Some pantry staples (like baking soda and vinegar) may be used as great all-purpose cleansers at home and cost next to nothing. So, the next time you’re faced with a major mess and you’re out of your favorite cleaning product, instead of running to the shop, consider making one of these DIY homemade cleaners that actually work. These natural products will keep your pocketbook happy while kicking filth to the curb.
1. All-Purpose Scented Cleaner
You’ll need the following items:
- 1 part white vinegar, 1 part water
- 1 part water, 1 part
- Rind of Lemon
- Sprigs of Rosemary
Combine all of the contents in a spray bottle, shake well, and set aside for a week before using. You can use the homemade all-purpose cleaner to remove hard water stains, clean garbage cans, wipe away wall smudges, and so much more once it’s finished. The lemon rind may aid enhance cleaning power in addition to providing a fresh smell. Acidic cleaners should not be used on granite since they will etch the surface.
2. Deodorizer and cleaner for the kitchen
You’ll need the following items:
- 4 tablespoons of baking soda
- 1 quart warm water
Baking soda is all you need to clean your kitchen surfaces, appliances, even the interior of your refrigerator. Carolyn Forte, head of the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab, notes, “It makes an excellent deodorizer and may be used to shine stainless steel sinks and appliances.” Use the homemade cleanser with baking soda solution above to deodorize surfaces, or pour baking soda straight from the box into your drain or garbage disposal to eliminate odors. Make a paste of baking soda and water to polish stainless steel and eliminate stains. Use a moist cloth to apply it and massage gently in the direction of the metal’s grain. Rinse and dry with a soft cloth.
3. Make Your Own Glass Cleaner
You’ll need the following items:
- 2 cups of water
- 1/2 cup white vinegar or cider vinegar
- 1/4 rubbing alcohol 70 % concentration
- 1–2 teaspoons orange essential oil for fragrance (optional)
Combine these items in a spray bottle to make a DIY cleaner with vinegar the next time you need to clean your windows and mirrors. On a hot, sunny day, avoid cleaning windows since the solution may dry too quickly and produce streaks. Before wiping down mirrors, spray the solution on a paper towel or soft cloth first.
4. Brass Cleaner (Homemade)
You’ll need the following items:
- Lemon juice or white vinegar
- Table salt
To clean non-lacquered cabinet pulls, bathroom fixtures, and other non-lacquered items, soak a sponge with vinegar or lemon juice, then sprinkle salt on top. Rub the surface lightly. After rinsing thoroughly with water, dry with a clean soft cloth right away.
5. Natural Heavy-Duty Scrub
You’ll need the following items:
Half a lemon
1/2 cup of borax powder
This cleaner will not remove rust stains from porcelain or enamel sinks or tubs. Scrub the surface with a lemon dipped in borax, then rinse. (Do not use this method on marble or granite.) Borax, a laundry enhancer, can be found in the detergent aisle or ordered on Amazon.
6. Grease Cleaner (DIY)
You’ll need the following items:
- 1/2 cup ammonia (sudsy)
- Scant 1 gallon of water
Sudsy ammonia contains detergent, which aids in the removal of stubborn filth. Fill a one-gallon container halfway with 1/2 cup and adequate water. Then, putting a sponge into the solution and rubbing over the surface before rinsing with clear water, clean your oven racks, stove hood, and grill. You may also soak oven racks and grill grates directly in the liquid, adding a bit more ammonia if they’re very unclean.
7. Clothing Stain Remover as a Last-Resort
You’ll need the following items:
- 1 gallon of hot water
- 1 cup dishwasher detergent (powdered)
- 1 cup normal liquid chlorine bleach (non-concentrated or ultra)
Mix the above items in a stainless steel, plastic, or enamel dish to treat soiled but washable white garments (not aluminum). Soak the garment in warm water for 15-20 minutes. If the discoloration persists, soak the item for a few minutes longer before washing it as usual.
8. Natural Marble Cleaner
You’ll need the following items:
- 2 drops dishwashing liquid (mild)
- 2 cups of warm water
The next time you want to clean natural stone surfaces, combine dishwashing soap and water. To eliminate any soap residue, sponge over the marble and rinse well. Buff with a soft cloth rather than allowing the marble to dry naturally. Use caution when cleaning marble or granite surfaces with vinegar, lemon, or any other acidic cleanser; it will eat into the stone.