Top 20 DIY Cleaning Recipes: Cheap and Efficient Solutions for a Spotless Home

Cleaning our homes often involves a plethora of chemical-laden products, many of which can be expensive and harmful to both our health and the environment. Fortunately, there’s a range of effective, budget-friendly, and eco-friendly homemade cleaner recipes that can revolutionize your cleaning routine.

These recipes utilize common household items and offer powerful cleaning solutions without the adverse effects of harsh chemicals. Let’s delve into a comprehensive list of homemade cleaner recipes along with their ingredients, preparation methods, and best applications.

1. All-Purpose Cleaner

Ingredients:

• 1 part white vinegar
• 1 part water
• Optional: a few drops of essential oil (e.g., lemon, lavender) for fragrance

Method: Mix vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Add essential oil if desired. Shake well before use.

Usage: Ideal for countertops, sinks, and general surface cleaning. Vinegar’s acidic nature helps cut through grease and grime.

2. Glass Cleaner

Ingredients:

• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons rubbing alcohol

Method: Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well.

Usage: Perfect for cleaning windows, mirrors, and glass surfaces without leaving streaks.

3. Carpet Stain Remover

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon dishwashing liquid
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 2 cups warm water

Method: Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle.

Usage: Spray on the stained area, let it sit for a few minutes, then blot with a clean cloth until the stain disappears.

4. Wood Polish

Ingredients:

• ½ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup white vinegar
• Optional: a few drops of lemon essential oil

Method: Mix all ingredients in a jar. Shake well before use.

Usage: Apply a small amount to a cloth and rub onto wooden furniture or surfaces to restore shine.

5. Baking Soda Scrub

Ingredients:

• Baking soda
• Water (to form a paste)

Method: Mix enough water with baking soda to create a paste-like consistency.

Usage: Ideal for tough stains, grout, and scrubbing sinks or tubs. Apply, scrub gently, and rinse thoroughly.

6. Homemade Laundry Detergent

Ingredients:

• 1 bar of grated soap (Fels-Naptha, Castile, or homemade)
• 1 cup washing soda
• 1 cup borax

Method: Mix all ingredients and store in an airtight container. Use 1-2 tablespoons per load.

Usage: Suitable for both standard and high-efficiency washing machines.

7. Homemade Liquid Dish Soap

Ingredients:

• 2 cups castile soap
• 1 ½ cups warm water
• 2 tablespoons glycerin
• Optional: a few drops of essential oil for fragrance

Method: Mix all ingredients in a bottle and shake well before use.

Usage: Use as you would any liquid dish soap, either by squirting directly onto dishes or using with a sponge.

8. No-Streak Glass Cleaner (Alternative Recipe)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Method: Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well.

Usage: Ideal for cleaning glass surfaces, windows, and mirrors without leaving streaks.

9. Disinfectant Spray

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rubbing alcohol
• 1 cup water
• 10-20 drops of essential oil (e.g., tea tree oil, lavender)

Method: Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well before use.

Usage: Spray on surfaces and let it sit for a few minutes to disinfect.

10. Oven Cleaner

Ingredients:

• 1 cup baking soda
• Water (to form a paste)

Method: Mix baking soda with water to create a spreadable paste.

Usage: Spread the paste inside the oven, let it sit overnight, then scrub and wipe clean.

11. Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Ingredients:

• 1 cup baking soda
• 1 cup white vinegar
• 10 drops tea tree oil

Method: Pour vinegar into the toilet, add baking soda, then tea tree oil. Let it sit for 15 minutes before scrubbing with a toilet brush.

12. Drain Cleaner

Ingredients:

• ½ cup baking soda
• 1 cup white vinegar
• Hot water

Method: Pour baking soda down the drain, followed by vinegar. Let it fizz for 15 minutes, then flush with hot water.

13. Stainless Steel Cleaner

Ingredients:

• Club soda
• Microfiber cloth

Method: Spray club soda on stainless steel surfaces and wipe with a cloth.

14. Fabric Softener

Ingredients:

• 2 cups white vinegar
• 20-30 drops of essential oil (optional)

Method: Mix vinegar and essential oil in a container. Add to the fabric softener dispenser in your washing machine.

15. Mold and Mildew Cleaner

Ingredients:

• 1 cup hydrogen peroxide
• 1 cup water
• Optional: a few drops of essential oil

Method: Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle and apply to affected areas. Let it sit for 10 minutes before scrubbing.

16. Grease Cutter for Stovetops

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons baking soda
• Warm water

Method: Make a paste with baking soda and water. Apply to grease stains on stovetops, let it sit, then scrub and wipe clean.

17. Brass Cleaner

Ingredients:

• Lemon juice or vinegar
• Salt
• Microfiber cloth

Method: Dip cloth in lemon juice or vinegar, sprinkle salt, then rub onto brass surfaces. Rinse and dry thoroughly.

18. Granite Cleaner

Ingredients:

• ½ cup rubbing alcohol
• 2 cups water
• A few drops of dish soap

Method: Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake well before use.

19. Rug Deodorizer

Ingredients:

• Baking soda
• Essential oil (optional)

Method: Sprinkle baking soda on rugs, let it sit for 15 minutes, then vacuum.

20. Tile and Grout Cleaner

Ingredients:

• ½ cup baking soda
• ¼ cup hydrogen peroxide
• 1 teaspoon dish soap

Method: Mix ingredients to form a paste. Apply to grout lines, scrub with a brush, and rinse.

Conclusion

These top 20 homemade cleaner recipes offer a diverse range of solutions for various cleaning needs around your home. From laundry detergent to specialized cleaners for specific surfaces, these eco-friendly and budget-friendly alternatives can effectively maintain a clean and healthy living space. Experiment with these recipes to discover the ones that work best for you, ensuring a sparkling, chemical-free environment while being kind to your wallet and the planet.