1. All-Purpose Kitchen Cleaner

This versatile cleaner works wonders on countertops, tables, and other surfaces. It’s gentle yet effective at cutting through grease and grime.

Ingredients:

• 250 ml distilled water
• 250 ml white vinegar
• 20 drops of lemon or tea tree essential oil
• 1 tablespoon of Castile soap (optional for extra cleaning power)

Instructions:

1. Combine the distilled water and vinegar in a spray bottle.
2. Add the essential oil and Castile soap if using.
3. Shake well before each use.
4. Spray onto surfaces and wipe with a clean cloth.

Why it works: Vinegar naturally breaks down grease and kills bacteria, while the essential oils add a pleasant scent and boost antimicrobial properties.

2. DIY Washing up Liquid

Store-bought dish soaps often contain artificial fragrances and sulfates, but this natural alternative is tough on grease and safe for your hands.

Ingredients:

• 120 ml Castile soap
• 60 ml white vinegar
• 10 drops of lavender or lemon essential oil
• 250 ml water

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a pump dispenser bottle.
2. Shake gently to combine.
3. Use as you would any regular dish soap.

Why it works: Castile soap cuts through grease, while vinegar helps to disinfect and remove residue.

3. Streak-Free Glass Cleaner

Say goodbye to smudges on glass stovetops, microwave doors, and windows with this streak-free formula.

Ingredients:

• 250 ml distilled water
• 250 ml white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon corn-starch
• 10 drops of eucalyptus essential oil

Instructions:

1. Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well.
2. Spray onto glass surfaces and wipe clean with a microfiber cloth.

Why it works: Corn-starch helps to eliminate streaks, leaving your glass surfaces sparkling clean.

4. Natural Oven Cleaner

Cleaning the oven doesn’t have to mean using harsh, chemical-laden sprays. This DIY recipe gets rid of baked-on grime without toxic fumes.

Ingredients:

• 120 g baking soda
• 60 ml water
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 5 drops of tea tree or lemon essential oil

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, mix the baking soda and water to form a paste.
2. Spread the paste over the inside of your oven, focusing on dirty spots.
3. Let it sit for at least 12 hours or overnight.
4. Spray vinegar over the dried paste and wipe clean with a damp cloth.

Why it works: Baking soda breaks down grime, while vinegar reacts with it to lift away stubborn stains.

5. Floor Cleaner

Keep your kitchen floors squeaky clean with this non-toxic, kid- and pet-friendly recipe.

Ingredients:

• 4 litres of warm water
• 120 ml white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Castile soap
• 10 drops of peppermint or orange essential oil

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a bucket.
2. Use a mop or microfiber cloth to clean your floors.
3. No need to rinse—just let it air dry.

Why it works: This recipe removes dirt and grease without leaving a sticky residue, and the essential oils leave your floors smelling fresh.

Tips for Success

1. Label Your Bottles: Always label your DIY cleaners to avoid confusion and include the date you made them.
2. Test First: Before using a cleaner on a new surface, do a spot test to ensure it won’t cause any damage.
3. Store Safely: Keep your cleaners in a cool, dry place, out of reach of little ones.

The Cost Savings of DIY Cleaners

Let’s talk numbers! Making your own cleaners costs a fraction of what you’d spend on store-bought products. For example, a bottle of all-purpose cleaner can cost upwards of £3–£5, while the DIY version costs less than £1 to make. Over time, these savings really add up—leaving you with more money to spend on the things that matter most.

Why It Matters for Mums

As mums, we want to create a home that’s safe, welcoming, and free from hidden dangers. By switching to DIY kitchen cleaners, you’re not only reducing your family’s exposure to harmful chemicals but also setting an example for your kids about the importance of health, sustainability, and resourcefulness. It’s a small change that makes a big impact.

Ready to Get Started?

Making your own kitchen cleaners is easier than you think. These five recipes are just the beginning—once you see how well they work, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner. Plus, knowing exactly what’s in your cleaning products gives you peace of mind and helps you feel empowered as the CEO of your home.

Let’s take this step together—because a clean home is a healthy home!

Looking for more ideas? Download my free eBook, DIY Recipes for Toxin-Free Living, where I share even more natural, effective, and budget-friendly recipes for every room in your home.