3 and 1 soap

12 BEST NATURAL CLEANING RECIPES 

Discover how to make all-natural cleaning products with simple pantry ingredients! Get 12 easy-to-follow recipes and a printable cheat sheet to keep on your fridge or in your cleaning cabinet for quick reference.

SHELF LIFE OF HOMEMADE CLEANING PRODUCTS

Since DIY cleaning products don’t contain chemical preservatives, their shelf life is relatively short. To keep them fresh, these recipes are intentionally sized for single or occasional use.

  • Water-based sprays should be used within 1–2 days.
  • Air freshener spray lasts longer (several weeks) because it’s made with 50% alcohol. Storing it in the fridge between uses can extend its shelf life.

Tip: Infuse Vinegar with Herbs

While white vinegar is commonly used in natural cleaning recipes, apple cider vinegar (ACV) is also effective. For an added boost, consider infusing your vinegar with herbs like thyme or dandelion flowers before use.

COMMON INGREDIENTS IN NATURAL CLEANING RECIPES

These simple, versatile ingredients are staples in DIY cleaning recipes. You likely already have many of them in your pantry, and any missing items can be found at your local grocery or health food store.

  • Baking soda: A natural deodorizer with gentle abrasiveness, perfect for scrubbing. Also known as bicarb or bicarbonate of soda.
  • Vinegar: Dissolves dirt, soap scum, and stains. Avoid using vinegar on granite, marble, stone, or aluminum surfaces. It can also double as a fabric softener!
  • Castile soap: A plant-based liquid soap that cleans surfaces without harsh detergents. Liquid dish soap can be substituted in some recipes.
  • Essential oils: Provide natural scents and additional cleaning benefits. Citrus oils cut grease, lavender adds a calming aroma, and tea tree oil has disinfectant properties.
  • Vodka or rubbing alcohol: Great for disinfecting and adding streak-free shine to windows and mirrors.
  • Spray bottles: Ideal for applying homemade cleaning solutions.
  • Reusable cleaning cloths: Upcycle old rags, t-shirts, socks, or dish towels into eco-friendly cleaning cloths. Choose absorbent materials in light or white colors to avoid lint marks.

DOWNLOAD YOUR PRINTABLE CLEANING CHEAT SHEET!

Get your free PDF reference chart featuring 12 natural cleaning recipes:

  • Click [HERE] to download the chart.
  • Use a PDF reader like Adobe or iBooks (for Apple devices). If PDFs won’t open in your browser, try using Chrome or Brave.

12 DIY NATURAL CLEANING RECIPES

Transform your cleaning routine with these all-natural, homemade recipes! Follow the directions below for sprays, dusting cloths, and scrubs to keep your home spotless without relying on harsh chemicals.

Important: Always spot-test your homemade cleaners on a small, inconspicuous area before using them on larger surfaces.

DIRECTIONS

  • For Sprays: Combine ingredients in a spray bottle and shake to mix. Shake well before each use.
  • For Dusting Cloths: Mix oil and essential oil, then add hot water and stir well. Soak cloths in the mixture, wring out excess liquid, and hang to dry. Hand wash and air-dry after use (never put in a dryer).
  • For Powders & Scrubs: Mix ingredients and apply with a wet sponge, rag, or brush. Rinse thoroughly after scrubbing.

RECIPES

Natural Window Cleaner
Shine your windows and mirrors naturally. Use within 1–2 days.

  • ½ cup white vinegar
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 pinch cornstarch
  • Optional: 1 tbsp vodka or alcohol

DIY All-Purpose Citrus Cleaning Spray
Perfect for counters, walls, and more. Make and use the same day.

  • 1 tbsp liquid castile soap
  • 10–15 drops citrus essential oil
  • 1 cup water

Dusting Cloths
Eco-friendly and reusable, these cloths make dusting safe and simple.

  • 5 tbsp jojoba or olive oil
  • 20 drops lemon essential oil (or lavender for a calming scent)
  • 1 cup hot water
  • Old t-shirts, cut into squares

Counter Spray
A quick, effective cleaner for kitchen and bathroom counters. Use within 1–2 days.

  • 1 cup water
  • 3 tbsp vodka or rubbing alcohol
  • 2 tsp liquid castile soap

Air Freshener Spray
Refresh any room with this long-lasting spray (shelf life: several weeks).

  • 2 tbsp vodka
  • 6–8 drops essential oil (your choice)
  • 2 tbsp water

Wood Furniture Spray
Clean and polish wood furniture gently. Spot test before use. Shelf life: 1 month.

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 drops lemon essential oil
  • 4 tbsp white vinegar

Scouring Powder with Citrus Zest
A dry powder for scrubbing surfaces; activate with water.

  • ½ cup baking soda
  • Zest of ½ lemon or orange
  • 4–5 drops lemon or orange essential oil

Scouring Powder with Washing Soda or Borax
Ideal for sinks, toilets, and other dirty surfaces.

  • ¼ cup baking soda
  • ¼ cup washing soda or borax
  • 5 drops citrus essential oil

Soft Scrub
Perfect for tubs and sinks. Mix as needed.

  • ¼ cup baking soda
  • ½ tbsp liquid castile soap
  • Water (enough to thin slightly)

Tea Tree Bathroom Cleaner
A refreshing spray for counters, toilets, and sinks. Use the same day.

  • 1 tbsp liquid castile soap
  • ¼ tsp tea tree essential oil
  • ⅛ tsp peppermint essential oil
  • 1 cup water

Cabinet Wash
Remove grime from kitchen cabinets. Use freshly mixed and discard leftovers.

  • ½ tbsp Murphy’s Oil Soap
  • Optional: 5 drops cedarwood or juniper essential oil
  • 1–2 cups warm water

Kitchen Floor Cleaner
Tackle sticky floors with this gentle, non-toxic cleaner. Use while warm.

  • 2 tbsp liquid castile soap
  • 15–20 drops lemon essential oil
  • 1 gallon hot water

Happy cleaning! Enjoy a fresher, healthier home with these natural recipes. 🌿

DIY HUMMINGBIRD FEEDER: A FUN AND EASY CRAFT FOR KIDS

Happy Spring, everyone! It’s amazing how quickly things can change. Like many of you, I’m adjusting to this new normal with my children home with me every day. In Seattle, almost everything is closed—even playgrounds are off-limits right now. So, in an effort to make the best of things, I’ve been brainstorming creative projects that my kids and I can enjoy together while stuck at home. One project that turned out to be a huge hit is a DIY Hummingbird Feeder.

I stumbled upon the idea of using jelly jars to create hummingbird feeders, and it was like a light bulb went off! I’ve had a store-bought hummingbird feeder on my Amazon wishlist for a while now, but I never thought of making my own. This DIY turned out to be the perfect project—simple, fun, and educational. My kids not only had a blast putting it together, but they also learned a little bit about these fascinating little birds. Keep reading if you’d like to try it with your little ones!

The only hiccup? I didn’t have any jelly jars on hand. But as is often the case with DIY projects, I made it work by getting a little creative! I used some 1oz McCormick spice jars instead. After emptying out the contents and giving them a thorough wash, I realized they were actually the perfect size for the dainty little hummingbirds. These tiny jars worked great as feeders and added a fun twist to the project. Sometimes a little improvisation leads to the best results!

Materials:

Instructions:

Follow these steps to make your own hummingbird feeder.

STEP 1: PREPARE YOUR SPICE JARS

First, thoroughly wash your spice jars and lids with hot, soapy water to ensure there are no lingering spice odors or tastes. You definitely don’t want anything that could turn off those curious hummingbirds! To remove the stickers from the jars, I used a little Goo Gone, which made it super easy to get them off without leaving any sticky residue.

Next, take a look at the lids. McCormick spice jars have a lid with holes, covered by a snap-top. To make it hummingbird-friendly, simply rip off the snap-top section. We won’t be needing it, and the tiny holes in the lid are just the right size for those little beaks! Hummingbirds will be able to drink the nectar right through those holes.

STEP 2: MAKE HUMMINGBIRD NECTAR

The recipe for hummingbird nectar couldn’t be simpler—just sugar water! But getting the ratio right is crucial. Too much sugar can be harmful to the birds, and too little doesn’t give them enough energy.

I followed the Audubon website’s recommended recipe: ¼ cup of refined white sugar and 1 cup of boiling water. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Once it’s cool, fill your spice jars all the way to the top with the nectar. Then, just screw the lid with holes back on, and you’re ready to go! Your homemade hummingbird feeder is all set to attract some feathered friends.

STEP 3: ATTACH JUTE TWINE FOR HANGING

To finish off the DIY feeder, I used some jute twine to create a little loop for hanging. It’s simple but effective! Just cut a piece of twine, tie it securely around the neck of the jar, and make sure your knots are tight so it hangs safely. You’ll also want to double-check that the lid is securely attached to avoid any spills. Once it’s all set, you’re ready to hang your new feeder outside and wait for the hummingbirds to come by!

Now, all that’s left to do is hang your homemade feeder outside in a spot where hummingbirds are likely to visit. Look for a place with some shelter from the wind and plenty of flowers nearby, as hummingbirds love colorful blooms. Then, just sit back and wait for those tiny, fluttering visitors to arrive! You’ll be amazed at how quickly they find your new feeder. Enjoy watching them sip away!

We haven’t had a visitor yet that I could photograph, but I’m confident those little hummingbirds are on their way! They tend to be quick and a bit shy, but once they catch sight of the nectar, they won’t be able to resist. I’m keeping an eye out, and I’m sure it won’t be long before we have some feathered friends stopping by for a sip. Stay tuned for those cute photos!