My Favorite 8 Homemade Cleaners for a Greener Home

I’ve always been passionate about using simple, natural ingredients, so I decided to share my top 8 homemade cleaners with you!

Explore effective homemade cleaners for every need: Scented All-Purpose Cleaner for freshness, Kitchen Cleaner and Deodorizer to tackle odors, DIY Glass Cleaner for streak-free shine, Homemade Brass Cleaner, and Natural Heavy-Duty Scrub for tough grime.

Effectiveness of Homemade Cleaners

Homemade Cleaner	Effectiveness	Ideal Usage	Key Ingredients
Scented All-Purpose Cleaner	High	General surfaces	Vinegar, Essential oils
Kitchen Cleaner and Deodorizer	High	Kitchen counters, Appliances	Baking soda, Lemon
DIY Glass Cleaner	High	Windows, Mirrors	Rubbing alcohol, Vinegar
Homemade Brass Cleaner	Moderate	Brass items	Vinegar, Flour, Salt
Natural Heavy-Duty Scrub	High	Tough stains, Grout	Baking soda, Hydrogen peroxide
DIY Grease Cleaner	High	Greasy surfaces	Vinegar, Dish soap
Last-Resort Clothing Stain Remover	Moderate	Clothing stains	Hydrogen peroxide, Dish soap
Natural Marble Cleaner	Moderate	Marble surfaces	Mild dish soap, Warm water

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1. Scented All-Purpose Cleaner

What You Need

Getting started with a DIY scented all-purpose cleaner requires a few simple ingredients:

• White vinegar: A natural disinfectant and deodorizer.
• Water: Used to dilute the mixture.
• Lemon: Not only adds a fresh scent but also enhances cleaning power with its natural acidity.
• Essential oils: Choose from lavender, lemon, or eucalyptus for their antibacterial properties and delightful scents.

Step-by-Step Guide

Creating your own cleaner is quick and straightforward:

1. Mix the base: In a spray bottle, combine one part water with one part white vinegar.
2. Add freshness: Squeeze in the juice of half a lemon.
3. Infuse the scent: Add about 10-15 drops of your chosen essential oil. Shake the bottle well to ensure everything is well combined.

Expert Opinion

Essential oils and lemon boost the cleaner’s effectiveness not just through their pleasant aromas but also with their antimicrobial properties:

• Enhanced Cleaning: Lemon juice helps cut through grease and leaves surfaces shining.
• Aroma Therapy: Customize the scent to create a cleaner that not only purifies but also elevates your mood.

Consider these insights from industry experts:

• Dr. Alice Martinez, PhD in Environmental Science: “Using lemon in your cleaning solution can increase acidity which is great for breaking down mineral deposits, but it should be used cautiously on sensitive surfaces.”
• Mark Lee, Certified Aromatherapist: “While essential oils offer health benefits, using them responsibly is key to avoid any adverse effects from overexposure.”

2. Kitchen Cleaner and Deodorizer

3. DIY Glass Cleaner

What You Need

Achieve streak-free glass with a simple, effective DIY cleaner:

• Rubbing alcohol: Helps evaporate the cleaner quickly to prevent streaks.
• White vinegar: Breaks down grime and leaves surfaces clear.
• Water: Dilutes the mixture to a safe concentration.
• Optional: A drop of blue food coloring for a traditional glass cleaner appearance.

Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these steps for sparkling windows and mirrors:

1. Mix ingredients: Combine 1 part water, 1 part vinegar, and 1 part rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle.
2. Shake gently: Ensure the mixture is well combined.
3. Spray and wipe: Use a microfiber cloth or newspaper to wipe down glass surfaces for a streak-free shine.

Expert Opinion

This DIY glass cleaner not only cleans effectively but also dries quickly without harmful chemicals:

• Quick Drying: Rubbing alcohol’s quick evaporation rate means less wiping.
• Eco-Friendly: Avoids the use of ammonia and other harsh chemicals typically found in commercial glass cleaners.

Reflect on these professional viewpoints:

• Rachel Kim, PhD in Chemistry: “Rubbing alcohol is excellent for glass cleaning due to its high volatility, which minimizes streaking and residue.”
• Todd Griffin, Green Building Consultant: “Using vinegar and alcohol reduces environmental impact and supports sustainable living practices.”

4. Homemade Brass Cleaner

What You Need

Bring the shine back to your brass items with a few basic ingredients:

• White vinegar: Naturally removes tarnish.
• Flour: Acts as a mild abrasive to polish the surface.
• Salt: Works as an additional abrasive and a catalyst in the tarnish removal process.

Step-by-Step Guide

Restore your brass to its original glory with this simple homemade recipe:

1. Make the paste: Combine 1 part salt with 1 part flour, then add enough vinegar to form a paste.
2. Apply to brass: Rub the paste gently onto tarnished brass using a soft cloth.
3. Leave it on: Allow the paste to sit on the brass for about 30 minutes.
4. Rinse and dry: Wash off with warm water and buff dry with a clean cloth.

Expert Opinion

This gentle yet effective cleaner is ideal for preserving the beauty of brass without harsh chemicals:

• Gentle Cleaning: The natural ingredients ensure that you won’t damage delicate brass items.
• Economic Efficiency: Making your own brass cleaner is cost-effective compared to store-bought alternatives.

Reflect on these professional perspectives:

• Susan Lee, Antique Restoration Specialist: “Using natural ingredients like vinegar and salt can gently clean brass and prolong its life, keeping antiques in excellent condition.”
• Gary Thomas, Metalwork Professor: “The combination of flour as a mild abrasive helps polish the brass while minimizing scratches, preserving the metal’s integrity.”

5. Natural Heavy-Duty Scrub

What You Need

Tackle the toughest grime with these robust, yet safe, ingredients:

• Baking soda: A natural abrasive that effectively scrubs away stubborn stains.
• Hydrogen peroxide: Acts as a bleaching agent to brighten surfaces and remove deep-set stains.
• Essential oil (optional): Adds a pleasant scent and can boost antibacterial properties.

Step-by-Step Guide

This scrub is perfect for those challenging areas that need a bit more elbow grease:

1. Mix your scrub: Combine 2 parts baking soda with 1 part hydrogen peroxide to form a paste. Add a few drops of essential oil if desired.
2. Apply with caution: Use the paste on tile grout, shower doors, or any area with tough stains. Apply with a sponge or brush.
3. Let it work: Allow the mixture to sit for 5-10 minutes before scrubbing.
4. Rinse thoroughly: Wash the area with water to remove any residue.

Expert Opinion

This heavy-duty scrub is not only effective but also environmentally friendly and safe for most surfaces:

• Powerful Cleaning: Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide combine to create a potent cleaning agent that lifts dirt without the need for toxic chemicals.
• Customizable Scent: Adding essential oils can enhance the user experience with a fresh, clean aroma.

Consider these insights from industry experts:

• Dr. Emily Watson, Environmental Chemist: “Hydrogen peroxide is a fantastic eco-friendly alternative to chlorine bleach, offering strong cleaning power without the harsh side effects.”
• Marco Reynolds, Professional Cleaner: “For heavy-duty tasks, this natural scrub is not only more affordable but also safer for families compared to commercial cleaners.”

6. DIY Grease Cleaner

What You Need

Cut through kitchen grease with ease using these simple ingredients:

• White vinegar: Natural degreaser that breaks down oily residue.
• Dish soap: Cuts through grease and leaves surfaces sparkling clean.
• Warm water: Helps to dissolve and spread the cleaning agents.

Step-by-Step Guide

This grease cleaner is perfect for kitchen surfaces, stovetops, and appliances:

1. Prepare the solution: Mix 2 cups of warm water, 1 cup of white vinegar, and a squirt of dish soap in a spray bottle.
2. Shake well: Ensure all the ingredients are well mixed.
3. Spray and wipe: Apply generously to greasy areas and wipe clean with a cloth or sponge.

Expert Opinion

This DIY cleaner is not just effective against grease but is also safe for frequent use in your cooking spaces:

• Safe and Effective: Combines the degreasing power of vinegar with the cleaning ability of dish soap to handle even the toughest kitchen grease.
• Non-toxic: Free from harsh chemicals, making it ideal for homes with children and pets.

Hear from these two contrasting professionals:

• Jenna Hughes, Environmental Scientist: “Using vinegar as a grease cutter reduces the need for synthetic chemicals, lessening your home’s environmental footprint.”
• Simon Clarke, Professional Chef: “In a busy kitchen, natural cleaners like this one are not only effective but also ensure that food areas remain uncontaminated by harsh chemicals.”

7. Last-Resort Clothing Stain Remover

8. Natural Marble Cleaner

What You Need

Keep your marble surfaces pristine with these gentle, effective ingredients:

• Mild dish soap: Cleans without damaging the marble.
• Warm water: Helps to dissolve and distribute the soap evenly.
• Microfiber cloth: Ensures a streak-free finish without scratching the surface.

Step-by-Step Guide

Maintain the luxurious look of your marble with this simple cleaning routine:

1. Prepare the solution: Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water in a bucket.
2. Gently clean: Dampen the microfiber cloth in the soapy water and wipe the marble surfaces softly.
3. Dry and buff: After cleaning, use a dry microfiber cloth to buff the marble, enhancing its natural shine.

Expert Opinion

This cleaner is specially formulated to be safe on marble, avoiding the etching that harsher chemicals can cause:

• Gentle Yet Effective: Cleans effectively without harming the marble’s delicate surface.
• Preserves Shine: Regular cleaning with the right products keeps marble looking new longer.

Insights from professionals with different perspectives:

• Mia Gonzalez, Stone Care Expert: “Natural cleaners like this not only prevent damage to marble but also avoid leaving residues that can dull the surface over time.”
• Evan Roberts, Luxury Home Builder: “Using gentle cleaning methods is essential for maintaining the integrity and appearance of high-end materials like marble in luxury homes.”

Author Bio: Ernie Chen