3 Homemade Cleaning Products

In a world filled with chemical-laden cleaning products, it’s refreshing to turn to homemade solutions that are both effective and eco-friendly. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create natural cleaners that tackle everything from grimy sinks to lingering fridge odors. In this post, I’ll share three easy recipes for an all-purpose cleaning spray, a powerful sink scrub, and a fresh-smelling fridge deodorant, along with tips, tricks, and variations to make them uniquely yours.

My mom always said in her own home that you don’t need any of the fancy cleaning stuff you buy off the shelves at stores! She always swore by vinegar and baking soda as natural cleaning ingredients. To this day, I still use a lemon and salt to scrub my sink and it works wonders so this post is inspired by my mama!

All-Purpose Cleaning Spray

Creating an all-purpose cleaning spray is one of the simplest and most effective ways to keep your home clean using natural ingredients. For this spray, you’ll need a spray bottle, water, distilled white vinegar, castile soap, and lavender essential oil. Combine these ingredients in the spray bottle, seal it, and shake well to mix everything together.

This spray is incredibly versatile and can be used on countertops, sinks, and other hard surfaces. The vinegar helps to cut through grease and grime, while the castile soap provides a gentle but effective clean. The lavender essential oil not only adds a pleasant scent but also has antibacterial properties. When using this spray, simply spritz it onto the surface and wipe it clean with a microfiber cloth or paper towel.

However, it’s important to note that vinegar should not be used on natural stone surfaces like granite or marble, as it can etch the stone. Instead, you can use this spray on stainless steel, glass, and tile surfaces. For a variation, you can switch out the lavender oil for tea tree oil, which also has strong antibacterial properties, or lemon essential oil for a fresh, citrusy scent. This spray typically lasts for about a month, so it’s best to make it in small batches to maintain its effectiveness.

Sink Scrub

For a deeper clean, especially in the kitchen and bathroom sinks, a homemade sink scrub works wonders. This scrub combines baking soda, castile soap, and your choice of essential oil into a thick, smooth paste. Store this paste in an airtight jar under your sink for easy access whenever you need it.

To use the sink scrub, scoop a small amount onto a sponge or sink brush and scrub away. The baking soda provides a gentle abrasive action that helps to lift grime and stains, while the castile soap cuts through grease and the essential oil leaves a pleasant fragrance. This scrub is perfect for sinks, but it can also be used on stovetops and bathtubs for an extra boost of cleaning power.

When choosing an essential oil, you can go for eucalyptus for its fresh scent and antibacterial properties, or peppermint for a cooling, invigorating aroma. This scrub lasts quite a while, up to three months, as long as it’s stored in a cool, dry place. If the paste becomes too dry over time, simply add a bit more castile soap to rehydrate it.

Fridge Deodorant

Keeping your fridge smelling fresh can be a challenge, but a homemade fridge deodorant can make a big difference. This deodorant uses baking soda, lemon essential oil, lemon and orange zest, and lemon and orange wedge peels. Start by adding a few drops of a citrus-based essential oil like lemon or orange to baking soda and rubbing it in together. Add lemon and orange zest and mix together again. Now layer the baking soda mixture in a jar with the citrus peels adding extra layers of freshness.

Place the open jar in your fridge to absorb odors and keep it smelling clean. The baking soda neutralizes smells, while the citrus zest and peels add a fresh, clean scent. This deodorant lasts about two weeks, after which you can replace the peels and zest to keep the freshness going.

For variations, you can add a few drops of orange essential oil instead of lemon to the baking soda for an extra burst of scent. If you prefer, you can also try using lime or grapefruit zest and peels for a different citrus aroma. This natural deodorant is safe and effective, ensuring that your fridge stays fresh without any harsh chemicals.

By making these homemade cleaning products, you can keep your home clean and fresh using natural, safe ingredients. Experiment with different essential oils and variations to find the perfect combinations for your cleaning needs.