bought options contain hidden toxins that can harm your health and the environment.

Making your own cleaners at home is cheaper, safer, and surprisingly simple.

You only need a few basic ingredients, many of which you probably already have.

In this post, you’ll find 10 easy homemade cleaning recipes that work and help you save money every month.

1. All-Purpose Cleaner

This is one of the simplest and most useful DIY cleaners you can make.

It works on almost every surface in your home and costs just a few cents per bottle.

What You Need

• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1 cup water
• A handful of lemon peels or 10–15 drops of essential oil (like lemon, lavender, or tea tree)

How to Make It

Combine equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. If you’re using lemon peels, let them soak in the vinegar for 5–7 days before mixing with water.

This helps cut the vinegar smell and adds natural cleaning power. For a faster option, just add a few drops of essential oil for a fresh scent.

Shake before each use.

Where to Use It

This cleaner works great on:

• Kitchen counters
• Bathroom sinks
• Fridge shelves
• Doorknobs and light switches
• Inside your microwave or oven (for light cleaning)

Avoid using it on granite, marble, or other natural stone. Vinegar can damage those surfaces over time.

How Much You Save

A store-bought all-purpose cleaner can cost $3 to $5 per bottle. This DIY version costs less than $0.50 to make.

Over time, switching to homemade can save you hundreds, especially if you’re cleaning often.

Plus, you skip the chemicals and reduce plastic waste.

2. Glass and Mirror Cleaner

This homemade glass cleaner leaves windows, mirrors, and glass surfaces sparkling, without the streaks or harsh smell of commercial brands.

What You Need

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon rubbing alcohol
• (Optional) 1 tablespoon cornstarch

How to Make It

Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake well before each use—especially if you add cornstarch, as it tends to settle.

The cornstarch helps cut through residue and gives a streak-free finish, but it’s optional.

How to Use It

Spray directly onto glass or mirrors. Wipe immediately with a clean microfiber cloth or paper towel.

For best results, use vertical strokes on one side and horizontal on the other.

That way, if you spot streaks, you’ll know which side needs extra attention.

Avoid using it in direct sunlight. Heat can cause the solution to dry too fast and leave streaks.

Why It Works

Vinegar cuts through grease and grime. Rubbing alcohol helps the cleaner dry quickly, which prevents spotting. The combination is simple but powerful.

This DIY cleaner costs less than $0.30 to make, while name-brand glass cleaners often cost $4 or more.

It’s an easy switch that saves money and works just as well, if not better.

3. DIY Disinfectant Spray

When you need to kill germs without relying on store-bought sprays, this homemade disinfectant is a strong and natural solution.

It’s easy to make and safe for most surfaces.

What You Need

• 1 cup vodka or 70% isopropyl alcohol
• 1 cup distilled water
• 20–30 drops of essential oils (tea tree, eucalyptus, lavender, or lemon)

How to Make It

Combine all ingredients in a clean spray bottle. Shake gently before each use.

Use distilled water to prevent any buildup, especially if you live in a hard water area.

Alcohol is the main disinfecting ingredient here. To be effective, the final mix needs to be at least 60% alcohol by volume.

That’s why you shouldn’t dilute it too much. If you’re using 70% isopropyl alcohol, mix 2 parts alcohol to 1 part water instead.

Where You Can Use It

This spray works well on:

• Door handles
• Light switches
• Phones and keyboards
• Kitchen counters
• Bathroom surfaces

Avoid spraying directly on wood, leather, or painted surfaces without testing first. Alcohol can strip finishes or cause drying over time.

Why This Works

Alcohol kills bacteria and viruses on contact. Tea tree and eucalyptus oils add extra antibacterial properties and a clean scent.

Store-bought disinfectant sprays can cost $4 to $6 each.

This homemade version costs under $1 to make and skips the synthetic fragrances and unnecessary additives.

4. Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Cleaning the toilet doesn’t have to involve bleach or strong chemical fumes.

This natural method is simple, safe, and surprisingly effective.

What You Need

• ½ cup baking soda
• ½ cup white vinegar
• (Optional) 5–10 drops of essential oil (e.g., tea tree, lemon, or lavender)

How to Use It

Pour the baking soda directly into the toilet bowl. Let it sit for a minute or two.

Then slowly pour in the vinegar. It will fizz—this reaction helps loosen grime and buildup.

Add essential oil if you’d like a fresh scent and extra antibacterial power.

Let the mixture sit for 10–15 minutes. Scrub with a toilet brush, focusing under the rim and around the water line. Then flush.

For stubborn stains, repeat or let the mixture sit longer before scrubbing.

Why This Method Works

Baking soda acts as a gentle abrasive that lifts stains and neutralizes odors. Vinegar breaks down mineral deposits and kills germs.

Combined, they create a powerful cleaner that’s tough on dirt but gentle on your plumbing.

Store-bought toilet cleaners often include bleach, synthetic dyes, and strong fragrances.

These can irritate your skin and lungs, and aren’t safe around kids or pets.

This homemade cleaner costs pennies per use and avoids all the unnecessary chemicals.

5. Natural Floor Cleaner

This homemade floor cleaner is gentle, effective, and safe for most surfaces.

It’s a great way to keep your floors clean without using harsh chemicals.

What You Need

• 1 gallon warm water
• ½ cup white vinegar
• 1–2 tablespoons liquid castile soap
• (Optional) 10–15 drops of essential oil (like lemon, orange, or eucalyptus)

How to Use It

Mix all the ingredients in a large bucket. Stir well. Mop your floors as usual using a microfiber mop or cloth.

For best results, wring out excess liquid from the mop before use. Too much water can damage certain types of flooring, especially wood.

Let the floor air dry, or dry it with a towel if needed.

Where It Works Best

This cleaner is safe for:

• Tile
• Vinyl
• Laminate
• Sealed hardwood

Avoid using it on unsealed wood or stone. The vinegar can strip natural finishes or cause damage over time.

Why It’s a Smart Alternative

Castile soap lifts dirt without leaving residue. Vinegar cuts grease and adds disinfecting power.

Essential oils leave your home smelling fresh and can boost cleaning strength.

Commercial floor cleaners can cost $5 to $10 per bottle. They often leave behind a sticky film or strong scent.

This DIY version costs under $1 per gallon and leaves your floors clean, smooth, and chemical-free.

6. DIY Laundry Detergent

This homemade laundry detergent is powerful, budget-friendly, and free of unnecessary additives.

It’s easy to make in bulk and works for most washing machines.

What You Need (Powder Version)

• 1 cup washing soda
• 1 cup borax
• 1 bar of soap (grated)—use castile, Fels-Naptha, or another natural soap

Grate the soap using a cheese grater or food processor. Mix all ingredients thoroughly and store in an airtight container.

Use 1–2 tablespoons per load.

Optional Liquid Version

If you prefer liquid detergent:

• Follow the same ingredient list.
• After grating the soap, melt it in 4 cups of hot water over the stove.
• Add the washing soda and borax, and stir until fully dissolved.
• Pour into a large bucket, add 1 gallon of hot water, and stir again.
• Let it cool before transferring to jugs or bottles.

Use ¼ to ½ cup per load.

Why It Works

Washing soda breaks down grease and odors. Borax boosts cleaning power and softens water. The bar soap lifts dirt and stains from fabrics.

It’s tough on laundry but gentle on your skin, and much safer than commercial brands filled with dyes and synthetic fragrances.

Cost Per Load

A single batch of this DIY detergent costs around $2 to $3 and can wash up to 50 loads. That’s just 4–6 cents per load.

Compare that to name-brand detergents, which usually cost 20–30 cents per load.

Over a year, you could save $100 or more just by making this switch.

7. Fabric Softener Alternative

You don’t need a shelf full of commercial fabric softeners to get soft, fresh-smelling laundry.

This simple DIY option is safer, cheaper, and just as effective.

What You Need

• ½ to 1 cup white vinegar
• (Optional) 5–10 drops of essential oil (lavender, lemon, or eucalyptus work well)

How to Use It

Pour the vinegar directly into the fabric softener compartment of your washing machine.

If your machine doesn’t have one, add it during the rinse cycle.

Add essential oils to the vinegar if you want a light, natural scent. Shake before each use if you mix them together in a bottle.

Why It Works

Vinegar naturally softens fabric by breaking down detergent residue and minerals left behind in the wash.

It also helps reduce static and keeps your clothes from feeling stiff.

Unlike traditional softeners, it won’t coat your clothes in synthetic chemicals or leave a waxy buildup on your machine.

Safe for HE Machines

This method is completely safe for high-efficiency (HE) washers. It won’t cause foaming or damage your system.

Store-bought fabric softeners can cost $5 or more per bottle.

This homemade version costs just pennies per load and keeps your laundry clean, soft, and chemical-free.

8. Grease-Cutting Kitchen Cleaner

Grease is one of the toughest messes to clean in the kitchen.

This homemade cleaner cuts through it quickly, without the harsh chemicals found in many commercial degreasers.

What You Need

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon liquid dish soap
• (Optional) a bit of warm water to thin if needed

Mix the ingredients into a paste or a thin scrub, depending on your preference. For larger areas, double or triple the recipe.

Where It Works Best

This cleaner is ideal for:

• Greasy stovetops
• Range hoods
• Backsplashes
• Cabinet doors
• Countertops (non-porous surfaces only)

Apply the mixture with a sponge or cloth. Let it sit for a minute or two to loosen built-up grease, then scrub and wipe clean with a damp cloth.

Why This Works

Lemon juice naturally breaks down grease and grime. It also adds antibacterial properties and a fresh scent.

Baking soda lifts stains and acts as a gentle scrubber. Dish soap dissolves oily residue and helps the cleaner rinse away easily.

Many commercial degreasers use synthetic solvents and artificial fragrances. These can irritate your skin, eyes, and lungs—and they often cost $4 to $7 per bottle.

This DIY version does the same job for under $0.50, using ingredients you likely already have.

It’s simple, safe, and strong enough for the messiest kitchen jobs.

9. Carpet Deodorizer

Carpets can hold onto smells from pets, food, and everyday life.

This easy homemade deodorizer freshens your floors without using artificial fragrances or harsh sprays.

What You Need

• 1 cup baking soda
• 10–20 drops of essential oil (lavender, lemon, eucalyptus, or tea tree)

Mix the baking soda and essential oil in a bowl. Stir until the oil is evenly distributed. Store the mix in a jar or shaker container with a lid.

How to Use It

Sprinkle a light layer of the mixture over your carpet. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes. For stronger odors, leave it for up to an hour.

Then vacuum thoroughly.

Use this method on:

• Area rugs
• Wall-to-wall carpet
• Upholstered furniture (test a small area first)

Avoid using on damp carpets or high-pile rugs that may trap powder deep inside.

Why It Works

Baking soda naturally absorbs odors. It doesn’t just mask them; it pulls them out of the carpet fibers.

Essential oils add a light, clean scent and help fight bacteria and allergens.

Unlike store-bought carpet powders that rely on synthetic perfumes and fillers, this DIY version is simple, non-toxic, and affordable.

Most commercial carpet fresheners cost $4 to $6 per container.

This homemade mix costs less than $1 to make and works just as well, without the fake fragrance cloud.

10. Air Freshener Spray

Store-bought air fresheners often contain artificial fragrances and chemicals.

This homemade spray is a safer, cheaper alternative that smells just as good—and you control what goes in it.

What You Need

• 1 cup distilled water
• 2 tablespoons vodka or witch hazel
• 15–25 drops of essential oils (your choice)

Mix all ingredients in a small spray bottle. Shake well before each use. Store in a cool, dark place to preserve the scent.

How to Use It

Spray into the air to freshen up any room. You can also mist:

• Curtains and upholstery
• Bed linens and pillows
• Inside your car
• Trash cans or gym bags

Avoid spraying directly on delicate fabrics or surfaces without testing first.

Customize Your Scents

You can tailor the scent to fit your mood or the season:

• Relaxing: lavender + chamomile
• Energizing: orange + peppermint
• Fresh and clean: lemon + eucalyptus
• Cozy fall blend: cinnamon + clove + orange

Mix and match oils to find what works best for your space.

Why It Works

Vodka and witch hazel help the oils blend with the water and make the scent last longer.

Essential oils offer a natural fragrance without the toxic ingredients found in commercial sprays.

This DIY version costs under $1 to make, compared to $4–$6 for a name-brand spray.

It’s budget-friendly, non-toxic, and endlessly customizable.

Tips for Storing Homemade Cleaners

Use Glass Spray Bottles for Acidic Cleaners

Vinegar and other acidic ingredients can break down certain plastics over time. This may weaken the bottle or cause chemicals to leach into your cleaner.

To avoid this, use glass spray bottles—especially for recipes that include vinegar or citrus.

Glass is sturdy, reusable, and doesn’t react with the ingredients.

Look for amber or blue glass bottles to protect the contents from light, which can degrade essential oils.

Label Everything Clearly

Always label your bottles with the cleaner’s name, ingredients, and the date you made it.

This avoids confusion and helps you track how long it’s been stored.

Use waterproof labels or tape and a permanent marker.

If you reuse containers, clean them thoroughly before adding a new recipe to avoid mixing ingredients.

Store Safely

Keep your homemade cleaners out of reach of children and pets, just like store-bought products.

Even natural ingredients can be harmful if swallowed or sprayed in the eyes.

Store bottles in a cool, dry place, preferably away from direct sunlight and heat.

This helps extend shelf life and keeps essential oils from losing their strength.

FAQs

Are homemade cleaners really effective?

Yes, especially when using proven ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils.

Can I use these cleaners if I have pets or kids?

Most are safe, but always check ingredients and test first.

How long do these homemade products last?

Most last a few weeks to a few months. Store in cool, dark places.

Do I need to use essential oils?

No, they’re optional. They add fragrance and antibacterial properties, but aren’t required.