Who says cleaning has to come in a plastic bottle filled with mystery chemicals you can’t even pronounce? With a few simple pantry staples—think vinegar, baking soda, and a lemon peel—you can whip up DIY cleaning products that are safe, budget-friendly, and surprisingly powerful. Bonus: they smell a whole lot better, too.
Pantry Powerhouses: The Magic Behind DIY Cleaners
Before diving into recipes, let’s get to know a few key ingredients that make these formulas shine:
- Baking Soda: Also known as sodium bicarbonate, this kitchen staple is not just for baking—it’s a powerful cleaner, too. Its mild abrasiveness makes it great for scrubbing, while its whitening, brightening, and deodorizing properties leave surfaces fresh and clean.
- Vinegar: An all-star degreaser and deodorizer, vinegar is a fantastic cleaner for glass and nonporous surfaces. It’s acidic, so avoid using it on natural stone like granite or marble, cast iron, stainless steel and unfinished wood—as it could corrode or damage them. Never mix vinegar with bleach (or you risk a dangerous reaction).
- Citric Acid: Found naturally in citrus fruits, citric acid is sold in powder form. It is excellent at cutting grease, removing stains, and tackling mineral deposits. It’s not good for all surfaces, though. Like vinegar, it is high in acidity. Skip citric acid on wood floors, electronics, copper, brass, and natural stone.
A Note on Mixing Vinegar + Baking Soda
That fizzy foam is fun and can help lift dirt—but baking soda and vinegar neutralize each other when combined. The leftover liquid isn’t a strong cleaner. Use them separately for best results.
Tried-and-True DIY Recipes
We researched some of the most popular do-it-yourself formulas for homemade household cleaners. Do you have a favorite that’s not on this list? Be sure to share it in the comments.
All-Purpose Cleaner
- ¼ cup Dawn dish soap
- ½ cup lemon juice
- ¾ cup vinegar
- ½ cup rubbing alcohol
- 1¼ cups water
Mix the ingredients above and store in a spray bottle. Pro tip: Infuse the vinegar with lemon, orange or grapefruit peels for 1–2 weeks for a fresh scent and extra grease-cutting power.
Alternatively, you can use a simpler version of just ½ cup white vinegar and 4 cups warm water for an all-purpose cleaner. Cleaning glass? Use equal amounts vinegar and water to remove fingerprints and smudges.
Carpet Freshener
- 2 cups borax
- 1 cup baking soda
- 10 drops essential oil
Mix the ingredients above and store them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to use it, sprinkle the mixture on your carpet. Let it sit 30 minutes, then vacuum. Not only does it freshen the room, it helps repel pests and deter rodents.
Carpet Stain Remover
- Baking soda
- 1 Tbsp. Dawn dish soap
- 1 Tbsp. white vinegar
- 2 cups warm water
Sprinkle baking soda on the stain, wait 10 minutes, then vacuum. Mix the dish soap, vinegar and water, and apply with a sponge. Use a clean cloth to blot the moisture. Repeat with sponging the water mixture and blotting until the stain disappears.
Dishwasher Detergent
- 8 oz castile soap
- 1 cup water
- 3 Tbsp. vinegar
Mix ingredients together and store in an airtight container. When you are ready to run the dishwasher, add 1 tablespoon per load.
Drain Cleaner
- ½ cup borax
- ½ cup salt
- 1 cup white vinegar
Mix the above ingredients into a paste and pour it into the drain. Let it sit 30 minutes, then flush with boiling water.
Fabric Softener
- 5½ cups water
- 15 oz. hair conditioner
- 2½ cups vinegar
- 20 drops essential oil (optional especially if your hair conditioner has a nice scent)
Mix and store. Use ¼ cup per wash during the rinse cycle.
Grout Cleaner
Add water to baking soda until it forms a paste. Apply that paste to the grout. Let it sit 15 minutes, then scrub with a stiff brush and rinse with water.
Hardwood Floor Shine
- Bucket of warm water
- Few drops natural dish soap
- 1 tsp castile soap or olive oil
Mop as usual to restore the shine without damaging the wood.
Soft Scrub Cleanser
- 1½ cups baking soda
- ½ cup liquid laundry soap
- 10 drops tea tree, lavender, or lemon essential oil
Mix into a paste and store airtight. Rehydrate with water if it dries.
Toilet Bowl Cleaner
- 1 cup baking soda
- ¼ cup citric acid
- ½ cup vinegar
Mix the dry ingredients—the baking soda and citric acid. Sprinkle that powder mixture in the toilet bowl. Then, add vinegar to the bowl, which will cause it to foam. Scrub and then flush.
Cleaning and Protecting
For some additional inspiration, check out our blog on 5 Hacks for Cleaning Your House While Everyone’s Home.
Of course, taking care of your home goes beyond keeping it clean—it’s about protecting everything you’ve worked so hard for. At California Casualty, we understand your home is your greatest investment, and we’re here to make sure it’s fully protected with the right insurance coverage.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
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