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Making your own natural cleaning products is an easy and cost-effective way to keep your home clean and fresh. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create effective solutions that smell great and work wonders.
You likely already have many useful ingredients at home that are gentle yet effective at cleaning, disinfecting and deodorising. Plus, by making your own cleaners, you have the freedom to customise them to suit your needs, ensuring they are both practical and eco-friendly.
Common ingredients for natural cleaners
Here are some basic ingredients you can use to create your own natural cleaning products.
Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and deodoriser, effective at cutting through grease, removing stains and neutralising odours. It can be used on most surfaces but should not be used on marble or granite, as the acidity may damage the stone. A great option is Glitz Cleaning Vinegar.
Baking soda is a gentle abrasive great for scrubbing surfaces. It helps lift stains, remove odours, and clean sinks, tubs and countertops without scratching. Glitz Bi-Carb Cleaner is a good choice.
Fresh lemon juice can be used as a natural disinfectant, stain remover and deodoriser. It’s especially useful in recipes like glass cleaners or for cutting through grease.
Essential oils like lavender, tea tree and eucalyptus, provide both fragrance and antibacterial and anti-fungal properties.
Plain water is often used as a base for cleaning products, diluting stronger ingredients to make them safe for various surfaces.
Natural cleaning recipes
Here are some easy-to-make recipes for natural cleaning products.
All-purpose cleaner
For a simple all-purpose cleaner, mix one cup of water with one cup of cleaning vinegar and a tablespoon of baking soda. Add 10 - 15 drops of your favourite essential oil, such as tea tree or lavender. Place the mixture in a spray bottle, shake gently and use it to clean countertops, windows and other hard surfaces.
Glass cleaner
To make an effective glass cleaner, combine one cup of water with one cup of cleaning vinegar and one tablespoon of cornstarch in a spray bottle. Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a fresh scent. Shake well to mix, then spray onto glass surfaces and wipe clean with a lint-free cloth or newspaper for streak-free results.
All-natural floor cleaner
For floors, mix 4.5 litres of warm water with 120ml of cleaning vinegar, 60ml of lemon juice, and 10 drops of tea tree essential oil (optional). Mop your floor as usual, using the mixture to clean solid wood, tile or vinyl floors. The solution is safe, effective and doesn’t require rinsing, leaving your floors streak-free.
Natural scrub
A powerful scrub can be made by mixing 120g of baking soda with 60ml of lemon juice (or water if you prefer a milder solution) plus 10 drops of your preferred essential oil such as lavender or eucalyptus. Apply the paste to sinks, tubs, or countertops and scrub with a sponge or cloth. Rinse with water to reveal a sparkling clean surface.
Natural disinfectant
For disinfecting, mix one cup of water with one cup of cleaning vinegar, one teaspoon of isopropyl alcohol and 10 drops of tea tree or eucalyptus essential oil. This solution works well for disinfecting kitchen counters or bathroom surfaces. Spray it on, leave for five minutes, then wipe it off to kill germs and bacteria.
Oven cleaner
For stubborn, caked-on grease, you can make a powerful natural cleaner using baking soda and bio-degradable dish soap. Start by mixing two tablespoons of baking soda with a few drops of dish soap in a small bowl. Add a little water to create a paste-like consistency. Apply the paste directly onto the greasy area, making sure to cover the entire spot. Let it sit for 10 - 15 minutes to allow the mixture to break down the grease. Then use a scrubbing brush agitate the area in circular motions. The baking soda gently scrubs away the grease, while the dish soap helps to dissolve it.
Mould cleaner
To make a natural mould cleaner, simply mix one cup of cleaning vinegar with one cup of water in a spray bottle. Add 10 drops of tea tree essential oil or clove oil, which are known for their powerful anti-fungal properties. Shake the bottle gently to combine the ingredients. Spray the solution directly onto mouldy areas and allow it to sit for 10 - 15 minutes. This gives the solution time to break down the mould and kill spores. After waiting, use a sponge or cloth to scrub the area clean.
Hard water scale cleaner
For removing hard water scale in the shower, start by mixing equal parts of cleaning vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution directly onto the affected areas, focusing on the areas with visible scale buildup. Let it sit for 10 - 15 minutes to loosen the mineral deposits. Afterward, sprinkle baking soda over the vinegar solution and scrub the area with a sponge or soft brush. The combination of vinegar and baking soda works to break down the hard water scale, leaving your shower surfaces clean and free of mineral buildup.
Tips for using natural cleaning products
When using natural cleaners, it’s important to test them first on a small, inconspicuous area of the surface you wish to clean, particularly when trying a new cleaner. This ensures that the cleaner won’t cause any damage.
Microfibre cloths are ideal for use with natural cleaning products as they lift dirt effectively without the need for harsh chemicals. Using cloths or reusable sponges also helps reduce waste compared to disposable wipes or paper towels.
Store your homemade cleaners in reusable plastic spray bottles, and keep them out of direct sunlight to preserve their effectiveness. If your cleaner begins to smell stale or loses its potency, it’s a good idea to make a fresh batch.
If you need advice on cleaning in your home, don’t hesitate to hit the Ask a question button. Our resident Bunnings D.I.Y. experts and friendly community members would be happy to help.
