Eco-Friendly Cleaning Recipes

Keeping your home and outdoor spaces clean doesn’t have to mean filling them with harsh chemicals. Many everyday cleaning tasks can be tackled with simple, natural ingredients that are just as effective, cost less, and are gentler on your family, pets, and the environment.

These easy DIY cleaning recipes use common household ingredients to help you reduce waste, improve indoor air quality, and create a healthier home—without sacrificing a sparkling clean. Small changes like these are an easy way to live more sustainably, one cleaning bottle at a time.

All-Purpose Cleaner
Shake well before each use. Do not use vinegar on natural stone such as granite or marble.

Best for: Counters, appliances, sinks, and most hard surfaces.

• 2 cups water
• ½ cup white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon castile soap
• 10–15 drops lemon or lavender essential oil

Glass & Mirror Cleaner
Spray onto glass and wipe with a microfiber cloth for a streak-free finish.

• 2 cups distilled water
• ¼ cup white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon rubbing alcohol

Bathroom Scrub
Mix into a paste, apply with a sponge or brush, scrub, and rinse.

• ½ cup baking soda
• 2 tablespoons castile soap
• A few drops of tea tree or eucalyptus essential oil

Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Sprinkle baking soda into the bowl, pour in the vinegar, let fizz for 10–15 minutes, scrub, and flush.

• ½ cup baking soda
• ½ cup white vinegar

Green Cleaning Tips

• Reuse glass spray bottles and refill them as needed.
• Use washable microfiber or cotton cloths instead of paper towels.
• Compost citrus peels after use.
• Label homemade cleaners with the ingredients and date they were made.
• Never mix vinegar with bleach or hydrogen peroxide.

Natural Weed Killer
Best for: Driveways, sidewalks, and gravel paths.

• 1 gallon white vinegar
• 1 cup salt
• 1 tablespoon natural liquid dish soap

Mix well and spray directly onto weeds on a warm, sunny day.

Avoid spraying near plants you want to keep, as this solution will kill most vegetation.

Outdoor Furniture Cleaner
Scrub with a soft brush or sponge and rinse thoroughly.

• 1 gallon warm water
• ¼ cup castile soap
• ½ cup baking soda

Deck & Patio Cleaner
Apply with a broom or deck brush, allow to sit for 10–15 minutes, scrub, and rinse well.

• 1 gallon warm water
• ½ cup oxygen bleach (not chlorine bleach)

Plant Leaf Cleaner
Mix a few drops of castile soap into a bowl of water. Wipe leaves gently with a soft cloth to remove dust and help plants absorb more sunlight.

Bird Bath Cleaner
Make a paste with baking soda and water. Scrub the bird bath, rinse thoroughly, and refill with fresh water.

Garbage Can Freshener
Sprinkle baking soda in the bottom of the can to absorb odors. Add a few lemon or orange peels between cleanings for a fresh scent.