best flower beauty products

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. 🌿

20 BEST EAR TATTOO IDEAS 

While the thought of a tattoo needle piercing the delicate skin of your ear might seem intimidating and painful, ear tattoos can actually be quite beautiful and subtle. Plus, their small size often makes them easy to conceal, which is great if tattoos aren’t allowed at home or work. Although the design options aren’t endless, the ear’s various areas—like the lobe, helix, and tragus—provide plenty of creative opportunities despite its small surface.

The process of preparing for and caring for ear tattoos is quite similar to other tattoo placements. If you’ve had a tattoo before, much of this will be familiar. However, if this is your first tattoo, there are a few simple steps to ensure a smooth experience, from brainstorming design ideas to choosing the best aftercare products.

FLOWER POWER

This orange-outlined flower might look familiar if you’re a fan of Disney’s Mulan. It closely resembles the flower on Mulan’s hair comb in the movie, positioned beautifully near the base of the ear.

WING EAR TATTOO

This ear tattoo is such an adorable way to get those angel wings you’ve always wanted (and the placement is perfect!).

DOTTED STARS 

Dotted star tattoos on the outer cartilage are a popular choice for those seeking a minimalist yet eye-catching design. The tiny dots create a constellation-like effect, adding a touch of celestial beauty to the ear.

CUTE HIGH HEELS

This delicate tattoo is a testament to the beauty of simplicity. With its clean lines and subtle shading, it’s a work of art that will never go out of style.

SPOTTED DIAMONDS 

These tiny diamonds, inked by Gi, a London-based tattoo artist specializing in hand-poke tattoos, are delicately arranged in a random pattern across the ear, extending to the front of the tragus. It’s a perfect example of how simple, minuscule specks can come together to create intricate body art.

STARSTRUCK 

Tiny stars and diamonds are formed using dot and fine line work on the scapha, with Gi adding more dots along the lower helix and lobe to create this abstract piece.

WHALE 

Whales, among the longest-living and largest creatures on Earth, possess a commanding presence. Yet, they often glide quietly beneath the surface, moving at their own gentle pace. Their strength is subtle and tranquil, bringing a sense of calm even amid the roaring waves.

STAR STUDDED

This tattoo by Sagflap adorns the scapha, lobe, and part of the cartilage with a variety of stars. Each star is unique, and if you zoom in, you’ll notice different line weights that make it even more enjoyable to admire.

SCORPION

The scorpion is a lethal creature, and those who wear scorpion tattoos carry an unmistakable warning not to be trifled with. As the symbol of the Scorpio zodiac sign—known for its intensity and secrecy—these dangerous yet alluring tattoos might resonate deeply with anyone born under Scorpio’s influence.

BLUE SWIRLS 

These mesmerizing squiggles follow no specific pattern, with vibrant blue lines that twist around the ear and even extend behind it.

TINY MOON AND CONSTELLATION

Moon tattoos behind the ear are fairly common, but what sets this one apart is the tiny, colorful constellation, transforming the design into a unique personal statement.

A ROSE

A tattoo behind the ear is an effortless way to keep it discreet. Weldon designed this rose for a client seeking a simple design that wouldn’t “overwhelm the space.”

BLOOMING FLOWERS

Blooming flowers are a symbol of life, beauty, and renewal. Their vibrant colors and delicate petals can bring joy and inspiration to anyone who sees them. Whether they are growing in a garden or simply displayed in a vase, blooming flowers are a timeless reminder of the beauty that surrounds us.

I GOT MY EYES ON YOU

Though small in size, this eye tattoo makes a significant impact. Its simple design harmonizes with the two nearby tattoos, which could almost be mistaken for piercings.

ONE WITH NATURE

Russian tattoo artist Tatiana Nikandrova enjoys tattooing leaves, such as these, for their natural appearance on the ear. This particular design flows gracefully from the helix toward the tragus. Nikandrova shares with Allure that she prefers to focus on “simple but recognizable” designs rather than “super detailed works” when creating ear tattoos.

A SMALL FLORAL NOTE

A small floral note behind the ear is a subtle yet charming way to express one’s love for nature and beauty. This delicate tattoo can be a reminder of a cherished memory, a symbol of hope, or simply a personal expression of style. No matter the meaning behind it, a floral note behind the ear is sure to add a touch of elegance and femininity to any outfit.

LET IT FLOW

Berlin-based artist María Palomino Sedze, also known as Lady Marion, demonstrates that ear tattoos can be as expansive as you desire. In this piece, she aimed to capture the flow of energy, using angled shapes that resemble circuit lines.

ABSTRACT “FUTURE” SYMBOL

Do you have a word that resonates with you? This artist elevates one-word tattoos by deconstructing the word “future” and transforming it into a minimalist single-letter symbol. Its tiny, understated design makes it ideal for the area.

SMALL QUESTION MARK

A question mark is an unconventional tattoo choice, sparking curiosity about the wearer’s intentions. Positioned behind the ear, this tattoo can symbolize a sense of curiosity and a willingness to question and challenge social norms.

GRADIENT SNAKE TATTOO

A snake tattoo can symbolize rebirth, as snakes shed their skin and emerge renewed. It is also often associated with a witchy aesthetic, embodying themes of darkness and danger. In contrast, Japanese culture views snake tattoos as talismans, believed to protect the wearer from bad luck and illness.

CONCLUSION

Ear tattoos offer a unique and personal way to express oneself. From minimalist designs to intricate artwork, there is a wide range of options to suit every taste and style. Whether you’re looking for a subtle statement or a bold declaration, an ear tattoo can be a beautiful and meaningful addition to your appearance.