How to Make Natural Cleaning Supplies at Home
Is spring cleaning giving anyone else label-reading anxiety when tackling messes with conventional cleaners? It seems no matter the chore, those ingredient lists read like a chemistry exam! As I have been shifting my home care routine to natural cleaning supplies, not only have my cabinets gotten less toxic, I actually find I enjoy the process now.
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Really! Making your own custom formulas with herbs and essential oils tailored to personal scent preferences turns even scrubbing into a little act of self-care. As someone constantly experimenting and discovering new ways to harness nature's cleaning powers, I cannot wait to share my current favorite recipes. From magical all-purpose sprays to streak-free glass polish, it is easy to swap conventional cleaners for kinder, nose-pleasing natural cleaning supplies perfect for freshening things up this spring. Once you experience the uplifting power of green cleaning, you will never look at chemical-laden store bottles the same way again.
Let's get started on making some natural cleaning recipes with common kitchen herbs! I'll share my current favorite plant-based formulas using ingredients you likely have on hand. From a refreshing natural cleaning spray to glass cleaner, let's swap conventional chemicals for kinder DIY options that uplift both home and spirit!
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Common herbs used in natural cleaning supplies
There are a variety of herbs that can be used in natural cleaning products due to their unique properties. Here's a list of some common herbs and how they contribute to effective cleaning:
- Lavender: This herb is known for its calming scent and antibacterial properties. Lavender oil works well in laundry detergents, drawer and closet sachets, all-purpose cleaners, and air fresheners.
- Lemon Balm: Harvested Lemon balm is a versatile herb with a fresh, lemony scent. It has antiviral and antibacterial properties, making it great for all-purpose cleaners and surface sprays.
- Eucalyptus: With its strong, invigorating scent, eucalyptus is a powerful disinfectant, making it perfect for bathroom cleaners, floor cleaners, and laundry detergents.
- Rosemary: Fresh Rosemary is a fragrant herb with antimicrobial properties. It works well in kitchen cleaners, dish soap, and surface sprays.
- Mint: Mint has a refreshing scent and contains natural insect-repelling properties. It's excellent for window and glass cleaners, as well as carpet cleaners.
Recipes for natural home cleaning supplies using herbs
Here are some recipes using simple ingredients to make natural home cleaning products:
All-purpose cleaner
- 2 cups distilled white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon liquid castile soap
- 10 drops of lavender essential oil
- 10 drops lemon balm essential oil
Combine all the ingredients in a spray bottle, shake well, and use this all purpose cleaning spray on non-porous surfaces like kitchen counters, your kitchen sink, and stainless steel appliances.
Window and glass cleaner
- 1 ½ cups distilled white vinegar
- ½ cup water
- 10 drops mint essential oil
- 5 drops lemon essential oil
Mix all the ingredients in a spray bottle, shake well, and use on windows, mirrors, and glass surfaces. Wipe with a microfiber cloth for a streak-free finish. Check out my Peppermint and Lemon window cleaner.
Carpet cleaner
- 1 cup baking soda
- 10 drops eucalyptus essential oil
- 5 drops mint essential oil
Combine the baking soda and essential oils in a jar, shake well, and let it sit for 24 hours to infuse the scents. Sprinkle the mixture onto carpets and rugs, let it sit for 15-20 minutes, and then vacuum as usual.
Air freshener
- 1 cup distilled water
- 2 tablespoons vodka or rubbing alcohol
- 10 drops lavender essential oil
- 10 drops rosemary essential oil
Combine all the ingredients in a spray bottle, shake well, and mist into the air to freshen up your home. Check out my Basil Air freshener recipe.
For more ways to use herbs for home fragrance visit
Laundry detergent
- 1 bar grated castile soap (unscented)
- 1 cup washing soda
- 1 cup borax
- 20 drops eucalyptus essential oil
- 10 drops lemon balm essential oil
Grate the castile soap and combine it with washing soda, borax, and essential oils in a large container. Mix well and store in an airtight container. Use 1-2 tablespoons per load of laundry, depending on the size and soil level of your clothes. Be sure to check out my laundry scent booster post as well as how to effortlessly & safely scent laundry using essential oils on wool dryer balls.
Tips and tricks for using herbs in natural home cleaning products
To make the most of your herbal cleaning products, follow these tips and tricks:
Proper storage of herbs
- Store your homegrown dried herbs in airtight containers like a mason jar, away from direct sunlight and heat, to preserve their potency and aroma.
- If using fresh herbs, keep them wrapped in a damp paper towel inside a plastic bag in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness.
- Label your glass jar with the herb name and date of storage to ensure you're always using fresh ingredients.
Safety precautions
- Be mindful of potential allergies when using herbs and essential oils. Test a small area before using a new product to ensure no adverse reactions occur.
- Keep your homemade cleaning products out of reach of children and pets, just as you would with store-bought cleaners.
- Avoid combining vinegar with bleach or ammonia, as this can create toxic fumes.
- Always wear gloves when handling undiluted essential oils to prevent skin irritation.
How to customize the scents of your cleaning products
- Feel free to mix and match essential oils based on your preferences or the specific needs of your home. For example, you can create a custom blend of lavender, eucalyptus, and peppermint for a refreshing and calming scent.
- Adjust the number of drops of essential oil used in each recipe to achieve your desired level of fragrance.
- Experiment with different combinations of herbs to discover new scents and cleaning properties that work best for your home.
Frequently asked questions
Many herbs from your herb garden like lavender leaves, rosemary, sage, and thyme contain antiviral, antibacterial, or antifungal properties that allow infusion into natural vinegar or citrus-based cleaners. Chop herbs finely to release their cleansing oils then steep them over several weeks for a powerful infusion. Strain and add to spray bottles for an all-purpose cleaning solution.
The shelf life of homemade cleaners depends on ingredients, but acidic blends like citrus juice, acetic acid, or infused vinegar preserved in a cool dark place typically last 4-6 months. Clean glass jars with lids allow longer storage than open containers. Add a tag with the date or recipe name for easy identification of older homemade blends before use.
Yes! The great thing about homemade cleaners is customizing with on-hand natural ingredients. Vinegar or lemon juice can be used interchangeably depending on stock. And experiment with different germicidal essential oils like sage, tea tree, lavender, or orange in varying ratios depending on scent preference. Start with small amounts of oils then increase until the ideal cleansing potency and smell for your space is achieved.
Switching to natural cleaning products infused with herbs is a fantastic way to create a healthier, more eco-friendly home. Not only do these household products provide effective cleaning power, but they also fill your home with inviting, natural fragrances without toxic chemicals.
Now that you know about some common herbs used in natural cleaning products, have a collection of recipes at your fingertips, and are equipped with tips and tricks for success, it's time to start making your own herbal DIY cleaner. Embrace the benefits of using herbs in your cleaning routine, and enjoy clean clean surfaces, natural fragrance, and a more sustainable natural clean home.
Thank you for visiting the blog for, How to Use Herbs in Natural Home Cleaning Products. I hope you feel empowered to create your own customized, ecologically sound cleaning formulas that make chores a little more pleasant.
