DIY Alternatives to Store Products
Create effective cleaning solutions at home using simple, natural ingredients. Save money and reduce waste.
All-Purpose Cleaners
Citrus All-Purpose Cleaner
Ingredients:
- 2 cups white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- Peels from 2-3 citrus fruits (orange, lemon, or grapefruit)
- 10-15 drops essential oil (optional)
Instructions:
- Combine citrus peels and vinegar in a glass jar.
- Let sit for 2 weeks, shaking occasionally.
- Strain the liquid and mix with water.
- Add essential oil if desired.
- Store in a spray bottle and use as needed.
Best for: Countertops, sinks, glass surfaces, and general cleaning.
Vinegar and Baking Soda Cleaner
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup warm water
Instructions:
- Mix baking soda with warm water to form a paste.
- Apply to surface and let sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Spray with vinegar and scrub.
- Rinse with water and wipe clean.
Best for: Tough stains, grout, and heavily soiled areas.
Laundry Powder
Homemade Laundry Detergent
Ingredients:
- 1 bar of natural soap (grated)
- 1 cup washing soda
- 1 cup borax
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- Essential oils (optional, 20-30 drops)
Instructions:
- Grate the soap bar into fine pieces.
- Mix all dry ingredients together in a large bowl.
- Add essential oils if desired and mix well.
- Store in an airtight container.
- Use 1-2 tablespoons per load of laundry.
Best for: Regular laundry loads. Works in both standard and high-efficiency washers.
Dish Soap Alternatives
Castile Soap Dish Cleaner
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup liquid castile soap
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 5-10 drops essential oil (optional)
Instructions:
- Mix castile soap with water in a bottle.
- Add vinegar and baking soda (it will fizz).
- Add essential oil if desired.
- Shake well before each use.
- Use like regular dish soap.
Best for: Hand washing dishes, cutting through grease naturally.
Dishwasher Pod Alternative
Ingredients:
- 1 cup washing soda
- 1 cup borax
- 1/2 cup citric acid
- 1/2 cup kosher salt
- Water (for binding)
Instructions:
- Mix all dry ingredients together.
- Add water gradually until mixture forms a paste.
- Press into ice cube trays or silicone molds.
- Let dry for 24-48 hours until hard.
- Use one pod per dishwasher load.
Best for: Automatic dishwashers. Effective on grease and food residue.
Air Fresheners
Natural Room Spray
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup distilled water
- 1/2 cup witch hazel or vodka
- 20-30 drops essential oils (your choice)
Instructions:
- Combine water and witch hazel in a spray bottle.
- Add essential oils and shake well.
- Shake before each use.
- Spray into the air, avoiding direct contact with surfaces.
Best for: Freshening rooms naturally without synthetic fragrances.
Scent Combinations: Lavender + lemon for calming, eucalyptus + mint for energizing, or vanilla + orange for warm and inviting.
Simmer Pot Air Freshener
Ingredients:
- 2-3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 4-6 cups water
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a pot.
- Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Let simmer for 1-2 hours, adding water as needed.
- Turn off heat when done. Can be reused for 2-3 days if refrigerated.
Best for: Creating a warm, inviting atmosphere during colder months.
Bathroom Scrubs
Natural Toilet Cleaner
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 1/4 cup citric acid
- 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide
- 10 drops tea tree essential oil
Instructions:
- Mix baking soda and citric acid in a bowl.
- Add hydrogen peroxide gradually while stirring.
- Add essential oil and mix until paste forms.
- Apply to toilet bowl and let sit for 30 minutes.
- Scrub and flush.
Best for: Cleaning and disinfecting toilet bowls naturally.
Tub and Tile Scrub
Ingredients:
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1/4 cup liquid castile soap
- 1/4 cup water
- 15 drops peppermint essential oil
Instructions:
- Mix baking soda with castile soap.
- Add water gradually until desired consistency.
- Add essential oil and mix well.
- Store in an airtight container.
- Apply with a scrub brush and rinse thoroughly.
Best for: Removing soap scum and hard water stains from tubs and tiles.
Benefits of DIY Alternatives
Why Make Your Own?
Creating your own cleaning products offers numerous advantages beyond just cost savings. You gain complete control over ingredients, ensuring no harmful chemicals enter your home.
Cost Savings
DIY alternatives typically cost 70-90% less than store-bought products, especially when you buy ingredients in bulk.
Reduced Packaging
By making products at home, you eliminate single-use plastic bottles and containers, significantly reducing your waste footprint.
Customization
Adjust scents, strength, and ingredients to match your preferences and specific cleaning needs.
Safety
You know exactly what's in your products, making them safer for your family, pets, and the environment.
