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. 🌿

30 BEST FADE HAIRCUT FOR MEN IN 2024

The fade haircut is the epitome of fresh, fashionable masculinity, combining style and versatility effortlessly. Whether you’re into a textured, tapered, high, or low fade, or prefer something artsy or classic, there’s a fade haircut to suit every man. This style works exceptionally well for everyone, including Black men. Before your next trim, explore these top fade haircut ideas to find the perfect look for you.

MID FADE WITH DESIGN

This mid-skin fade features a striking sharp pattern with four consecutive arcs that gradually fade into each other. The top is styled with heavy texture, reminiscent of the popular European crop hairstyle, giving this haircut a distinctive and unique look.

Stylish Taper Fade

Here’s a tip for getting this hairstyle: consider whether you’re comfortable with a faded look. Many guys who have tried it end up loving it, as it can make a noticeable difference in your style. Typically, this look begins with a zero, but you can also start with a one or two if you prefer a less extreme fade.

Drop Fade on French Crop

This style features a masculine French crop with a drop fade. The layers sit just above the fringe, adding texture and movement to the look. The point-cutting technique enhances this cut, particularly with a short fringe that blends seamlessly into the textured hairline. If you have thick hair and a strong jawline, you might opt for a longer fringe. For finer or thinner hair, a blunt, short fringe would be a better choice.

Cute Kids’ Fade

This kids’ haircut is a sleek, short fade pomp. It works well with any hair type, provided your child has the confidence to rock it. For curly hair, use a high-shine pomade to achieve a polished, detailed look. For straight hair, opt for a dry paste to create a matte, textured finish.

Clean and Slick Fade

Introducing the ultimate gentleman’s cut: a sleek and polished fade haircut. This refined style features a low skin fade with a part on the left and a subtle sweep at the front top. The hair is styled back, creating a sculpted shape that subtly resembles a pompadour from the side.

A Fresh Comb Over Fade with a Hard Part

A sharp comb-over with a hard part paired with faded sides creates a sophisticated look. This hairstyle is particularly flattering for men with straight to wavy hair.

Spiky Medium Fade

Spiky medium fade hairstyles are not for the faint of heart. This bold cut makes a strong statement with its noticeable spikes and faded sides, which enhance its overall impact.

Clean Slick Pompadour Fade

You might be surprised by how soothing a haircut can be with this pompadour fade. The style features long, clean lines that flow from the front and fade smoothly towards the back. It’s a sleek and calming cut that pairs perfectly with monochromatic outfits. This pompadour fade is also one of the more popular choices among white men.

Piece-y Skin Fade

This faded cut features a full, rebellious top, capturing the essence of youthful spirit through hair. It maintains a playful look on top while adding a touch of maturity with the faded sides.

Faded Sharp Edges

This faded cut with sharp edges highlights a spiky style. Orienting the spikes horizontally gives the look a modern and approachable feel.

Classic High Skin Fade

This high-skin fade is perfect for guys with medium to low facial hair. It transforms the entire head into a canvas for sharp, clean lines, accentuating both the cheeks and the sides of the head.

Straight-Up High Fade Undercut

This undercut features a high fade, with a pronounced weight line and a rapid skin fade that makes the style stand out.

Sharp Temp Fade

Temp fade haircuts are ideal for men seeking short sides and a sharp, defined style. While this haircut suits any hair type, it particularly complements those with natural curls or waves.

Trendy High Top Fade

The high top fade is a timeless haircut that remains in style due to its distinctive and attention-grabbing appeal. Its unique look ensures it continues to make a statement.

Popular Boosie Fade

The Boosie fade is a highly popular hairstyle among Black men. Its short length makes it easy to style and maintain.

The Popular Burst Fade

The burst fade is a popular men’s haircut that tapers around each ear, making it an ideal choice for achieving a mohawk style.

Straight Up High Fade

This high fade features ample length on top for styling, while the short sides highlight and accentuate the overall look.

Scissor Fade

Consider a scissor fade if your hair tends to grow back unevenly with a clipper cut. The advantage of a scissor fade is that it’s tailored to your specific hair and head shape, customized according to your measurements and preferences.

Low Taper Fade with a Buzz Cut

A short low taper fade paired with a buzz cut is a clean, precise style that works well in professional settings when done right. This look is ideal for men already opting for a buzz cut. If you’re interested, consider asking your barber about combining a buzz cut with a burst fade for added flair.

The Beard Fade

Silver Brushed Up Cut

Sometimes the simplest cuts are the most striking, like this brushed-up silver fade. Clean and tidy, it’s been cut to a grade 1-2 with a fade starting at the temple. The fringe is left longer to create a brushed-up quiff. For that stylish silver fox look, use a volumizing spray while drying and apply some styling powder for a natural finish. Embrace your silver—it’s a timeless style that never goes out of fashion!

Simple Temple Fade

This temple fade on curls adds a cool twist to an otherwise simple hairstyle. The Brooklyn fade offers a sleek cut at the temples, with clean edges that create a smooth, polished finish.

Curly Hair Fade

If you have naturally curly hair, a fade will likely suit you well. For straight-haired men, using a curling iron and some styling cream can easily help you achieve the same look.

Sharp Razor Fade

For those with darker, thicker hair, a razor fade can create a striking look. Simply keep the skin to the midpoint and begin the blend, allowing for ample space to achieve a smooth transition. If styling is a challenge, this razored fade is a great option. To style, comb the hair from the crown area and tousle the front with a matte paste. This product will provide the desired texture without excessive shine.

Modern Mullet with Textured Top and Fringe

Mullets have made a bold comeback, especially with modern twists like this one featuring a textured top and fringe. This mullet fade is tapered around the temples, with the length left on top for added structure, while the back grows out to the client’s preference. The layered, texturized cut enhances movement for easy styling. For a natural finish, use a sea salt spray followed by styling powder.

Short Faux Hawk Fade Haircut

The mohawk is a classic cut that has evolved over the years. This short faux hawk fade is bold and attention-grabbing, with faded sides over the ears and length left down the center to form the hawk. A side fade is a great option if you want the hawk look without fully committing to a disconnected style, giving you a blend of both the hawk and a clean fade.

Messy Low Curly Fade Style

Skin fades are incredibly popular and come in various styles, like this messy low curly fade. These tight afro curls, when grown out, create volume that complements different face shapes. For round faces, the added volume on top can give the appearance of a longer face. This cut features a disconnect at the back and sides, allowing room for the curls to grow and add weight.

Brushed Back

If you’re looking for a fresh haircut, try this brushed-back style. Keeping the sides short and tidy is often a preferred choice, as it keeps hair off your ears and grows out well. If your hair naturally grows forward, you’ll likely need styling products. I suggest starting with a volume spray and blow-drying it in, followed by a matte paste for long-lasting hold throughout the day.

Side-Parted Fade

The side-parted fade is a sleek, dapper style that suits many. The fade rises just above the midpoint, blending at the back and disconnecting at the side part to create a classic comb-over. For the side part, there are a few options, but this version features a ‘hard part’ with a razored-in line. To keep the look sharp, I recommend visiting your barber every 2-3 weeks.

Undercut with Medium Sleek Hair

For those who prefer a longer look, an undercut with medium sleek hair is a great choice. This style features a high fade that’s disconnected from the longer top, allowing the hair on top to grow out. The fade is disconnected at the temples and blended at the back, giving a tidy and cohesive appearance. To maintain a natural look, use a light-hold product like hairspray.

CONCLUSION

Remember, the best fade for you depends on your hair type, face shape, and personal style. So, explore the options, experiment with different lengths and blends, and find the fade that makes you feel confident and stylish.