10 DIY, All-Natural Cleaning Products and Air Fresheners You Can Make at Home

If you’re planning on using more natural cleaning products, now’s the time to stock up on regular ol’ white vinegar, because you’re definitely going to need it. For cleaning your windows, grab a reusable spray bottle and pour in 2 cups distilled water, 1/4 cup white vinegar and 8-10 drops of an essential oil of your choice (optional). Shake, spray and wipe away all that gunk, streak-free. For more tips and tricks, check out our handy ultimate cleaning checklist.

Save some dollars (and the environment) by replacing this kitchen staple with a petroleum-free homemade version. Dissolve 2 tsp. of kosher salt into 1/2 cup of warm distilled water. In a separate container, mix 1/2 cup white vinegar, 1 Tbsp. homemade washing soda and 20-40 drops of lemon or grapefruit essential oil, then stir in the salt mixture until thickened. While a natural option is less harmful to your hands, we still recommend wearing rubber gloves while scrubbing the dishes. Are you sick of sanitizing? Here’s how to make your house stay clean for longer.

For this homemade dishwasher detergent, you will need to buy a couple of ingredients from the cleaning aisle – baking soda (1 cup) and washing soda (1 cup) – but everything else is already in your kitchen. Mix them with 1 cup kosher salt and 1 cup water and store in an air-tight container. Use 2 Tbsp. per load. You can also try using white vinegar as a rinsing agent. This is how to clean a dishwasher and other things that haven’t met a sponge until now.

Looking for a soothing all-natural air freshener that’ll keep your home smelling good? While you’re washing the floors or wiping down countertops, have a mix of citrus fruits (lemon, orange and grapefruit are best) gently simmering alongside cinnamon sticks, rosemary, cloves and thyme in a medium pot on the stove. It’s the perfect eco-friendly product you can make at home. We love a cost-effective hack!

When it comes to natural house cleaners, you can’t go wrong with the reliable combo of water and white vinegar. To give your floor a deep clean, mix 1 cup white vinegar in 1 gallon of water. It’s natural, gentle on surfaces and will leave your floors looking brand new. If you’re living through a reno, try these tips for keeping your home healthy and clean.

Did you ever make one of those oozing volcanoes in elementary school? Well, this at-home drain cleaner harnesses the same chemical reaction – without the red food colouring. Sprinkle 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain, followed with 1/4 cup white vinegar. Let it sit for an hour or so, and then pour a kettle full of boiling water down to give it a final rinse. For more kitchen tips, check out these ways you can organize your kitchen like Marie Kondo.

This carpet-refresher powder doesn’t just lift nasty odours, it also kills fleas and their eggs and helps keep rodents at bay – so get mixing, there’s no time to waste! In an airtight container combine 1 cup water, 1/2 cup white vinegar, 1 tsp. salt and 10-15 drops of a favourite essential oil. Sprinkle the mixture on the offending carpet, vacuum it up and voila! We’ve also got the scoop on how to remove the smell of dogs and cats in your home.

Does your favourite mug have rings of grime on the inside that you just can’t get rid of no matter how hard you scrub? Simply add a little vinegar to a clean sponge and watch how quickly all that gunk disappears. For cleaning tea kettles, add 2 cups water and 1/4 cup vinegar and bring to a boil. Let it cool down before wiping with clean cloth and rinsing with water. We’ve also got some quick and easy hacks to clean your microwave in minutes.

Stamp out those sneaky dust particles that stick to wooden furniture with the sweet scents of citrus in this homemade dusting spray. In a clean spray bottle, mix 1 cup of water, 1/4 cup of white vinegar (to cut grease), 2 Tbsp. of olive oil (to shine surfaces) and 10-15 drops of lemon essential oil (bergamot, orange, grapefruit or tangerine will also do the trick). Be sure to shake the bottle before each use. While you’re at it, here’s how to declutter every room in your house.

Being able to pull out a handy disinfecting wipe whenever a sticky situation presents itself is one of the draws of store-bought products, but there is a natural alternative. In a bowl, combine 1 cup water, 1/4 cup white vinegar and 8 drops each of tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil and lemon essential oil. Fold 15-20 squares of cloth (old T-shirts are a good option) into a clean, empty baby-wipes container. Pour the mixture over the cloths, then pull one out and use at will. When you run out, wash them and whip up a new batch. Get a full step-by-step breakdown of another version that includes rubbing alcohol here.