DIY Homestead Cleaning Items

Cleaning the house is one of those chores we all have to do, but no one really enjoys. Whether it’s wiping up spills, scrubbing the floors, or tackling that sticky gunk in the kitchen, it always feels like there’s something to clean. But what if I told you that you could make your own natural cleaning products right at home using things you probably already have in your pantry? Yep, it’s true! And not only are these homemade cleaners easy to make, but they’re also chemical-free and safe for your home, pets, and family. Let’s take a fun little journey into the world of homemade cleaning products, and who knows? You might even start to enjoy cleaning. (Okay, maybe not enjoy, but it might feel a little better.)

You see, store-bought cleaners can often be filled with harsh chemicals that, while effective, aren’t always the best for our health or the environment. That lemony fresh smell might feel nice, but the artificial fragrances and chemicals behind it aren’t always the best things to have floating around in the air of your home. With natural ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils, you can create cleaners that are just as effective—without any of the mystery ingredients. Plus, it feels super empowering to mix up your own cleaning concoctions! Think of it like being a mad scientist, but instead of bubbling potions, you’re whipping up sparkling countertops.

Let’s start with everyone’s favorite versatile ingredient: vinegar. If you’re familiar with the smell, you know it’s got that strong, tangy scent that can cut through just about anything. Vinegar is a great natural disinfectant because of its acidity. It can break down grease, grime, and soap scum, making it the hero of many cleaning recipes. The best part? You don’t need much else to turn it into a powerhouse cleaner. Mix equal parts water and vinegar, and bam! You’ve got yourself a multipurpose cleaner. Spray it on countertops, kitchen surfaces, windows, or mirrors, and watch the magic happen. Just be prepared for a few minutes of that “pickle” smell lingering. It fades, I promise!

Now, if you’re looking for something that feels a little fancier, that’s where essential oils come into play. Not only do essential oils smell amazing, but many of them have their own antibacterial properties too. A few drops of tea tree oil in your vinegar mixture, and you’ve added some extra cleaning power with a refreshing scent to boot. Lemon oil is another great choice because of its natural degreasing abilities. Plus, who doesn’t love the smell of lemon? It makes your house smell like you’ve been cleaning for hours (even if you’ve only been spritzing for five minutes). For a calming vibe, add a few drops of lavender oil—it’ll make cleaning feel less like a chore and more like a spa day. Well, sort of.

Baking soda is another pantry hero that works wonders in the cleaning world. We all know it’s great at absorbing odors (hello, fridge refresher!), but did you know it also works wonders on tough stains and greasy messes? Baking soda acts as a mild abrasive, which means it can scrub away stuck-on gunk without scratching delicate surfaces. Sprinkle a little on a damp sponge and use it to scrub down sinks, bathtubs, or stovetops. It’s like a mini exfoliation for your kitchen or bathroom, leaving everything feeling fresh and new. And hey, while you’re scrubbing, you can tell yourself that you’re basically giving your home a facial!

When it comes to freshening up your carpets, baking soda steps in again. Just sprinkle some over your carpet, let it sit for about 15 minutes, then vacuum it up. It’s a simple trick, but it helps lift dirt and leave your floors smelling clean and fresh. Bonus: If you add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the baking soda before sprinkling it, you’ll infuse your carpets with a lovely scent. It’s like aromatherapy for your rugs.

For those extra-tough, greasy messes, especially in the kitchen, castile soap can be your best friend. Made from natural oils like olive oil, it’s gentle but tough on dirt. A little squirt of castile soap mixed with warm water can tackle those stubborn food splatters on your stove or greasy countertops. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even make your own dish soap by mixing castile soap with water, a few drops of lemon essential oil, and a teaspoon of vinegar for extra grease-fighting power. Suddenly, washing dishes doesn’t seem so bad, does it? (Okay, maybe that’s still a stretch.)

One of my favorite go-to DIY cleaners is a citrus-infused vinegar. It’s as easy as it sounds and a fun way to repurpose those leftover orange or lemon peels. Simply take a jar, fill it with vinegar, and drop in some citrus peels. Let it sit for about two weeks (trust me, the wait is worth it), and you’ll have a citrusy-smelling cleaner that works like a charm. Not only does it mask the vinegar smell, but the citrus adds extra cleaning power. This is perfect for wiping down kitchen counters or even mopping the floor. Plus, it makes you feel like you’re bottling up sunshine every time you use it.

Speaking of floors, let’s talk about a natural floor cleaner. You don’t need a fancy product to get your floors sparkling. Just mix a gallon of warm water with half a cup of vinegar and a few drops of your favorite essential oil. This works on most surfaces, from hardwood to tile. It leaves your floors clean without the sticky residue that some store-bought cleaners can leave behind. And there’s something kind of magical about cleaning the floors with something so simple. It feels like getting back to basics—and your floors will thank you for it.

Lemon juice also deserves its own shoutout. It’s not only for lemonade or sprucing up your fish; it’s a cleaning powerhouse! The acidity in lemons helps break down stains and grime, especially when paired with baking soda. Try using lemon juice to clean cutting boards, especially if they’ve been exposed to things like garlic or onions. The lemon will not only help disinfect the surface but also leave it smelling fresh and zesty. And don’t get me started on how good lemon juice is for shining up faucets and sinks. Just rub a cut lemon over the area, rinse, and marvel at how shiny everything looks. It’s like a little burst of sunshine for your kitchen.

If you’re feeling particularly creative, you can even whip up your own air freshener. Skip the store-bought sprays that often come with artificial fragrances and chemicals. Instead, mix water, a tablespoon of baking soda, and a few drops of your favorite essential oil in a spray bottle. Give it a shake, and you’ve got yourself a natural air freshener that you can spritz around your home whenever things need a little pick-me-up. You can play around with different essential oil combinations depending on your mood—maybe lavender for relaxation or peppermint for an energizing boost.

I know, cleaning might never be anyone’s favorite thing. But when you’re using homemade, natural products, it feels a little less like a chore and more like a personal science experiment. There’s something so satisfying about knowing you made the cleaner yourself, using ingredients you trust. Plus, the bonus of knowing your home is free from harsh chemicals? That’s the cherry on top. And hey, if you’re lucky, maybe the kids will even join in for the fun of mixing up these homemade cleaners. (Okay, maybe don’t count on that.)

Now go grab that vinegar, baking soda, and some essential oils. Your home’s about to get a whole lot cleaner, naturally!