The other day I went to wipe down the kitchen counters and discovered we were out of our usual cleaner. I didn’t have time to run to the store, so I searched the pantry and around the house for simple items that could substitute. It turned out those basic ingredients worked really well: inexpensive, all-natural, and easy to keep on hand. I wanted to share three DIY natural cleaning recipes you can make today—a glass cleaner, an all-purpose cleaner, and a room spray—that actually clean as well as many commercial products.
Since switching to reusable paper towels some time ago, I’ve been gradually changing other household habits too. I’ve replaced single-use plastic bags with reusable silicone versions, swapped dish sponges for handmade sisal scrubbers, and I plan to try beeswax wraps before the holidays. Making my own natural cleaners felt like the next practical step. While I still buy some specialty cleaning products, these DIY solutions are perfect for everyday tasks like cleaning mirrors, wiping glass doors and windows, and refreshing tabletops.
I store these mixtures in attractive glass spray bottles I can refill, which cuts down on waste and keeps everything tidy. If you’re ready to try making your own natural cleaners, here’s how.
A Natural Homemade All-Purpose Cleaner
Note: This is a gentle, natural all-purpose cleaner. Test on a small, inconspicuous area before using widely. Avoid using on marble or other natural stone surfaces.
Ingredients:
- White vinegar: Any standard white vinegar will work. Buy a larger bottle if you plan to infuse it regularly so you can keep a jar of citrus-infused vinegar ready.
- Citrus peels: Lemon, lime, orange, or clementine peels all work. This recipe used orange peels.
- Fresh herbs (optional): Basil, rosemary, sage, or lavender add a pleasant scent. Try combinations like lemon with basil or orange with sage.
- Mason jar or heatproof glass container: For steeping the hot vinegar and citrus peels.
- Glass spray bottle: A cleaned recycled spray bottle also works.
- Water
Ratio: 2 parts vinegar to 1 part citrus peels by volume.
Method: Heat the vinegar in a pot until it just begins to boil. Place the citrus peels and any herbs into a heatproof jar, then pour the hot vinegar over them. Let the jar cool, then refrigerate for 24 hours to steep. After steeping, strain or pour the infused vinegar into a spray bottle until it is about halfway full, then top up the bottle with water to dilute. If you prefer, you can leave the peels in the bottle to continue infusing; I’ve kept peels in mine for several weeks without mold or issues. If you remove them, make sure the peels are small enough to get out through the bottle opening and strain after a week for the longest-lasting clarity.
How to Make a Natural Room Spray
To freshen your home with a natural room spray, gather:
- Unscented witch hazel: Found in many stores’ health and beauty sections. Buy unscented to allow your chosen essential oils to shine.
- Essential oils: Use scents you like. Calming blends for the bedroom: lavender, bergamot, patchouli, sandalwood. Energizing blends: lemon, orange, eucalyptus, rosemary, peppermint.
- 2 oz amber or cobalt glass spray bottle: Dark glass protects essential oils from light degradation, preserving their aroma and properties.
- Water
Method: Fill the bottle halfway with unscented witch hazel. Add 25–30 drops of essential oil total—use one oil or mix them for a custom scent. Good pairings include bergamot with orange, rosemary with peppermint, lavender with rose, or sandalwood with patchouli. Test combinations by placing equal drops on a napkin to evaluate the scent before committing. After adding oils, top the bottle with water, shake to combine, and spray as desired. I like using rosemary-peppermint or lavender-rose in the bedroom to create a calm bedtime ritual.
A Natural Homemade Glass Cleaner
Ingredients:
- Vodka (1 cup): Use an inexpensive bottle; no need for premium brands.
- White vinegar (1/4 cup): A staple for homemade cleaners—buy a larger jug if you plan to use it regularly.
- Glass spray bottle: A cleaned recycled bottle works fine.
- Water
- Funnel (optional)
Method: Combine the vodka and vinegar in your spray bottle, then fill the rest with water. Shake well before each use. This simple mix cleans glass and mirrors effectively without streaks and is also handy for cleaning eyeglasses and car windows. It’s affordable, versatile, and often replaces commercial glass cleaners for everyday use.
Photography Amelia Lawrence
Have you tried making your own natural cleaners? You likely already have most of the ingredients at home—give one of these recipes a try the next time you need a quick, effective, and affordable cleaning solution.