7 DIY All-Natural Cleaning Products for a Non-Toxic Home

This post may contain affiliate links, and I may earn a commission if you choose to make a purchase through them.

Living naturally in today's fast-paced world can feel like swimming upstream. We're surrounded by products that often contain harmful toxins we can't even pronounce. While we can't eliminate every single toxin in our environment, we can take small but meaningful steps to reduce our exposure. One of the simplest yet impactful ways to do this is by creating your own homemade cleaners.

By making your own cleaning products, you'll not only control what goes into your home, but you'll also save money while protecting your health and the environment. Below, you'll find seven easy DIY cleaner recipes that are sustainable, effective, and healthier alternatives to store-bought products. Plus, who doesn't love the satisfaction of creating something with their own hands?

Watch the full tutorial here to follow along:

Why Choose Homemade Cleaners?

Traditional household products often contain chemicals like endocrine disruptors or carcinogens, which have potential long-term health risks. Shifting to DIY alternatives isn’t just safer—it’s also more cost-effective. With just a handful of easy-to-find ingredients, you can cover almost all your cleaning needs. All it takes is a little time and effort to make products that work just as well, if not better.

Dish Soap Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups water

• 2 tablespoons grated bar Castile soap (unscented)

• ½ to 1 teaspoon washing soda

• 1 teaspoon vegetable glycerin

To make this, heat the water in a small pot and stir in the grated Castile soap until fully dissolved. This step is crucial—any clumps can clog a pump dispenser. Next, mix in the washing soda and vegetable glycerin. The glycerin is optional but helps keep your hands soft, especially if you skip wearing gloves. Pour the mixture into a 16 oz container. While it may look watery at first, let it sit for a few hours to thicken up.

Pro Tip: Using bar soap rather than liquid Castile soap helps create a thicker consistency.

Castile Bar Soap

Vegetable Glycerin

Homemade Laundry Detergent

This tried-and-true detergent recipe has been a staple in many homes for years. Unlike other DIY options, it avoids borax and doesn’t leave soap stains on clothing.

Ingredients (per gallon):

• ¼ cup coarse salt

• ½ cup baking soda

• ½ cup washing soda

• ½ cup liquid Castile soap

Mix the salt, baking soda, and washing soda in a container, dissolving them with very hot water. After the powders dissolve, pour in the liquid Castile soap. Optional: Add a few drops of essential oil for scent. Store in a gallon container or two half-gallon jars. Shake before each use to prevent separation. Use ¼ cup of this homemade laundry detergent per load of laundry

DIY Fabric Softener and Scent Booster

This recipe works double duty as it softens fabrics and adds a subtle, natural fragrance without synthetic chemicals.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup baking soda

• 3 cups coarse salt (or Epsom salt)

• 40 drops of essential oil (lavender is a great option)

Mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl before transferring the mixture to a jar. Use 1-2 tablespoons per load of laundry. For an added bonus, pair with wool dryer balls for better drying efficiency and a touch of natural scent.

Foaming Hand Soap

Gone are the days of overpaying for chemical-laden hand soap. Make your own foaming hand soap with just two simple ingredients!

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups water

• ½ cup liquid Castile soap

Pour the water into a foaming soap dispenser, then gently mix in the Castile soap. If you’d like, add a few drops of essential oils for scent. This soap is safe, effective, and skips harsh antibacterial agents like Triclosan, known for disrupting hormones.

Stainless Steel Cleaner

Polishing stainless steel doesn’t have to involve pricey sprays. This simple three-ingredient recipe gets the job done beautifully.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup white vinegar

• 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil

• ¾ cup water

In a spray bottle, combine these ingredients and give it a good shake before each use. The olive oil helps create a streak-free shine while the vinegar cuts through grime.

Amazing Glass Cleaner

This DIY glass cleaner is not only non-toxic but leaves windows and mirrors crystal clear—thanks to an unexpected secret ingredient: cornstarch!

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons white vinegar

• 3 tablespoons rubbing alcohol or vodka

• ½ tablespoon cornstarch

• Water (to fill the bottle)

Combine everything in a spray bottle and shake well. The cornstarch magically eliminates streaks, but it does settle at the bottom, so be sure to shake it up before each use.

Two All-Purpose Cleaner Recipes

These gentle, versatile cleaners can tackle almost any surface in your home.

Vinegar-Based Recipe:

• 1 cup white vinegar

• ¾ cup water

• 10 drops essential oil (optional)

Mix the vinegar and water in a spray bottle. For added scent, try infusing vinegar with citrus peels or pine needles for a month beforehand.

Castile Soap-Based Recipe:

• 1 ¾ cups water

• 2 tablespoons liquid Castile soap

• 10 drops essential oil (optional)

Combine water and soap in a spray bottle. For best results, never mix Castile soap with vinegar in the same recipe—it makes the soap less effective.

Small Changes, Big Difference

Switching to homemade cleaners is more than just a trend—it’s a healthier choice for your family, your home, and the environment. Each recipe shared here is designed to simplify your life while cutting down on chemicals. Plus, they’re budget-friendly and incredibly easy to make.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with scents and adjust the formulas to suit your preferences. Give one (or all!) of these recipes a try, and let me know how they work for you. Share your thoughts and tips in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you!