BlogHomemade cleaners can be powerful, affordable, and kinder to your indoor air. With a few pantry staples—vinegar, baking soda, castile soap, citric acid, and essential oils—you can mix targeted formulas for every room. Below you’ll find tried-and-true recipes, when to use them, and where to avoid them (hello, natural stone!).
Internal link idea: When you mention eco-friendly home cleaning, link to
/services/regular-house-cleaning. For plastic-light tools, link to our zero-waste guide at/blog/zero-waste-cleaning-ditch-plastic-clean-greener.
Your DIY Cleaning Pantry
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White vinegar (5% acetic acid): Mineral and soap-scum dissolver.
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Baking soda: Gentle scrub + deodorizer.
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Castile soap (liquid or bar): Plant-based surfactant.
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Citric acid powder: Limescale remover (stone-unsafe).
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Washing soda (sodium carbonate): Degreaser and laundry booster.
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Hydrogen peroxide (3%): Non-chlorine brightener (light fabrics & grout).
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Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl 70%+): Fast-dry glass & high-touch areas.
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Neutral oil (olive/fractionated coconut): Wood conditioning.
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Essential oils (optional): Scent—use sparingly.
Internal link idea: Link “plant-based” to
/blog/best-biodegradable-cleaning-products-for-every-room.
10 Easy DIY Cleaner Recipes (Label & Patch-Test First)
1) Everyday All-Purpose Spray (Not for Natural Stone)
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400 ml water
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100 ml white vinegar
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½ tsp liquid castile soap
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Optional: 8–10 drops lemon or tea tree
Use: Counters, appliances, sealed tiles. Avoid: Marble/granite/travertine, waxed wood.
2) Stone-Safe Counter Spray (Marble/Granite Friendly)
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480 ml distilled water
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½ tsp liquid castile soap
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½ tsp isopropyl alcohol (optional quick-dry)
Use: Natural stone, sealed wood surfaces. No vinegar here.
3) Streak-Free Glass & Mirror Mix
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450 ml water
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50 ml white vinegar
Tip: Spray lightly and buff with a lint-free cloth or newspaper.
4) Creamy Soft Scrub (Sinks, Tubs, Stovetops)
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4 tbsp baking soda
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1 tbsp castile soap
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Water to a paste
Use: Enamel, ceramic, stainless. Rinse well; follow with a quick vinegar spritz if hazy (non-stone).
5) Citric-Acid Bathroom Descaler (Non-Stone)
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500 ml warm water
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1 tbsp citric acid powder
Use: Shower glass, taps, kettles. Avoid: Natural stone and unsealed grout.
6) Disinfect-Lean* Alcohol Surface Spray
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250 ml rubbing alcohol (≥70%)
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250 ml water
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Optional: 5 drops lavender
Use: Handles, switches, phones (spray cloth, not device). *Follow local guidelines for true disinfection.
7) Floor Cleaner (Most Sealed Floors)
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4 L warm water (bucket)
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1 tsp liquid castile soap
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Optional: 1 tsp vinegar for tile/laminate (skip on stone/wood)
Use: Damp-mop; wring well.
8) Laundry Powder (Low-Suds)
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2 cups washing soda
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2 cups grated castile or true soap flakes
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Optional: 1 cup baking soda
Dose: 1–2 tbsp per load. Great for warm/cold cycles.
9) Fabric Softener Rinse
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½ cup white vinegar in the softener drawer
Use: Reduce residue & odors (check machine manual; avoid on rubber gaskets if manufacturer advises).
10) Wood Polish (Furniture, Not Floors)
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2 tbsp neutral oil
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1 tbsp white vinegar (or lemon juice)
Use: Apply sparingly with a soft cloth; buff dry. Avoid: Raw, unfinished wood.
Internal links:
– Mention “stone-safe” → link to/services/stone-countertop-cleaning
– Mention “bathroom deep clean” → link to/services/bathroom-cleaning
– Mention “kitchen degreasing” → link to/services/kitchen-deep-cleaning
Room-by-Room: What to Use Where
Kitchen
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Sinks & steel: Soft Scrub → rinse → Glass mix for shine.
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Cooktop: Baking-soda dust + water mist; wipe; finish with a light vinegar pass if non-stone.
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Microwave: Bowl with 1 cup water + 2 tbsp vinegar; steam 3–5 minutes; wipe.
Bathroom
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Shower glass/tiles: Citric-acid spray, dwell 10 minutes, rinse.
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Toilet exterior & chrome: Glass mix or alcohol spray; buff dry.
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Grout detail: Soft brush + baking-soda paste; for light brightening, dab peroxide and rinse.
Living Areas & Bedrooms
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Dusting: Slightly damp cotton cloth (water + 1 drop castile).
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Windows: Glass mix on a wind-free day.
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Odors (rugs/mats): Baking-soda sprinkle, wait 15 minutes, vacuum.
Laundry
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Everyday: DIY powder + cold cycle.
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Gym wear/linens: Add 1–2 tbsp washing soda; vinegar rinse for freshness.
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Stains: Rub with a wet castile bar; launder as usual.
Internal link idea: Link “eco cleaning services” to
/services/eco-cleaningfor heavy-duty jobs.
Safety Essentials
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Never mix vinegar with bleach or ammonia.
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Label bottles clearly; keep out of reach of children and pets.
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Patch-test in an inconspicuous area.
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Avoid acids on natural stone; use the stone-safe spray instead.
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Ventilate small spaces during use.
Link the word “safety” to
/blog/cleaning-safety-101.
Troubleshooting
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Streaks on glass? Use less spray and buff faster.
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White film after scrubbing? Rinse more; it’s likely baking-soda residue.
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Scale won’t budge? Increase dwell time with citric-acid on non-stone or repeat after rinsing.
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Vinegar smell lingers? Open windows; add a single drop of essential oil next time—less is more.
FAQs
Are DIY cleaners as effective as store-bought?
Often, yes—when matched to the soil (acid for mineral/soap scum, alkaline for grease) and given enough dwell time.
Can I premix vinegar and baking soda?
No. They neutralize. Use sequentially for best results.
What about essential oils?
Optional for scent; keep low doses, avoid around very young children/sensitive pets.
