Some of the items in your pantry (like baking soda and vinegar) work as effective all-purpose cleaners and, even better, cost next to nothing.
During times like this when shelves are empty or maybe you can’t put yourself at risk by going to the store and are in need of an alternative option to the everyday household cleaner.
We’ve put together a list of 10 DIY household cleaners that are easy to make and all natural too!
- Scented All-Purpose Cleaner
What you'll need:
- One part white vinegar
- One part water
- Lemon rind
- Rosemary sprigs
Combine the above ingredients together, pour into a spray bottle, shake, and then let infuse for a week before using. Once done, you can use the natural solution to remove hard water stains, clean trash cans, wipe away wall smudges, and much more. Besides a fresh scent, the lemon rind may help boost cleaning power. Caution: Do not use acidic cleaners on granite, as they will etch the stone.
- Kitchen Cleaner and Deodorizer
What you'll need:
- 4 tablespoons baking soda
- 1 quart warm water
To clean kitchen counters, appliances, and the inside of your refrigerator, all you need is baking soda. To deodorize surfaces, use the solution above or pour baking soda straight from the box and into your drain or garbage disposal to remove odors. To shine and remove spots from stainless steel, make a paste of baking soda and water. Apply it with a damp cloth and rub gently in the direction of the metal’s grain. Rinse and buff dry.
- Natural Marble Cleaner
What you'll need:
- 2 drops mild dishwashing liquid
- 2 cups warm water
Mix dishwashing detergent and water the next time you want to clean natural stone countertops. Sponge over marble and rinse completely to remove any soap residue. Buff with a soft cloth; do not let the marble air-dry. Caution: Never use vinegar, lemon, or any other acidic cleaner on marble or granite surfaces; it will eat into the stone.
- DIY Glass Cleaner
What you'll need:
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup white or apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol 70% concentration
- 1 to 2 drops of orange essential oil for smell (optional)
The next time you need to wash your windows and mirrors, combine these ingredients and pour them in a spray bottle. Hint: Don't clean windows on a hot, sunny day, because the solution will dry too quickly and leave lots of streaks. For mirrors, spray the solution on a paper towel or soft cloth first before wiping.
- Natural Heavy-Duty Scrub
What you'll need:
- 1/2 lemon
- 1/2 cup borax powder
Rust stains on porcelain or enamel sinks and tubs are no match for this cleaner. Dip the lemon into the borax and scrub the surface, then rinse. (This is not safe for marble or granite.) Tip: You can find borax, a laundry booster, in the detergent aisle or order it on Amazon.
- Basic Wood Cleaner
What you'll need:
- 1/2 cup lemon juice (from about 4 lemons)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon natural liquid soap or detergent
- A few drops of olive oil
Combine the ingredients in a bowl. Saturate a sponge fully with the mixture, squeeze out excess, and wash surfaces.
- Toilet Bowl Cleaner
What you'll need:
- ½ cup baking soda
- ½ cup white distilled vinegar
Pour the ingredients into the toilet. Let sizzle, then scrub. Flush.
- Stainless Steel Cleaner
What you'll need:
- Vinegar
- Olive Oil
- Microfiber Cloth
Spray the surface liberally with vinegar. Using a soft cloth, rub in the direction of the grain to clean. Polish by dipping the cloth in olive oil and rubbing again in the direction of the grain.
9. Mildew & Soap Scum Destroyer
What you'll need:
- Liquid dish soap
- White vinegar
- Spray bottle
- Microfiber cloth or cleaning cloth
- Water
In a microwave-safe heat a quarter-cup of vinegar until it is extremely hot. Carefully then add the vinegar to a spray bottle and mix your solution. Add in a quarter-cup of liquid dish soap and carefully swirl or shake it to mix. Thoroughly spray all affected surfaces. Allow the solution to sit for at least 30 to 45 minutes, or overnight if possible and then rinse.
- Disinfectant
What you'll need:
- Vinegar
- Water
- Borax
- Liquid Soap (for extra strength)
Mix 2 teaspoons borax, 4 tablespoons vinegar, and 3 cups hot water. For stronger cleaning power, add 1/4 teaspoon liquid castile soap. Wipe on with dampened cloth or use non-aerosol spray bottle. (This is not an antibacterial formula. The average kitchen or bathroom does not require antibacterial cleaners.) To disinfect kitchen sponges, put them in the dishwasher when running a load.
