You Can Save Money By Making Your Own Cleaning Products! Here’s How

Don't be deceived by popular speculations that DIY cleaning products don't clean well; they can work just as effectively as commercial products! But even better, they don't contain harsh chemical compounds that may pose harm to human health.

To make your own cleaning products, you'll only need common kitchen items — and your favourite essential oils for their antibacterial function and lasting fragrance. Here are five different homemade cleaning products for different areas in your home:

1. All-Purpose Cleaner

This cleaner can be applied in various ways; from kitchen countertops to windows and door knobs, it will quickly become an everyday essential!

Ingredients

• 1 tsp borax
• 1/2 tsp washing soda
• 1 tsb liquid castile soap
• 2 cups of warm water
• 10 drops of any essential oil

Method

• Transfer and mix the borax, washing soda, castile soap and essential oils in a spray bottle
• Add warm water; use distilled water or boil the water first and then leave it to cool for a while.
• Shake the mixture and you'll have the final product.

2. Homemade Toilet Cleaner

Who doesn't like a straightforward recipe? Although it looks easy, don't doubt the effectiveness of this cleaner. To use, spray some onto the required surface and scrub.

Ingredients

• fl oz liquid castile soap
• 14 oz water
• 2 tbsps bicarbonate of soda
• 8-10 drops of essential oils

Method

• Again, add all the ingredients to a large spray bottle and shake.

3. Rug and Carpet Deodoriser

This deodoriser is ready in as little as three minutes, and only requires two ingredients. However, for effective cleaning, spray a light layer of the mixture evenly over the top of the carpet and let it sit for 15 minutes before vacuuming.

Ingredients

• 225g of bicarbonate of soda
• 10 drops of your favourite essential oil

Method

• Place all the ingredients in a bowl and blend together using a wooden spoon (avoid metal utensils because they may react with essential oils).
• Transfer the product into an airtight container for safekeeping.

4. Floor Cleaner

This floor cleaner can be used in different areas of your home but for a deep cleaning effect, make sure to use tea tree oil. 

Ingredients

• 2-3 litres of hot water
• A dollop of dishwashing liquid
• 60ml of vinegar
• A couple of shakes of washing soda
• A few drops of tea tree oil

Method

• Place the ingredients in a big bucket and stir with a mop.
• Soak the floor using the mop and let the solution sit for about 10 minutes
• Mop the floor as you normally would.

Tip: For tough stains, first buff them with a little eucalyptus oil on a clean white cloth before mopping.

5. Glass Cleaner

This cleaner works well on windows and mirrors. To buff it in, use a microfiber cloth to avoid streakiness (or even a bit of newspaper if you don’t have a cloth).

Ingredients

• 16 fl oz of room temp. water (preferably distilled)
• 2 tbsps of vinegar
• 10 drops of essential oil

Method

• Place the ingredients into a spray bottle and shake well.

Tip: If you have detergent marks on your glass, consider adding castile soap to the ingredients of the cleaner to get rid of the residue.

Happy cleaning!