30 DIY Natural Household Cleaning Hacks Using Simple Pantry Items

First, lets stock up our cleaning caddies with non-toxic, pantry-friendly ingredients like distilled vinegar, baking soda, and Castile soap. Learn and develop simple recipes to swap harsh chemicals for safe, affordable DIY household cleaners using common kitchen staples.

As a librarian, I spend my days researching, organizing, and finding the absolute best sources for curious minds. Oftentimes, my most critical research project happens right at home: finding a way to keep my spaces spotless and safe for everyone without breaking the bank or relying on harsh, toxic chemicals.

It turns out the best cleaning "manuals" are already in the kitchen. 

Before we get to our lists, here's a small curated collection of popular natural cleaning books that can compliment your journey:

Here are 30 DIY natural household cleaners using simple pantry items, divided by room:

The Kitchen

The Classic All-Purpose Spray: Combine equal parts distilled white vinegar and water in a spray bottle for a quick, streak-free wipe-down.
Citrus-Infused Floor Cleaner: Soak lemon or orange peels in a jar of vinegar for 2 weeks, strain, and mix 1/2 cup of the infused vinegar into a gallon of warm water.
Heavy-Duty Soft Scrub: Mix baking soda with liquid Castile soap until it forms a thick paste for a scratch-free scouring cream.
Cutting Board Sanitizer: Spray the board generously with vinegar, wipe, then spray with 3% hydrogen peroxide and let sit for 10 minutes (never mix the two in the same bottle).
Microwave Steam-Clean: Microwave a bowl of 2 cups water and 2 tablespoons of citric acid (or lemon juice) on high for 5 minutes, then simply wipe away the loosened grime.
Garbage Disposal Freshener: Grind leftover lemon or orange peels along with a handful of ice cubes to clean and deodorize.
Stainless Steel Shine: Dampen a microfiber cloth with a little olive oil, wipe the grain, and buff to a beautiful, streak-free shine.
Coffee Pot Descaler: Run a cycle through your coffee maker using equal parts water and white vinegar, followed by two cycles of fresh water.
Dishwasher Detergent Tab: Mix 1 cup baking soda with 1/2 cup coarse salt and enough water to form a moldable paste; pack into an ice cube tray and let dry.
Grease-Cutting Dish Soap: Mix 2 cups warm water, 3 tablespoons liquid castile soap, and a few drops of grease-cutting dish detergent in a glass dispenser.

The Bathroom

Shower Doors and Tile: Spray surfaces with a mixture of equal parts warm white vinegar and grease-cutting liquid dish soap.
Limescale and Hard Water Remover: Soak a paper towel in warm white vinegar, press it onto the affected faucet, let sit for 30 minutes, and wipe clean.
Toilet Bowl Fizzer: Sprinkle baking soda into the bowl, add 1 cup of white vinegar, let the fizzing action do the work for 30 minutes, then scrub.
Mirror Cleaner: Mix 2 cups warm water, 1/4 cup vinegar, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch in a glass spray bottle to eliminate streaks.
Tub and Sink Mildew Killer: Spray 3% hydrogen peroxide directly on mildew spots, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub and rinse.
Drain Deodorizer: Pour 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain, follow with 1 cup of vinegar, plug the drain, and let it sit for 15 minutes before flushing with boiling water.
Grout Brightener: Make a paste with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, apply to grout lines, scrub with an old toothbrush, and wipe clean.
Everyday Disinfectant: Combine 1/3 cup of white vinegar, 1 cup of water, and 10 drops of antibacterial tea tree essential oil in a spray bottle.
Toothbrush Sanitizer: Submerge toothbrushes in a small glass of 3% hydrogen peroxide for 5 minutes and rinse thoroughly.
Soap Scum Eraser: Combine 1/2 cup baking soda, 1/4 cup liquid Castile soap, and a little water for an effective tub scrub.

The Living Areas & Laundry

Natural Fabric Softener: Add 1/4 cup of white vinegar with a few drops of lavender essential oil to the fabric softener dispenser in your washing machine.
DIY Laundry Detergent: Dissolve 2 cups borax and 2 cups baking soda in 8 cups of boiling water, and once cooled, stir in 1/2 cup of liquid Castile soap.
Dusting Spray: Combine 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/2 cup white vinegar, and 10 drops orange essential oil in a spray bottle for wood furniture.
Carpet Deodorizing Powder: Mix 2 cups baking soda with a few drops of your favorite essential oil, sprinkle over carpets, let sit for 30 minutes, and vacuum.
Upholstery Spot Cleaner: Mix  1/2 cup white vinegar, 1 teaspoon liquid Castile soap, and 1 cup warm water in a spray bottle to lift stains.
Yoga Mat Cleaner: Combine 2 cups water, 1/2 cup witch hazel (or rubbing alcohol), and a few drops of tea tree oil in a spray bottle for a quick post-practice wipe.
Natural Air Freshener: Mix 1/2 cup white vinegar, 1/2 cups water, and 15 drops of lemon essential oil in a spray bottle.
Window Track Cleaner: Sprinkle baking soda in the window track, drizzle with white vinegar, let it bubble, and wipe out with a cloth or cotton swab.
Mattress Freshener: Dust a light layer of baking soda over the bare mattress, let it sit for 1 hour to absorb odors and moisture, then vacuum thoroughly.
DIY Disinfectant Wipes: Pack a glass container with cut-up old cotton t-shirts, then pour over a mixture of 1 cup water, 1/4 cup vinegar, and antibacterial essential oils.