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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. 🌿

APPLE CIDER BRAISED PORK SHOULDER

This Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder is a comforting, one-pot dinner that’s ideal for cozy fall evenings. Succulent pork is slow-cooked to perfection in a rich blend of fresh apple cider, onions, apples, and aromatic herbs. The result? A melt-in-your-mouth dish bursting with fall flavors.

INGREDIENTS

  • 4–5 lb pork shoulder or Boston butt roast*
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil
  • 2 cups fresh apple cider* (not apple cider vinegar)
  • 2 cups chicken stock or broth
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon dehydrated minced onion
  • 1 head of garlic, top sliced off (opposite the root end)
  • 3 rosemary sprigs
  • 4 thyme sprigs
  • 1 red onion, cut into thick slices
  • 2 firm, slightly tart apples*, peeled and cut into wedges
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly cracked black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Preheat the oven to 325°F.
  • Trim any large fat caps from the pork if needed. Cut the pork into four large pieces, or leave it whole if bone-in.
  • Pat the pork pieces dry with a paper towel, then season generously with kosher salt and black pepper.
  • In a large Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, sear the pork in a single layer for 4–5 minutes per side until deeply browned. Work in batches if necessary.
  • While the pork sears, whisk together the apple cider, chicken stock, Dijon mustard, and dehydrated minced onion in a bowl. Tie the rosemary and thyme into a small bundle with kitchen twine.
  • Once the pork is browned, pour the cider mixture into the Dutch oven. Add the herb bundle and garlic head. Cover the pot and transfer it to the oven.
  • Braise for about 3 hours, flipping the pork halfway through. For boneless pork, start checking around 2 ½ hours.
  • When the pork is nearly fork-tender, remove from the oven and arrange the onion slices and apple wedges around the pork. Cover and return to the oven for another 30–45 minutes, until the pork is very tender.
  • Let the pork rest in the braising liquid for 30 minutes before serving. Squeeze the softened garlic cloves into the broth or over the pork for added flavor. Adjust the seasoning of the braising liquid with salt and pepper, then spoon it over the pork, apples, and onions to serve.

NOTES

*For guidance on using boneless or bone-in pork, see the blog post.
*If your pork is especially fatty, trim some excess before searing.
*Best apple varieties for this recipe are firm and slightly tart, such as Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Gala.
*Important: Use apple cider, not apple cider vinegar, as vinegar will alter the flavor entirely.