can you mix vinegar and tea tree oil

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. 🌿

ESSENTIAL OILS FOR DRY SCALP & GENTLE HAIR CONDITIONING MASK

A dry, flaky scalp can be a harmless issue, but it can become bothersome if it leads to itchiness and embarrassing when others notice the white flakes. Here are some natural remedy suggestions, including essential oils that can help alleviate dry scalp.

TREATING DRY, ITCHY SCALP NATURALLY

First, it’s important to distinguish between dry skin and dandruff. While some remedies may help both conditions, dandruff is more complex and requires a different approach.

Dandruff is typically caused by excess oil, resulting in larger, yellowish flakes that are more difficult to remove. An unpleasant odor may also accompany dandruff. If this is your concern, you may need to consider more intensive treatments.

Once you’ve established that you’re dealing with a dry scalp, it’s helpful to identify the underlying cause of the dryness. While you can start using essential oils for dry scalp right away, understanding the root cause can help prevent recurring issues.

Some common causes of a dry scalp include:

  • Stress
  • Poor diet
  • Dehydration
  • Seasonal changes and climate (such as cold, dry winter air or excessive sunlight in summer)
  • Harsh chemicals in shampoos, conditioners, styling products, or other hair treatments
  • Hormonal changes

I recommend being cautious with dandruff shampoos, as the chemicals in these products may exacerbate dry scalp conditions. 

BEST ESSENTIAL OILS FOR DRY SCALP

These essential oils are renowned for their ability to cleanse the sensitive skin of the scalp and enhance hair conditioning. This list serves as an excellent starting point to discover which oils work best with your unique body chemistry.

  • Lavender: Known as one of the best oils for skin care, lavender essential oil is gentle yet potent, featuring antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
  • Tea Tree: This oil promotes healing of the scalp thanks to its antifungal properties and can also stimulate hair growth.
  • Rosemary: With its antioxidant and antibacterial characteristics, rosemary stimulates the scalp and may promote hair growth.
  • Cedarwood: This earthy oil combats bacteria and fungi with its antiseptic properties, adding shine to hair and serving as a heat protectant.
  • Lemongrass: A popular cleansing oil, lemongrass essential oil is effective for oily hair and helps strengthen hair follicles. It also boasts anti-inflammatory and detoxifying benefits.

A simple apple cider vinegar hair rinse can sometimes provide just what you need to balance your scalp’s skin, eliminate any bacteria contributing to dry scalp issues, and improve your hair’s texture. For many, this may be the only natural hair treatment needed in their routine. Here is a recipe for making apple cider vinegar at home that you can refer to.

Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse

Author: Mama Z

Ingredients

  • ⅓ cup organic unfiltered apple cider vinegar
  • 1⅓ cups purified or distilled water
  • 30-48 drops of essential oils*

Instructions

  • Combine one part apple cider vinegar with four parts water and add your choice of essential oils.
  • Pour the mixture into a squeeze bottle or a repurposed shampoo bottle.
  • After shampooing, apply the rinse to clean, wet hair in the shower.
  • Gently massage it into your scalp and the roots of your hair, allowing it to soak for 3-5 minutes.
  • Rinse thoroughly. You may find that you don’t need to use as much conditioner after this treatment.

Notes: The ratio for this recipe is 1 part vinegar to 4 parts water. Feel free to adjust the quantities as needed for your family.

*Recommended essential oils include lavender, tea tree, cedarwood, lemongrass, and rosemary. Use about 15-20 drops per cup.

If your dry scalp requires more intensive moisturizing, this natural hair and scalp treatment is just what you need! Customize the essential oils to find the perfect match for your skin. Keep in mind that it may take a few applications and some time to heal your scalp. Here’s Mama Z’s at-home hair mask recipe for you to try!

NATURAL HAIR MASK TREATMENT

INGREDIENTS

  • 4 tablespoons aloe vera gel
  • 2 tablespoons organic unfiltered apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon carrier oil or raw organic local honey*
  • 24-30 drops of your choice of essential oils**

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Combine all the ingredients to create a hair treatment mixture.
  • Apply the natural hair mask to your scalp, ensuring it penetrates the skin to help eliminate bacteria and flakes.
  • Start at the crown of your head or your natural part, working the mask down your scalp. A wide-tooth comb can help distribute the mask effectively if needed.
  • Cover your head with a shower cap or a clean towel, allowing the mask to soak in for 15-20 minutes or as long as desired.
  • Rinse thoroughly and shampoo or condition as usual, though you may find you don’t need as much conditioner after this treatment.

Notes:

  • Follow this mask with my Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse to balance your hair’s pH and remove any excess product. Use an organic, unscented conditioner on the ends of your hair.
  • I recommend using a scalp massager to thoroughly work the hair mask into your scalp. For extra care, you can use a Nix lice comb to remove any leftover particles from your hair and scalp.
  • To complete your hair care routine, consider applying our Hair Regrowth Gel.

*Avoid coconut oil, as it can dry out the skin. Opt for jojoba, argan, almond, or olive oil instead; jojoba is particularly good for adding shine. Honey is also a great option for moisturizing and can help tame frizz.

**Suggested essential oils include cedarwood, lavender, lemongrass, tea tree, and rosemary. My favorite blend is equal parts peppermint, rosemary, and tea tree.

This treatment makes for a wonderful weekly ritual, especially while you unwind in a detox bath or simply to rejuvenate your scalp’s skin.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, essential oils offer a natural and effective solution for addressing dry scalp and promoting healthy hair. By carefully selecting oils like lavender, rosemary, tea tree, and peppermint, you can create a gentle yet potent hair conditioning mask tailored to your specific needs. Remember to always conduct a patch test before using essential oils on your scalp, and dilute them properly with a carrier oil to avoid irritation. With consistent use, this DIY hair mask can help nourish your scalp, reduce dandruff, and leave your hair feeling soft, shiny, and revitalized. Embrace the power of nature and unlock the transformative potential of essential oils for your hair care routine.