DIY Homemade Cleaners: Safe, Simple & Effective

Inside: Ditch the chemicals! These easy DIY homemade cleaners are non-toxic, effective, and budget-friendly. Try them today!

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Why Switch to Homemade Cleaners?

For years, I used Method cleaning products, believing they were safe and non-toxic. The bottles looked fresh and natural, and they were marketed as a greener alternative to traditional cleaners. I never questioned it—until I recently discovered something shocking.

Method and its parent company admitted to using toxic chemicals in their products. A massive lawsuit and settlement revealed that their so-called “non-toxic” cleaners actually contained harmful ingredients. I felt deceived. I had spent years spraying these products on my kitchen counters, wiping down highchairs, and cleaning the very floors where my children crawled and played.

That’s when it hit me. Just like we don’t want harmful chemicals in our food, we shouldn’t want them on the surfaces of our homes. Our families deserve better.

So, I started making my own homemade cleaners. I wanted products that were truly non-toxic, budget-friendly, and effective. To my surprise, simple household ingredients like vinegar, rubbing alcohol, and essential oils worked just as well—if not better—than store-bought cleaners.

Now, I’m sharing my go-to DIY cleaner recipes so you can clean your home naturally and safely. These are simple, effective, and easy to make with ingredients you probably already have!

Ready to make the switch? Let’s dive in!

DIY Natural Cleaner Recipes

Simple Ingredients, Powerful Cleaning

Switching to homemade cleaners doesn’t mean sacrificing effectiveness. In fact, a few simple ingredients can clean just as well—without the harsh chemicals found in store-bought products.

• Liquid Dawn Dish Soap – A gentle yet powerful degreaser that cuts through grime on counters, glass, and floors.
• White Distilled Vinegar – A natural disinfectant that dissolves soap scum, removes odors, and leaves surfaces streak-free.
• Distilled Water – Prevents mineral buildup in your cleaners, ensuring a longer shelf life.
• Rubbing Alcohol – Dries quickly and sanitizes surfaces, making it a great addition to disinfectant wipes and glass cleaners.
• Essential Oils (Tea Tree & Grapefruit) – Tea tree oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties, while grapefruit oil adds a fresh, uplifting scent.

Not only do these ingredients make your home safer by eliminating toxins, but they also enhance your cleaning experience. Aromatherapy can turn cleaning from a dreaded chore into a refreshing, mood-boosting ritual—just pick scents you love!

Why use harsh chemicals when natural, effective alternatives are this easy? Let’s get started with some simple DIY recipes!

1. Streak-Free Glass Cleaner

I love this glass cleaning spray; my windows and mirrors shine like they never have before! Fun fact, did you know the best way to clean glass is actually with newspaper? I learned that in my younger years as a hostess in a restaurant. So in other words, don’t let your newspaper go to waste!

The best way to mix these ingredients is in a tall pitcher with a spout so you can easily pour into a spray bottle. If you are new to homemade cleaners, pour out the old store-bought cleaner and rinse it good so you can reuse the bottle! If not, here are some good spray bottles you can buy on Amazon for a great deal.

2. All-Purpose Cleaner

These ingredients are safe for just about any surface you can think of. Kitchen countertops, appliances and bathroom surfaces!

3. Reusable Disinfectant Wipes

As mentioned above, this is an all-purpose cleaner that I have used in combination with some cute glass jars and reusable microfiber washcloths to replace those handy disposably disinfecting wipes you can just pull and go with!

I am actually obsessed with these! We have a jar in each of my bathrooms and then one in my kitchen. I was able to find the jars and cloths at my local Dollar Tree, making them even more cost effective!

You will simply cut the cloths in half and have about 20 in each jar. Then, you will want to roll them up individually before shoving them all into the jars, this is where you will want to pour the solution over them.

These jars are so cute, and not an eye sore if left sitting conveniently on your countertop! You can find similar jars here on Amazon.

• 1 1/2 Warm water
• 1 Cup distilled white vinegar
• 1 1/2 Teaspoons of dawn liquid dish soap
• 20 Drops of essential oils (optional)

4. Natural Floor Cleaner

This floor cleaner is safe for all types of floors, if used as directed. Please avoid using this cleaner in a steam cleaner, it is not intended for steam!

This homemade floor cleaner gets rid of the grime and leaves your floor shining like new!

Shake the bottle prior to use and store it in a cool dry spot.

• 2 Cups Warm water
• 1/2 Cup distilled white vinegar
• 1/4 Cup of rubbing alcohol
• 1 1/2 Teaspoons of dawn liquid dish soap
• 20 Drops of essential oils (optional)

A Cleaner Home, the Natural Way

Making the switch to homemade cleaners is a small change that creates a big impact. You’ll eliminate toxic chemicals, save money, and keep your home safer for your family—especially little ones crawling on freshly cleaned floors. Plus, using natural ingredients means no more breathing in harsh fumes or worrying about what’s left behind on surfaces.

This is just one step toward a simpler, healthier lifestyle. If you’re interested in removing toxins from more than just your cleaning products, check out my other articles on leading a screen-free lifestyle and eating real, whole foods free from dyes and artificial ingredients. Every small switch adds up to a healthier home, happier family, and more intentional living.

Have you tried making your own homemade cleaners? Let me know in the comments!