Homemade DIY Cleaning Recipes

Looking for natural cleaning recipes with essential oils all in one place? Want to learn how to replace your toxic cleaners with essential oils?

Toxins are everywhere and when you use cleaners with toxins and chemicals you are not only exposing yourself to these horrible things but you are releasing them into the air where your family and pets can breathe them in.

The Environmental Protection Agency ranks indoor air pollution among the top environmental dangers, and much of this pollution comes from common cleaning products (or what we’ll call “indoor pollutants”). Immediate effects of exposure to indoor pollutants can include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, as well as exacerbated symptoms of asthma and other respiratory illnesses.

Long-term effects (following long or repeated exposure to indoor pollutants) include respiratory diseases, heart disease, and even cancer. The indoor pollutants that can cause these reactions are so common that the EPA strongly recommends everyone improve the air quality of their home, regardless of whether symptoms are currently present.

Supplies List

Baking Soda
Baking soda is a pantry staple with proven virus-killing abilities that also effectively cleans, deodorizes, brightens, and cuts through grease and grime.

Castile Soap
Castile soap is a style of soap that’s made from 100 percent plant oils (meaning it uses no animal products or chemical detergents). Popularized by the Dr. Bronner’s line of products, castile cuts through grease and cleans.

Vinegar
Thanks to its acidity, vinegar is nothing short of a cleaning wunderkind — it effectively (and gently!) eliminates grease, soap scum, and grime.

Lemon Juice
Natural lemon juice annihilates mildew and mold, cuts through grease, and shines hard surfaces (It also smells awesome.).

Olive Oil
This good-for-you cooking oil also works as a cleaner and polisher.

Essential Oils
Essential oils have gained popularity thanks to aromatherapy, but these naturally occurring plant compounds also make great scent additions to homemade cleaning products (particularly if you’re not into the smell of vinegar). Essential oils are generally considered safe, but these extracts can trigger allergies — so keep this in mind when choosing scents.

Tens of thousands of chemicals used in common household products have never had any safety testing or are known to be highly toxic. Even products with labels that make us think they are “safe” for children have ingredients that clearly are not safe.
– The Chemical Free Home

Homemade DIY Cleaning Recipes

Basic Bathroom Cleaner
3/4 c. baking soda
Juice from 1/2 a lemon (about 1/4 c)
3 tablespoons liquid dishwashing soap
1/2 cup vinegar
10 drops essential oil

Mix all ingredients together in a medium bowl to make a paste.
Use scrub brush or sponge to apply to tub, shower walls, & sinks.
Rinse well with water and a wet rag, then
dry with a clean rag or old towel.

All Purpose Cleaner
2 cups water
2 tbsp natural dish soap
20-30 drops tea tree oil

You can use tea tree (melaleuca), lemon or thieves for best results.
I also use this on the floors and bathroom sometimes for quick cleaning
Make sure you use a glass spray bottle to protect the aromatic and therapeutic properties of the oils

Get the glass spray bottle here at Amazon (on sale!)
I love Mrs.Meyers brand natural soap.

Carpet Refresher
1/2 cup baking soda
10 drops lavender oil

Mix ingredients together until crumbly.
Sprinkle over carpet and let sit.
Vacuum as normal.
In cases of pet accidents, first blot wet spot with cloth.
Sprinkle (don’t pour) vinegar over spot liberally and let dry overnight.
Then follow with the carpet refresher.

Furniture Polish
3/4 cup olive oil
Juice from 1/4 lemon
1 tablespoon vinegar
3-4 drops ORANGE essential oil

Dampen rag & squeeze out excess water.
Dip damp rag into furniture polish, the wipe on surface of furniture.
Buff off with an old dry towel.
Can also be used to polish stainless steel!

Glass Cleaner
1 1/2 cups vinegar
1 1/2 cups water
5-10 drops LAVENDER essential oil

Mix vinegar, water, & essential oil together in spray bottle. Spray on glass & use squeegee,
crumpled newspaper or a lint-free rag to get a streak-free shine.
Also works well to shine chrome and countertops after you’ve disinfected them.

Floor Cleaner
1 cup vinegar
1/2 cup baking soda
8-10 cups hot water
1 tablespoon washing soda
30 drops PURIFICATION essential oil

Mix vinegar & baking soda together in bucket
Add hot water, washing soda, & essential oil
Mix until all powder is dissolved.
Use mop or sponge to wipe down floor; wipe dry with clean dry towel.

Homemade Dish Soap
2 cups liquid castile soap
1/4 cup water
1 teaspoon natural lemon juice
8 drops lemon oil
1/4 cup white vinegar

Add all ingredients to a bowl or mason jar to combine.
When you add the vinegar you will notice it clump.

Cleaning Wipes
1 cup water
2 tbsp castile soap
8-10 drops melaleuca oil

Cut squares of cloth from old t-shirts, sheets, etc.
Stuff into a jar, old wipes container or tupperware.
Anything works!
After mixing ingredients, pour over cloths and cover.
Shake and make sure liquid is distributed before using.

Laundry Spot Remover
1 1/2 cups water
1/4 cup liquid castile soap
1/4 cup liquid vegetable glycerin
5-10 drops of lemon essential oil

Glass spray bottle or glass vial with dropper
Mix all ingredients together.
To use, shake well and apply liberally to spots and stains.
Lightly rub the mixture into the fabric with your fingertips.

Get more info on essential oils here!