How to Make Homemade DIY Non-Toxic Cleaner

How to make an easy DIY non-toxic cleaner with common household ingredients.

When I discovered household cleaning products contained chemicals, I decided to look for safer products that didn’t contain harmful ingredients so that I could reduce the toxins in our home.  

So how do we clean our homes without worrying about bringing toxic chemicals near our families and in our homes? We can start by researching and being aware of which chemicals to avoid in commercial products. 

We can also make our own cleaning products with common household ingredients. When you make this homemade all-purpose cleaner, it’s easier to see exactly what’s in your cleaner, not to mention it also costs less to make your own household cleaners.

However, a question most often asked is, “Do natural cleaners with natural ingredients really work?” The good news? They work. Certain essential oils have also been found to kill MRSA in under a few minutes, while others neutralize salmonella, E. coli and pneumonia. (source).

Note: essential oil solutions should be kept out of children’s reach. This next recipe uses vinegar along with other ingredients. This recipe works very well, but it’s important to note that there are some surfaces you would NOT want to use vinegar on. Looking for a recipe that doesn’t include vinegar? See my other option below for a household cleaner that doesn’t include vinegar.

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When Not to Use Cleaning Vinegar

• Don’t use cleaning vinegar on limestone, marble or granite.
• Using vinegar on knives can cause pitting on the edges.
• Do not use cleaning vinegar to clean cast iron or aluminum pans or surfaces.
• Cleaning vinegar is not recommended to use on wood or waxed surfaces.
• Do not use vinegar on electronic screens such as laptops or TVs.

Check out my favorite natural DIY cleaning recipe you can make too.

You can also print these recipes to keep on hand. See below for the printable recipe.

DIY Cleaner with Lemon & Tea Tree Oil

Supplies & Ingredients

• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1 cup water (distilled water for long term storage)
• 2 tablespoons hydrogen peroxide
•  20-30 drops essential oil. I always include tea tree oil 
• Spray bottle One 16 oz bottle or two 8 oz bottles
• Measuring cup and funnel

Add essential oils and vinegar to a glass spray bottle and shake well. Add water and hydrogen peroxide shake again. Before each use, shake before using, then spray on the surface and wipe clean with a soft cloth. Store in a cool, dark place. (essential oils oxidize in sunlight).

This recipe is printable.

This next recipe does not use vinegar but instead castile soap.

Natural Homemade All-Purpose Cleaner 

Ingredients

• 2 cups water (distilled water for long term storage)
• 1 1/2 tbs castile soap
• 20 drops essential oil (I like to use 10 drops of Tea Tree and then I’ll add in another essential oil that I have on hand- but I always use tea tree oil in this recipe because of the antiviral properties.)

Instructions

1. Pour ingredients into a spray bottle, preferably made of glass
2. Shake ingredients well before each use
3. Store in a cool, dark place. (Essential oils oxidize in sunlight)

Thankfully, I started using these homemade cleaners and reduced the toxins in our home. For clothes that need special care, try dry cleaning at home before taking them to the cleaners. You can whip up a batch yourself with natural ingredients and you’ll never have to buy all purpose cleaner again.

Looking to achieve a sparkling clean tub without the harsh ingredients? I dedicated a whole article that shares helpful tips and tricks on how to maintain your sparkling clean tub. Click here for the printable recipe for an easy DIY non-toxic bathtub scrub polisher.

I earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. 

Bonus: DIY Bathtub Scrub

While you have your cleaning supplies out, this simple scrub is the one I use for the tub.

This easy DIY non-toxic bathtub scrub will give your tub a sparkling clean with no harsh chemicals, yay!

Looking for a natural cleaning product that can clean your tub without the harsh toxic chemicals? Read on as making your own safe tub cleaner is easier than you may think.

Using chemical free products to clean your tub will bring peace of mind and also save you money by using common household ingredients that you can actually pronounce. You probably already have most of the ingredients for this DIY scouring tub cleaner.

For me, it’s been freeing to break away from the need to buy a bathtub cleaner that I didn’t feel good about using. I love how these simple ingredients, when combined, give a simple yet efficient cleaning.

Ready to protect your family from harsh toxic ingredients? Who’s ready to dive in and get this task done? You might even enjoy it…

And now for the recipe!

Sparkling Tub Cleaner

Ingredients:

• 1 cup baking soda
• 1/4 cup castile soap
• 1 Tbs. hydrogen peroxide
• 6-8 drops tea tree oil
• 1 jar with lid

Instructions:

1. Mix baking soda, liquid soap and hydrogen peroxide in a medium-sized glass container until it forms a paste-like consistency.
2. Add tea tree oil or essential oils of your choice.
3. Spoon the scrub cleaner into a jar with a lid. Seal the jar. This cleaner will harden when exposed to air for a prolonged period of time.

Cleaner can be used immediately and kept at room temperature (in a sealed jar) for several months. Use the polishing paste all over your tub surface for a sparkling clean tub.

TIPS: How to keep your tub sparkling clean?

• Every time you finish the bath or shower, leave the curtain or the door open, to let all the water evaporate.
• Be sure to clean the grout or caulk. These areas are typically covered by mildew and mold.
• At least 2-3 times a month, give the tub a good scrubbing
• Rinse your tub after each use to prevent soap scum, mildew and hard water deposits, wipe it dry with a towel.

For more tips, connect with me on Instagram @ Organized Buddy

Keep reading: Easy DIY Non-Toxic Bathtub Scrub Polisher · Holiday Cleaning Countdown Guide

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