What homemade cleaners are good for
Homemade cleaners suit light, regular jobs: wiping worktops, cleaning glass, freshening a sink or removing mild limescale. They can reduce the number of products in the house and the amount of packaging you buy. They are not stronger, safer or greener by default, and they cannot do everything.
Be aware of three limits. First, they are not tested or preserved like commercial products, so mix small batches and use them up. Second, “natural” does not mean harmless: vinegar and lemon juice are acidic and can damage some surfaces, and ingredients can irritate eyes and skin. Third, they do not disinfect reliably. Whether you need disinfection at all is a separate question, covered in disinfecting versus cleaning.
The basic ingredients
Three ingredients cover most simple recipes, and the cleaning chemistry basics are worth understanding before you start.
- Soap or washing-up liquid. It lifts grease and dirt so that water can rinse it away. This does most of the actual cleaning in everyday jobs.
- White vinegar. A mild acid that helps dissolve limescale and mineral deposits and leaves glass fairly streak-free. It is not good against grease on its own.
- Bicarbonate of soda. A mild alkali and a gentle abrasive. Useful as a scouring paste. It is not much help dissolved in water for general cleaning.
Because vinegar is an acid and bicarbonate is an alkali, mixing them in a bottle mostly cancels them both out, and the fizz can build pressure in a closed container. It is better to use them one after the other, not together.
Simple recipes
Quantities below are for small batches. Make only what you will use within a few weeks.
All-purpose soapy spray. Mix a small squirt of washing-up liquid into a spray bottle of warm water. It suits most hard, sealed surfaces. Wipe with a damp cloth afterwards if it leaves residue.
Glass and mirror spray. Mix equal parts water and white vinegar. Wipe with a clean, dry, lint-free cloth to avoid streaks.
Mild limescale spray. Use a diluted solution of white vinegar and water, left for a few minutes on taps or a kettle, then rinsed well. In areas with hard water, limescale buildup is common, and stubborn deposits may need repeated treatments or a commercial descaler used exactly as directed.
Scouring paste. Mix bicarbonate of soda with just enough water to make a paste. Rub gently on sinks, pans or oven doors with a cloth, then rinse. Test first on a hidden spot, as it can scratch delicate surfaces.
Citrus peel soaked in vinegar is sometimes suggested for adding scent. It is optional, and the mixture should be strained and used soon.
What not to use them on
- Natural stone such as marble, limestone or granite: acids like vinegar and lemon juice can etch or dull the surface.
- Unsealed grout, waxed or oiled wood and some finishes: acid can damage them.
- Rubber seals and some appliance parts: repeated vinegar use may degrade them, so check the manufacturer’s advice for dishwashers, washing machines and kettles.
- Hard-to-clean grease and heavy mould: a mild homemade cleaner may not be enough, and scrubbing mould can release spores. Follow suitable guidance for the problem rather than experimenting.
When in doubt, test on a small hidden area, or check the care instructions for the item.
Safety rules that matter most
Never mix cleaning products. This is the key rule. Vinegar must never be combined with bleach, because that releases chlorine gas, which is harmful to breathe. Do not mix bleach with ammonia, or vinegar with hydrogen peroxide in the same container, either, and do not add homemade cleaners to commercial ones. If you have used a bleach product, rinse the surface thoroughly and ventilate before using anything else there. The full picture of mixing cleaners is set out in a dedicated article.
Label every bottle. Write the contents, the date and a “not for drinking” warning on the bottle. Never use a drink bottle or food container, because someone may drink from it by mistake.
Keep them away from children and pets. Store homemade and bought products in a high or locked cupboard, as with any household chemical storage. If someone swallows a cleaner or gets it in their eyes, contact your local poison information service or emergency services and have the container to hand.
Ventilate and protect your skin. Open a window, and wear gloves if your skin is sensitive or you are cleaning for long. Avoid adding essential oils casually, as they can irritate skin and airways and can be harmful to pets.
Is it worth making your own?
It can be, for the right jobs. Homemade cleaners often cost less over time, and they cut down on single-use plastic bottles. If you want something ready-made, a thoughtfully chosen product from the shop may serve better for disinfecting, heavy grease or specialist surfaces. Pick the tool that suits the task, and use as little as works.
This is general information, not professional advice.