Life with kids gets messy — and expensive.
There are inevitable hours ahead that will be filled with scrubbing gum off beloved items, erasing crayon marks from walls, and washing carpet until that bright kool-aid stain disappears.
Cut back on expenses and time with these easy diy cleaning solutions.
They really work, and I rarely buy cleaning supplies!
I love making my own and saving money on expensive cleaning supplies.
Get ready to spruce up your house on the cheap!
Best Homemade Cleaner #1: Homemade Goo Gone.
For super-sticky stuff, homemade Goo Gone is the way to go…and let me just say this right here.
I LOVE baking soda!!
I use it as a paste to clean grout, scrub my stove and anything else that needs a really good scrubbing and has caked on grease.
Ingredients:
- 1 part vegetable oil
- 2 parts baking soda
Directions:
Stir together until paste is formed. Then, use a paper towel or apply by hand to the surface that needs to be cleaned. Work the mixture into the sticky messes until they release from the surface.
Rinse with soapy, warm water and enjoy the super-clean transformation!
This is perfect for bathtubs, showers, tiles and even some kitchen counters. This stuff gets out stains like nobody’s business!
Cleaning Tip: To make your own DIY cleaning wipes, soak small squares of cloth in this grease-cutting solution and store them in a jar. Easy-peasy cleaning on the go!
Best Homemade Cleaner #2: Homemade Soft Scrub Cleanser
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup baking soda
- 1/4 cup castile soap
- 1 Tablespoon water
- 10-15 drops of tea tree oil
- 1 Tablespoon vinegar
Directions:
In a medium-sized bowl, mix the baking soda and castile soap. Add water and tea tree oil. Stir with a fork until well-blended. Next, add vinegar —slowly.
The mixture will bubble up (remember the volcano experiments you did in school? :) Stir until mixture becomes a paste. Store in a clean container of your choice.
Best Homemade Cleaner #3: Hand-washing Dish Soap
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup soap flakes or soap shavings
- 2 cups water
- 1-2 Tablespoons distilled white vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 Tablespoon glycerin (optional)
- 3-5 drops essential oil (optional)
Directions:
Pour water and soap into a medium-sized saucepan and slowly heat over medium heat. Stir constantly until soap is melted. Do not let the mixture come to a boil.
Reduce the heat as needed. Once the soap is melted, stir in the vinegar. Let the mixture cool in the pot. Add essential oils of your choice for added scent. Once cooled, store in a clean container.
Now you’re ready for some MAJOR house-cleaning! Roll up your sleeves and get to scrubbing! Your house will be squeaky clean in no time.
Hey there! Ready to dive into the world of DIY cleaning solutions? Awesome! Let’s roll up our sleeves and get those cleaning juices flowing. Here are 25 fantastic homemade cleaners that will make your home sparkle!
Best Homemade Cleaner #4: All-Purpose Cleaner
This bad boy is your go-to for almost everything.
Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle, give it a good shake, and you’re ready to tackle countertops, floors, and even windows!
Pro tip: Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to give it a delightful scent.
Best Homemade Cleaner #5: Citrus Infused Vinegar:
Now we’re talking freshness!
Grab a jar and toss in those leftover citrus peels (lemons, oranges, or grapefruits).
Pour vinegar over them and let the magic happen for about two weeks. Strain the liquid, pour it into a spray bottle, and voila!
A natural cleaner with a citrusy twist.
Best Homemade Cleaner #6: Baking Soda Scrub:
When it comes to stubborn stains and grime, baking soda is your best friend. Make a paste by mixing baking soda with a few drops of water at a time until you have a nice consistency. Scrub away on sinks, bathtubs, and those tough stains that just won’t budge. Rinse off and admire your hard work!
Best Homemade Cleaner #7: Window and Glass Cleaner:
Say goodbye to streaks!
Fill a spray bottle with water, vinegar, and a few drops of dish soap.
Give it a good shake and spritz it onto your windows and glass surfaces. Wipe away with a lint-free cloth or even an old newspaper for that crystal-clear shine.
Best Homemade Cleaner #8: Lemon Juice Deodorizer:
Freshen up your fridge naturally!
Squeeze some fresh lemon juice into a bowl and place it inside your fridge.
The lemon will absorb those funky odors, leaving your fridge smelling clean and citrusy.
Cleaning Tip: Got a cutting board that’s seen better days? Cut a lemon in half, rub it all over the board, and let it sit for a bit.
Best Homemade Cleaner #9: Furniture Polish:
Give your wooden furniture some love.
Mix olive oil and lemon juice in a container, grab a soft cloth, and get to polishing.
Gently rub the mixture onto your furniture, removing dust and restoring that beautiful shine.
Finish off by buffing the surface with a clean cloth. Your furniture will thank you!
Cleaning Tip: To prevent your wood furniture from drying out, apply a thin layer of olive oil every few months.
Best Homemade Cleaner #10: Carpet Stain Remover:
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
When a pesky stain appears, spray the solution directly on it and let it sit for a few minutes. Blot the stain with a clean cloth or sponge, and watch it disappear before your eyes.
Cleaning Tip: For those stubborn carpet stains, try adding a small amount of dish soap to the vinegar and water mixture. Give it a good shake, and apply the solution as usual.
Best Homemade Cleaner #11: Stainless Steel Cleaner
Time to make those stainless steel appliances shine!
Grab a cloth and moisten with undiluted white vinegar.
Wipe down your stainless steel surfaces, like sinks, refrigerators, or ovens, to remove fingerprints and smudges. For extra stubborn stains or grime, sprinkle some baking soda on the cloth and gently scrub away before rinsing with water.
Cleaning Tip: When cleaning stainless steel, always remember to go with the grain of the metal to avoid scratching the surface. And for an extra gleam, you can buff the stainless steel with a microfiber cloth after cleaning.
Best Homemade Cleaner #12: Grout Cleaner
Grout got you down? Create a paste by mixing baking soda with a small amount of water.
Apply the paste to the grout lines, focusing on any stained or discolored areas. Let it sit for about 15 minutes to work its magic, then grab a brush or toothbrush and give the grout a good scrub.
Rinse with water, and voila! Your grout will be looking fresh and clean.
Cleaning Tip: To prevent future grout stains, apply a thin layer of grout sealer after cleaning.
Best Homemade Cleaner #13: Fabric Freshener
Give your fabrics a delightful refresh. Fill a spray bottle with water and add a few drops of your favorite essential oil, such as lavender or eucalyptus.
Give it a good shake, and now you have your very own fabric freshener. Lightly spritz curtains, upholstery, or linens to give them a lovely scent.
Cleaning Tip: To freshen up your mattress, mix baking soda with a few drops of essential oil and sprinkle it on the mattress. Let it sit for a few hours, then vacuum it up. It’ll leave your mattress smelling fresh and clean.
Best Homemade Cleaner #14: Toilet Bowl Cleaner:
Sprinkle baking soda around the inside of the toilet bowl, making sure to cover all the nooks and crannies.
Then, pour vinegar over the baking soda. Watch as it fizzes and foams, tackling stains and odors.
Let it sit for a few minutes, grab a toilet brush, and give it a good scrub. Flush, and say hello to a sparkling clean toilet!
Cleaning Tip: For an extra boost of freshness, add a few drops of essential oil, like tea tree oil or peppermint oil, to your toilet brush holder. It’ll keep your bathroom smelling lovely every time you clean.
Best Homemade Cleaner #15: Microwave Cleaner
Fill a microwave-safe bowl with water and squeeze in some lemon juice or drop in a couple of lemon slices.
Pop the bowl in the microwave and heat it for a few minutes until the water steams up. Carefully remove the bowl (it’ll be hot!) and wipe away the grime with ease. Fresh and clean in no time!
Cleaning Tip: To prevent food splatters in the microwave, cover your dishes with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe paper towel. It’ll save you from having to scrub off tough stains later.
Best Homemade Cleaner #16: Hardwood Floor Cleaner
Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle.
Spray the solution onto the floor (avoid saturating it) and mop away. Your hardwood floors will be left shiny and clean without any harsh chemicals.
Cleaning Tip: When mopping hardwood floors, use a damp mop rather than a wet one. Excess water can damage the wood, so always wring out your mop well before using it.
Best Homemade Cleaner #16: Brass Cleaner
Time to bring back the luster to your brass items!
In a small bowl, create a paste by mixing equal parts salt, flour, and vinegar.
Apply the paste to tarnished brass surfaces, such as candle holders or doorknobs. Let sit for a few minutes, then grab a cloth or a soft-bristled brush and gently scrub the brass.
Rinse off the paste with water, and finally, polish the brass with a dry cloth until it shines like new.
Cleaning Tip: To keep your brass items looking their best, apply a thin layer of clear nail polish or brass lacquer after cleaning. It’ll help protect the brass from tarnishing.
Best Homemade Cleaner #17: Mold and Mildew Remover:
Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water in a spray bottle. When you spot those unsightly patches of mold or mildew, spritz the solution directly on them.
Let sit for a while, then grab a brush and give it a good scrub.
Rinse thoroughly.
Cleaning Tip: To prevent mold and mildew from growing in damp areas, ensure proper ventilation and keep the area dry. Use a dehumidifier or a fan to reduce moisture in those spaces.
Best Homemade Cleaner #18: Air Freshener
Freshen up your home with a DIY air freshener!
Fill a spray bottle with water and add a few drops of your favorite essential oil.
Shake well to mix the ingredients. Spray it around your home to create a pleasant fragrance. You can customize the scents based on your preferences—lavender for relaxation or citrus for an energizing vibe.
Cleaning Tip: If you’re in a rush and don’t have time to deep clean, simply spritz some air freshener around your home. It’ll instantly give the illusion of a freshly cleaned space.
Best Homemade Cleaner #19: Oven Cleaner:
Time to tackle that greasy, grimy oven!
Make a paste using baking soda and water.
Apply the paste to the inside of your oven, focusing on areas with stubborn stains or grease buildup.
Let it sit overnight to work its magic.
The next day, grab a cloth or sponge and scrub away the grime. Rinse thoroughly with water, and marvel at your sparkling clean oven.
Best Homemade Cleaner #20: Rust Remover
Rust be gone!
Squeeze lemon juice over rusted surfaces, making sure to fully saturate the area.
Sprinkle salt on top of the lemon juice.
Let mixture sit for a few hours or overnight, allowing the lemon juice and salt combo to work its magic.
Grab a brush, scrub away the rust, and rinse with water. Adios, pesky rust!
Cleaning Tip: To prevent rust from forming on metal items, make sure they are completely dry before storing them. Moisture can accelerate the rusting process.
Best Homemade Cleaner #21 Carpet Freshener Powder:
In a jar, combine 1 cup of baking soda with 10-15 drops of your favorite essential oil.
Close the jar and shake well to distribute the oil.
Sprinkle this fragrant powder onto your carpets, let it sit for 15-30 minutes, then vacuum thoroughly to remove odors and refresh your carpets.
Best Homemade Cleaner #22 Fabric Stain Remover:
In a spray bottle, combine equal parts hydrogen peroxide and liquid dish soap.
Shake gently to mix.
Spray this solution directly onto fabric stains, let it sit for a few minutes, then launder as usual. Say goodbye to stubborn stains!
Best Homemade Cleaner #23 Grime-Busting Shower Cleaner:
Create a paste by mixing equal parts baking soda and liquid dish soap.
Apply the paste to your shower walls, tub, or tiles, then scrub with a sponge or brush.
Rinse thoroughly to reveal a sparkling clean shower.
Best Homemade Cleaner #24 Homemade Air Freshening Gel
In a heatproof jar, combine 1 cup of water, 4 packets of unflavored gelatin, and 20-30 drops of essential oil.
Stir to dissolve the gelatin. Let it set at room temperature until firm.
Place the jar in any room to release a pleasant fragrance and freshen the air.
Best Homemade Cleaner #25 All-Natural Jewelry Cleaner:
In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of warm water, 2 tablespoons of baking soda, and a few drops of dish soap.
Stir until the ingredients are well mixed.
Submerge your jewelry in the solution and let it soak for a few minutes.
Gently scrub with a soft toothbrush, rinse with water, and admire the sparkling results.
More Cleaning Helps: