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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. 🌿

HOMEMADE HERBAL BATH MELTS

These herbal bath melts are perfect for moisturizing your skin, resetting your energy, calming your mind, and opening your heart. There’s no better way to unwind and release the day’s stress than through a self-care ritual, setting a personal bath intention. With these melts, you’ll create a soothing experience that nourishes both body and soul.

If you’ve been following the blog for a while, you know how much I advocate for self-care. One of my favorite ways to practice self-care is by enjoying a nourishing bath that refreshes both your skin and your spirit.

Over the years, I’ve shared various bathtime essentials, including bath salts, soaks, and bath bombs. These herbal bath melts offer a unique experience—they’re portable like bath bombs yet deliver the deep hydration of a bath soak, making them a perfect addition to your relaxation routine.

WHAT IS AN HERBAL BATH MELT?

Imagine the silky, indulgent experience of a bath soak combined with the convenience of a bath bomb. These herbal bath melts gently dissolve without fizzing, releasing essential herbs and oils for a deeply hydrating bath.

Infused with cocoa butter, shea butter, coconut oil, and skin-soothing herbs, these melts create a balanced, nourishing bath ritual that your skin will adore. As you soak, a sense of calm, renewal, and heart-opening warmth will envelop you, leaving your skin soft and replenished.

ARE BATH MELTS HARD TO MAKE?

Nope! Making herbal bath melts is actually quite simple and allows for a lot of flexibility with ingredients. All it takes is mixing your chosen ingredients, pouring them into a silicone mold, and letting them set.

The recipe I used combines clays, essential oils, organic flowers, and coconut oil. Unlike bath bombs, these herbal melts are less labor-intensive and offer more creative freedom. I love how soft and nourished my skin feels after using them!

The best part of this herbal bath melt recipe is its flexibility—you can tailor the ingredients to suit your specific herbal needs, spiritual intentions, or simply what you have on hand.

FAVORITE DIY HERBAL BATH MELT INGREDIENTS

Creating your own bath melts lets you design a bath experience perfectly suited to your needs. I often begin with Epsom salts, which offer muscle-relaxing properties and skin nourishment, much like a bath bomb.

I also love adding my favorite organic flowers like calendula and chamomile, which bring a touch of beauty and tranquility to the bath. Be sure they’re 100% organic since you’ll be soaking in them!

When choosing ingredients for your herbal bath melts, think about the self-care ritual you want to create—one that encourages focus and letting go. Each ingredient has nourishing properties for the skin, but consider those that uplift your soul as well.

HEART-OPENING HERBAL SOAK

There’s nothing quite like a warm bath to thaw your body, mind, and heart on a chilly evening. Let the cocoa butter in these herbal bath melts melt into your skin, providing deep moisture and warmth.

Rose is a beautiful, heart-opening addition to this ritual, perfect for the colder months when many of us feel more introspective. Chamomile brings a gentle, calming quality with its light floral aroma, helping you drift off to a peaceful place, while calendula offers soothing support as you release and heal from the past.

For a touch of winter magic, bright orange peel brings fresh energy to your connections, love, and dreams. And the earthy scent of cedar offers a grounding presence, helping you reconnect with your inner wisdom, grounding you as you explore and embrace your truest self.

Other ingredients added:

  • rose clay
  • french green clay
  • rhassoul clay
  • cocoa butter wafers
  • shea butter
  • essential oils
  • cedar leaf
  • calendula flowers
  • chamomile
  • dried orange peel
  • rose petals

These ingredients not only hold everything together but also provide essential nutrients to nourish your skin.

Feel free to get creative, experimenting with or mixing your favorite ingredients. Whatever herbs you choose, simply stick to the recommended ratios, and you’ll create a magical DIY bath melt every time!

HOW TO MAKE HERBAL BATH MELTS

First, weigh out the coconut oil, cocoa butter wafers, and shea butter using a digital kitchen scale.

Next, melt the ingredients in a double boiler or a makeshift double boiler (by placing a Pyrex measuring cup or bowl over a pan with an inch or two of simmering water) until the oils reach a fully melted state.

If you’re using any optional clay ingredients, divide the melted oils into separate bowls. Stir in each clay while mixing to ensure they melt smoothly. Keep in mind that different clay types will affect the color of the melts and provide additional skin benefits.

Next, pour the melted oil mixtures into silicone molds. Then, in each mold, add Epsom salts and your chosen herbal ingredients. Feel free to use flower petals, cedar leaves, dried orange peel, or any other herbs in combinations that best suit your needs.

Allow the bath melts to dry and harden in the silicone molds overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can speed up the process by placing them in the refrigerator.

Once they are completely set, gently pop the herbal bath melts out of the molds. Then, enjoy your soothing ritual of self-love, self-realization, and self-companionship!

HOW TO STORE AND USE HERBAL BATH MELTS

While you await their use, keep these lovely bath melts at room temperature, storing them in a cool, dry, dark place away from direct sunlight.

If you live in or visit a very hot climate, it’s best to store the herbal bath melts in the refrigerator. After all, no one wants a pre-melted bath melt!

Use the herbal bath melts as needed to moisturize your skin and relax your mind. Embrace the herbal benefits as you reconnect with your inner self. Just as the melts cater to your individual needs, create a ritual that feels right for you in the moment.

There’s nothing selfish about self-care. You’ll discover that as the bath melt dissolves, you’ll also melt away the day’s stressors.

Simply place a bath melt into a tub of hot water and allow it to melt, releasing the soothing herbs as you soak. Enjoy the experience!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How can I avoid the bath melts making a mess in the bathtub?

If you’re concerned about a mess after using the bath melt, I have a few tips for you. First, grind the flower petals using a coffee grinder, a circle silicone mold, a double boiler insert, a blender, or a food processor to minimize residue. Second, you can use a cheesecloth secured with a rubber band to strain out any leftover materials, making cleanup easier.

Regarding plumbing worries, I found that while using the bath melts, I focused on applying the oils to my skin, similar to a lotion bar. By the end of your bath, you’ll likely notice any remaining oils floating on top of the water. You can scoop these up with a cup to prevent them from going down the drain. If this method doesn’t work for you, consider leaving out the Epsom salt from the recipe and using the bath melt right after getting out of the bath!

Will the bath melts stay solid at room temperature?

Absolutely! We created and tested the bath melts recipe to ensure they stay solid at room temperature. However, we recommend storing them in a cool, dark place until you’re ready to use them. Avoid sunny windows and be cautious when transporting the melts on hot days to keep them in perfect condition.

What tools will I need to make the bath melts?

I recommend using a silicone mold to shape the bath melts; I used a circular silicone mold for mine. For melting, I often set up a standard double boiler by placing a glass bowl on top of a pot filled with warm water. Alternatively, I love using a double boiler insert for easy heating and pouring. A kitchen scale is also helpful for measuring the ingredients accurately!

conclusion

In conclusion, creating your own herbal bath melts is a delightful and customizable way to enhance your self-care routine. By choosing ingredients that resonate with your needs and preferences, you can craft a soothing and nourishing bath experience that promotes relaxation, skin hydration, and inner peace. With simple steps and flexible options, you can enjoy the calming benefits of these bath melts while reconnecting with yourself. So gather your materials, let your creativity flow, and indulge in the magic of a personalized herbal bath ritual that rejuvenates both your body and mind! Enjoy every moment of your self-care journey!