DIY Cleaning Supplies: What Works and What’s Worth It

Last Updated on June 17, 2024 by Veronica Sparks

In today’s world, where concerns about health, budget, and the environment are paramount, many natural living enthusiasts are turning to DIY cleaning supplies as an alternative to commercial products. But are they really worth the effort? Not all homemade cleaners are created equal.

Let’s dive into the world of DIY cleaners to uncover which ones work well for your home — and which may not.

What Makes DIY Cleaning Supplies Worth It?

When considering whether a DIY cleaner is worth it, several factors come into play. Let’s explore what makes certain ones worth your time and effort.

Effectiveness

At the heart of the matter lies effectiveness. Regardless of how eco-friendly or budget-friendly a DIY cleaner may be, if it doesn’t clean effectively, it’s simply not worth the effort. After all, the primary purpose of any cleaning product is to remove dirt, grime, and germs.

Therefore, when evaluating DIY cleaning solutions, it’s crucial to assess their cleaning power and ability to tackle various household messes.

Cost Savings

Another key aspect to consider is cost savings. While DIY cleaning supplies have the potential to be more affordable than their commercial counterparts, this isn’t always the case. Factors such as the availability and cost of ingredients, as well as the time and effort required to make the cleaner, must be taken into account.

In some instances, DIY cleaners may prove to be a cost-effective alternative, while in others, they may not offer significant savings.

Healthy, Mindful Ingredients

One of the main attractions of DIY cleaners is the ability to control what goes into them. By using natural and non-toxic ingredients, you can eliminate harmful chemicals from your home and reduce your impact on the environment. Ingredients such as vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils not only clean effectively but also offer peace of mind knowing that you’re creating a safer indoor environment for your family and pets.

Easy Recipe and Use

Last but not least, ease of creation and use play a crucial role in determining the worth of DIY cleaning supplies. With our busy lifestyles, it’s essential that homemade cleaners are simple to make and convenient to use.

Complicated recipes or cumbersome application methods are less likely to be adopted into our cleaning routines. Therefore, DIY cleaners that are quick, straightforward, and versatile are more likely to stand the test of time.

Best DIY Cleaning Supplies For Every Chore

Now that we’ve established what makes DIY cleaning supplies worth it, let’s explore some of the best homemade solutions for various cleaning tasks around the house. We’ll also let you know some considerations of each, as well as how they rank when it comes to effectiveness, cost, health, and ease of use.

1. DIY Laundry Detergent

DIY laundry detergent offers an eco-friendly alternative to commercial products. It’s also gentler on sensitive skin and can save you money in the long run.

However, many say that homemade detergent doesn’t have the cleaning power that commercial detergents offer. Also, you may have to add in additional ingredients for fragrance, whitening, and softening, lowering its ease of use.

Here’s a simple DIY Laundry Detergent Recipe to get you started:

• 1 cup washing soda
• 1 cup borax
• 1 bar grated soap (such as castile or Fels-Naptha)
• 20 drops of essential oil (optional, for fragrance)

2. DIY All-Purpose Cleaner

A homemade all-purpose cleaner is versatile, budget-friendly, easy to make and use, and eco-friendly. While the cost savings may be minimal, it’s a popular option for surfaces in kitchens and bathrooms. That’s because it does a great job of killing bacteria while being safe and toxin-free for both kids and pets.

However, these homemade cleaners tend to have a strong smell, especially when vinegar is used as the base. The acidic nature of the cleaner also means that it’s not ideal for certain surfaces — particularly those made with wood or natural stone.

Here’s how to make your own all-purpose cleaner:

• 1 part vinegar
• 1 part distilled water
• Citrus peels (optional, for added fragrance)

Making this solution isn’t all that easy. You will have to first let the orange peels sit in the vinegar in a cool, dark place for two weeks or so to allow the citrus to infuse with the vinegar. Then, strain the vinegar and mix it with equal parts water before using on surfaces.

How Does It Rank?

3. DIY Floor Cleaner

Homemade floor cleaner offers several benefits, including cost-effectiveness, eco-friendliness, and the ability to customize ingredients for specific needs. It can effectively remove dirt and grime while leaving behind a fresh scent. You can avoid harsh chemicals that may be found in commercial products, creating a safer environment for your family and pets.

However, homemade floor cleaner may not be suitable for all types of flooring, since using acidic ingredients like vinegar can damage or dull wood and waxed floors. Additionally, if not properly diluted or rinsed, homemade cleaners may leave behind residue that can build up and make floors appear dull or sticky. This makes the process of using it a bit more involved.

Keep your floors clean and shiny with this homemade floor cleaner recipe:

• 1 gallon warm water
• 1/2 cup white vinegar
• 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol
• 1 teaspoon dish soap
• 10-15 drops of citrus essential oil or lemon juice

Depending on the size of your floors, you may need to use more of your solution than you would with a commercial cleaner (commercial floor cleaners typically go a long way). This does make DIY floor cleaner a bit less cost-effective than other homemade cleaners.

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4. DIY Wood Cleaner

Homemade wood cleaner offers big benefits, particularly for households with children and pets. With natural ingredients like castile soap and essential oils, it offers a safe and non-toxic option for maintaining wood surfaces. Additionally, its pleasant scent, free from harsh chemicals, enhances your overall indoor environment, making it a great choice for eco-conscious houses.

However, homemade wood cleaner may not be suitable for all wood surfaces. Untreated or unfinished wood can absorb it, potentially causing damage or discoloration. Moreover, if not properly diluted, this DIY cleaner may leave streaks or residue behind, diminishing the appearance of the wood surface.

Protect and nourish your wood surfaces with this simple homemade cleaner:

• 2 cups hot water
• 2 tablespoons castile soap
• 10 drops pine essential oil

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5. DIY Carpet Shampoo

Homemade carpet shampoo has several benefits. By using simple ingredients like hydrogen peroxide and dish soap, homemade shampoo saves big money compared to commercial alternatives. Additionally, it effectively removes dirt and odors from carpets, leaving them fresh and clean. What’s more, it can be used in carpet cleaner appliances, providing ease of application and thorough cleaning.

However, homemade carpet shampoo may not be suitable for delicate or specialty carpets, which may require specific cleaning solutions to avoid damage. Additionally, homemade shampoo may emit a strong odor initially, which could be bothersome to those sensitive to odors or those with respiratory issues. It’s important to ensure proper ventilation during and after cleaning to mitigate any strong odors.

Refresh your carpets with this homemade carpet shampoo recipe:

• 1 cup hot water
• 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dish soap

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6. DIY Spray Air Freshener

Homemade air freshener offers several benefits for households seeking a natural and cost-effective solution to odors. With customizable fragrances using essential oils, homemade sprays allow you to tailor scents to your preferences. They are also safe around pets and children, with none of the harmful chemicals commonly found in commercial air fresheners. Additionally, using common household ingredients like water, alcohol, and essential oils, you can save money in the long run.

However, homemade spray air freshener does have some drawbacks to consider. Periodic shaking is necessary to remix the ingredients and ensure consistent fragrance distribution, which may require additional effort compared to ready-to-use products. Moreover, the scent of homemade air fresheners may dissipate more quickly in larger spaces, requiring more frequent applications to maintain desired freshness levels.

Say goodbye to synthetic air fresheners with this natural alternative:

• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons vodka (or rubbing alcohol)
• 15-20 drops of essential oils (e.g., lavender, lemon, peppermint)

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7. DIY Fabric Deodorizer

Homemade fabric deodorizer offers several benefits for maintaining fresh and clean upholstery and carpets. With ingredients like baking soda and cornstarch, they effectively neutralize foul odors without introducing harmful chemicals to your living space. It’s safe for most fabrics, ensuring that your upholstery remains in pristine condition.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider. While it’s not difficult to sprinkle down the powder and vacuum it up, it’s certainly not as quick as spraying Febreze. Aslo, if over-applied, this homemade deodorizer may leave a white residue on fabrics. Furthermore, while it eliminates foul odors, the lovely scent of essential oils may fade faster than fragrances in store-bought products.

Freshen up carpets and upholstery with this homemade fabric deodorizer:

• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 15-20 drops of essential oils

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8. DIY Streak-Free Glass Cleaner

Homemade glass cleaner offers several benefits for achieving sparkling clean windows and mirrors. With ingredients like rubbing alcohol and vinegar, homemade cleaners effectively clean and disinfect surfaces, leaving them free of streaks and residue. Additionally, the solution is budget-friendly, saving money while delivering exceptional cleaning results.

However, there are a couple of drawbacks to consider. During application, the strong smell of vinegar and/or rubbing alcohol may be off-putting or irritating to some. Furthermore, while the ingredients are safe for your home’s environment when used as directed, they can be harmful if accidentally consumed by pets or children. It’s important to store homemade glass cleaner securely and keep it out of reach of curious little hands and paws to prevent accidents.

Achieve sparkling clean windows and mirrors with this homemade glass cleaner:

• 1 cup rubbing alcohol
• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon distilled water

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Best Ingredients For DIY Cleaning Supplies

When it comes to DIY cleaning supplies, certain ingredients are essential for tackling a wide range of cleaning tasks. Here are some household staples to keep in stock:

• Baking Soda: Acts as a gentle abrasive and deodorizer.
• Vinegar: Cuts through grease and grime, disinfects, and deodorizes.
• Lemon Juice: Has antibacterial properties and adds a fresh scent.
• Hydrogen Peroxide: Whitens and disinfects surfaces.
• Borax: Boosts the cleaning power of detergents and eliminates odors.
• Castile Soap: Gentle and versatile, suitable for various cleaning applications.
• Dish Soap: Effectively removes grease and dirt.
• Essential Oils: Add fragrance and may have additional antibacterial properties.

Get Cleaning the Natural Way

Homemade cleaning supplies can be a cost-effective, eco-friendly, and health-conscious alternative to store-bought cleaners. By understanding what makes certain DIY solutions worth it and having the right ingredients on hand, you can maintain a clean and healthy home while minimizing your environmental footprint and saving money in the process.

Experiment with different recipes and find what works best for you and your household needs. Happy cleaning!