Making your own cleaning supplies might sound like a hassle, but it’s actually simple, cost-effective, and surprisingly satisfying. With just a few ingredients you probably already have at home, you can whip up cleaners that are tough on grime but gentle on your home and your wallet. Plus, homemade cleaning supplies are free from harsh chemicals, which makes your home a healthier place to live.
Why Make Your Own Cleaners?
Store-bought cleaning products can get expensive, and some of them contain ingredients that aren’t good for your health or the environment. When you make your own, you know exactly what’s in them. You’re in control. And if you’ve got kids or pets at home, that peace of mind makes a big difference.
Homemade cleaners also cut down on waste. You’re not constantly throwing out empty bottles or buying new plastic containers. Just reuse what you have, mix up a new batch when you need it.
The Essentials You’ll Need for Homemade Cleaning Supplies
You don’t need a long list of ingredients to get started. Most homemade cleaners rely on just a few basics. White vinegar is a powerhouse when it comes to cutting grease and killing bacteria. Baking soda is great for scrubbing and deodorizing. Castile soap—a vegetable-based soap—works well for everything from dishes to floors. And then there’s lemon juice, which smells fresh and adds a natural boost to your cleaning power.
Water rounds it all out. Distilled water is best if you want your cleaners to last longer, but tap water works just fine for most everyday jobs.
Easy Recipes to Try
For an all-purpose cleaner, mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. If you’re not into the smell of vinegar, you can add a few drops of essential oil like lavender, tea tree, or lemon to make it more pleasant. This mix is perfect for wiping down counters, sinks, and even glass.
To clean your bathroom, try sprinkling baking soda into your tub or sink, then spray it with that vinegar mix. It’ll fizz up and help break down soap scum and grime. Let it sit for a minute or two, scrub with a sponge, and rinse clean.
Need a floor cleaner? Mix a tablespoon of castile soap into a gallon of warm water. It’s safe for hardwood, tile, and laminate. Just be sure to wring out your mop well—too much water isn’t good for wood floors.
Homemade cleaning supplies help you save money and work just as well as their store-bought counterparts. Once you start using them, you’ll probably wonder why you didn’t try it sooner. Start with one or two recipes, see how they work for you, and build from there. Before long, you might just have a full lineup of DIY cleaners that get the job done without all the extras you don’t need.
Oasis Home Inspections offers home inspections to customers in Brevard County, Florida. Contact us to schedule our services.