Okay, let’s be honest here—household cleaning supplies are one of those things you don’t think about until you’re either A) out of them, or B) staring at a $7 bottle of “all-purpose spray” that smells vaguely like lemon but somehow still reeks of chemicals. Ever been there? Yeah, same.
Now, here’s the little secret nobody tells you: you can make your own cleaning supplies at home. And not only will they cost way less, but they actually work just as well (sometimes better) than the store-bought stuff. Plus, you get to brag to yourself that you’re “DIY-ing” your way to a cleaner home. Kinda satisfying, right?
Why Bother Making Your Own?
Good question. Why not just buy a bottle and be done with it?
Well… imagine this: you’re wiping down the kitchen counters where you prep food, but the spray you’re using has a laundry list of chemicals you can’t even pronounce. Doesn’t exactly scream “safe and cozy kitchen,” does it?
Here’s the kicker: most homemade cleaners use simple, everyday ingredients—stuff you already know and trust. Vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, essential oils. Nothing weird, nothing scary.
And let’s not ignore the other perks:
- Cheaper. Like, “pennies on the dollar” cheaper.
- Eco-friendly. Fewer plastics and no harsh chemicals.
- Customizable. Want lavender-scented glass cleaner? Boom. Done.
See where I’m going with this?
The Must-Have Ingredients
Before we get into recipes, let’s set up your DIY cleaning toolkit. Think of these as your “magic four”:
- White vinegar – cuts grease, deodorizes, and disinfects.
- Baking soda – scrubs like a champ and neutralizes odors.
- Castile soap (or dish soap) – gentle but effective cleaner.
- Essential oils – totally optional, but they add a nice scent (tea tree and lemon are favorites).
That’s really it. You don’t need some wild ingredient you’ve never heard of. Just a few basics, and you can tackle almost every cleaning job in the house.
DIY Recipes for Every Room
Alright, now the fun part—let’s actually make this stuff.
1. All-Purpose Cleaner
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup vinegar
- A few drops of dish soap
- 10 drops essential oil (optional)
Mix in a spray bottle, give it a shake, and you’ve got a cleaner that works on countertops, tables, and even bathroom surfaces.
👉 Quick note: don’t use vinegar on stone surfaces (like granite or marble) because it can damage the finish.
2. Glass and Mirror Cleaner
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (yes, really)
Shake well before each use. The cornstarch helps prevent streaks, so you get that squeaky-clean shine. Pro move: wipe with newspaper instead of paper towels.
3. Scrubbing Powder
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1/4 cup salt
- 1/4 cup borax (optional, but adds extra scrubbing power)
This is your homemade version of those gritty cleaners for sinks, tubs, and stovetops. Just sprinkle, scrub, rinse. Easy.
4. Floor Cleaner
- 1 gallon warm water
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- A few drops of dish soap
Mop away. And if you want the “fresh scent” vibe, throw in some lemon essential oil. Your kitchen will smell like you just baked cookies—or close enough.
5. Air Freshener
Because a clean house should smell clean, too.
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 15 drops essential oil
- Water
Mix in a spray bottle and mist lightly around the house. Instant mood booster.
A Few Tips to Keep in Mind
- Label your bottles (because nothing’s more awkward than spraying “window cleaner” on your wood floors).
- Always test a small area before going wild.
- Store them in cool, dry places, away from direct sunlight.
Wrapping It Up
So there you have it—homemade house cleaning supplies that actually work, don’t cost a fortune, and won’t leave your home smelling like a science experiment gone wrong. Once you try them, you’ll probably never look at that overpriced “eco-cleaner” aisle the same way again.
And here’s the best part: you don’t need to be a chemist, a DIY guru, or some Pinterest-perfect person to pull this off. Just a few pantry staples, a spray bottle, and the motivation to make your place shine.
So, next time you’re out of cleaner, don’t run to the store. Head to your kitchen. Trust me—you’ll thank yourself later.