My journey to natural cleaning began with a desire to reduce the growing pile of plastic bottles under the sink and move away from harsh chemicals in my home.
Even products labeled “green” or “eco-friendly” can be misleading. Many still come in plastic packaging, contain synthetic chemicals, and contribute to microplastic pollution once washed down the drain. Unfortunately, most of that plastic isn’t recycled—it lingers in landfills and waterways or breaks down into micro-sized particles that never really go away.
On the other hand, conventional cleaning products come with even more concerning issues. A study published in the American Thoracic Society’s American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that regular use of these products can damage lung health as much as smoking 20 cigarettes a day.1 This highlights the potential health risks of chemical-based cleaners.
Natural cleaning solutions offer a different path. They’re safer for people, pets, and the planet—and much friendlier to your wallet, too. Once I started making simple swaps, I realized cleaning didn’t have to come with a cloud of chemicals or a trail of plastic waste.
What Are Natural Cleaning Solutions?
“Natural” gets thrown around a lot these days, but when it comes to cleaning, it’s not just a trendy label—it actually means something. Natural cleaning solutions are made from ingredients that are plant-based, biodegradable, and free from harsh synthetic chemicals. Think vinegar, baking soda, castile soap, lemon juice—not mystery chemicals with names you need a periodic table to decipher.
But let’s clear something up: natural does not mean weak. Just because a cleaner isn’t filled with chlorine or ammonia doesn’t mean it can’t tackle grime. In fact, many natural ingredients are just as effective (if not more) when used the right way—and they don’t come with the side effects like headaches, skin irritation, or that “I-shouldn’t-have-inhaled-that” regret.
It also means less harm to our environment. When you rinse conventional cleaners down the drain, they don’t just disappear—they end up in waterways, affecting ecosystems and adding to the growing problem of chemical pollution. Some even leave behind micro-residues that contribute to—you guessed it—microplastic contamination.
If you’re label-checking at the store or mixing your own at home, here are a few common ingredients to steer clear of:
- Ammonia – harsh on lungs, irritating to skin, and not so great for indoor air quality.
- Chlorine bleach – powerful, yes, but also corrosive and reactive with other common substances (not a great housemate).
- Synthetic fragrances – often made with undisclosed ingredients, many of which are linked to hormone disruption and allergies.
Natural cleaning is about getting the job done and feeling good about how it’s done. Clean surfaces, cleaner conscience.
Benefits of Using Natural Cleaning Products
Natural cleaning isn’t just about what you don’t use—it’s about what you gain in return.
Cleaner indoor air
Most conventional cleaning sprays release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air—chemicals linked to headaches, respiratory irritation, and long-term health effects. In fact, a 2022 study found that indoor air can be 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air, largely due to the products we use every day.2
Natural cleaning solutions skip the synthetic fumes and leave your space fresh without the fake lemon fog.
Gentle on skin and lungs
If your hands feel dry or your throat gets scratchy after cleaning, you’re not imagining it. Common ingredients like bleach and ammonia can be harsh on the body, especially in enclosed spaces. Natural alternatives are much gentler—and they don’t require gloves, masks, or a fan running in the background just to clean the sink.
Gloves optional
Unless you’re deep-cleaning the oven (which is fair game), most natural cleaners are safe enough to use barehanded. Cleaning shouldn’t feel like a chemistry experiment.
Less plastic waste
DIY recipes and refill shops make ditching the endless stream of plastic bottles easy. Most store-bought cleaners come in single-use packaging, much of which isn’t recyclable and adds to the growing problem of plastic waste and microplastics in the environment.
Easier on your wallet
A few inexpensive ingredients—like baking soda, vinegar, and castile soap—can handle just about every cleaning task. Instead of buying a different product for every surface, natural cleaning keeps things simple and budget-friendly.
Your Natural Cleaning Starter Kit
Ready to get started? You don’t need a cabinet full of potions—just a few basic ingredients and simple tools can take you surprisingly far.
Staple Ingredients
These are the all-stars of natural cleaning. Most are probably already in your kitchen:
- White vinegar – Great for cutting grease, dissolving mineral buildup, and deodorizing. (Just skip it on stone surfaces like granite or marble.)
- Baking soda – A gentle abrasive that tackles scrubbing jobs and absorbs odors like a champ.
- Castile soap – A plant-based, biodegradable soap that works for everything from dishes to floors.
- Lemon juice – Naturally antibacterial and great for removing stains or adding a fresh scent.
- Essential oils (optional) – A few drops of tea tree, lavender, lemon, or eucalyptus can boost cleaning power and add a little spa energy to your chores.
- Hydrogen peroxide (3%) – A non-toxic disinfectant especially useful for bathrooms and high-touch surfaces. Just store it in a dark bottle—it breaks down in light.
Simple, Reusable Tools
You don’t need anything fancy. These basics will get you through most cleaning tasks:
- Spray bottles – Glass is ideal, especially for vinegar-based mixes. Label them so you’re not guessing mid-spray.
- Glass jars – For storing scrubs or bulk ingredients like baking soda and soap flakes.
- Bamboo or cotton cloths – Reusable, washable, and great at grabbing dust and grime, without the worry of microplastics.
- Scrub brushes – For tougher jobs like tile grout or oven doors (natural bristles if you can find them).
With just these staples, you can mix up everything from an all-purpose spray to a bathtub scrub—no weird chemicals, no plastic overload, and no need to buy a dozen different cleaners.
15 Natural Cleaning Solutions Recipes
1. All-Purpose Citrus Cleaner
Ingredients/Measurements:
- Citrus peels (orange, lemon, or lime)
- White vinegar
- Water
Instructions:
- Place citrus peels in a jar or bottle.
- Fill the jar halfway with white vinegar.
- Seal and let it sit for at least 1-2 weeks in a dark, cool place. Shake occasionally.
- Strain out the peels and mix the infused vinegar with an equal amount of water.
Do not use for:
Sensitive surfaces, like granite or marble, can be damaged by vinegar over time.
2. Disinfecting Spray
Ingredients/Measurements:
- Rubbing alcohol (at least 70%)
- Distilled water
- Essential oil (tea tree or lavender)
Instructions:
- Mix 2 parts rubbing alcohol with 1 part distilled water in a spray bottle.
- Add 10-15 drops of essential oil.
- Shake well before use.
Do not use for:
Delicate surfaces or finishes, such as wood or certain plastics, which may be damaged by rubbing alcohol.
3. Fridge Freshener Spray
Ingredients/Measurements:
- Water
- White vinegar
- Essential oil (lemon)
Instructions:
- Mix 1 part vinegar with 2 parts water in a spray bottle.
- Add 10-15 drops of lemon essential oil for a fresh scent.
- Spray lightly in the fridge to neutralize odors.
Do not use for:
Direct application on food or unsealed food containers.
4. Glass + Mirror Spray
Ingredients/Measurements:
- White vinegar
- Distilled water
- Essential oil (lemon or mint)
Instructions:
- Mix equal parts white vinegar and distilled water in a spray bottle.
- Add a few drops of lemon or mint essential oil for a refreshing scent.
- Spray on mirrors or glass and wipe clean with a microfiber cloth.
Do not use for:
Wood or other non-glass surfaces, as vinegar can damage some finishes.
5. Stainless Steel Cleaner
Ingredients/Measurements:
- Olive oil or fractionated coconut oil
- Microfiber cloth
Instructions:
- Add a small amount of oil to a clean microfiber cloth.
- Buff the stainless steel surface in circular motions to clean and polish.
Do not use for:
Non-stainless-steel surfaces, as oil can attract dust and dirt.
6. Microwave Steam Cleaner
Ingredients/Measurements:
- Water
- Lemon or white vinegar
Instructions:
- Fill a microwave-safe bowl with 1 cup of water.
- Add a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar.
- Microwave for 3-5 minutes until steam builds up, then carefully wipe down the inside.
Do not use for:
Directly on electrical components or any non-safe microwave parts.
7. Baking Soda Scrub Paste
Ingredients/Measurements:
- Baking soda
- Water or liquid castile soap
Instructions:
- Mix baking soda with enough water or liquid castile soap to form a paste.
- Apply to surfaces and scrub with a sponge or cloth.
Do not use for:
Soft or scratched surfaces, as the abrasive texture may cause damage.
8. Carpet Deodorizer
Ingredients/Measurements:
- Baking soda
- Essential oil (lavender or eucalyptus)
Instructions:
- Mix 1 cup of baking soda with 10-15 drops of your chosen essential oil.
- Sprinkle on carpets, let sit for 15-20 minutes, and then vacuum.
Do not use for:
Delicate or non-washable rugs that may absorb the powder too much.
9. Mattress Refresher Powder
Ingredients/Measurements:
- Baking soda
- Essential oil (lavender or chamomile)
Instructions:
- Mix 1 cup of baking soda with 10-15 drops of essential oil.
- Sprinkle on the mattress and leave for 15-20 minutes before vacuuming.
Do not use for:
Non-washable or delicate mattress materials.
10. Natural Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Ingredients/Measurements:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Essential oil (tea tree or eucalyptus)
Instructions:
- Pour 1 cup of baking soda into the toilet bowl.
- Add 1 cup of white vinegar and let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
- Scrub with a toilet brush and flush.
Do not use for:
Porous or damaged toilet surfaces that may be affected by acidic solutions.
11. Drain Freshener
Ingredients/Measurements:
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- Hot water
Instructions:
- Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain.
- Add 1/2 cup of vinegar and cover with a drain plug.
- Let sit for 10-15 minutes, then flush with hot water.
Do not use for:
Plumbing systems that are already clogged or sensitive to certain substances.
12. Wood Floor Cleaner
Ingredients/Measurements:
- Warm water
- White vinegar
- Olive oil
Instructions:
- Mix 1 gallon of warm water with 1/4 cup of white vinegar and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Mop the floors with a microfiber mop.
Do not use for:
Unfinished wood or floors that have a delicate finish.
13. Natural Mop Solution (Tile + Vinyl)
Ingredients/Measurements:
- Warm water
- White vinegar
- Essential oil (lemon or eucalyptus)
Instructions:
- Mix 1 gallon of warm water with 1/4 cup of white vinegar.
- Add a few drops of essential oil.
- Use to mop tile or vinyl floors.
Do not use for:
Wood or laminate floors, as vinegar can damage their finish.
14. Natural Fabric Refresher Spray
Ingredients/Measurements:
- Distilled water
- Vodka or rubbing alcohol
- Essential oil (your choice)
Instructions:
- Mix 1 cup distilled water with 1/4 cup vodka or rubbing alcohol.
- Add 10-15 drops of your preferred essential oil.
- Spray lightly on fabric to refresh and deodorize.
Do not use for:
Delicate fabrics like silk or suede.
15. Stovetop Degreaser Spray
Ingredients/Measurements:
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Water
Instructions:
- Mix 1 part white vinegar, 1 part water, and 2 tablespoons of baking soda in a spray bottle.
- Spray on the stovetop and let sit for 10 minutes.
- Wipe clean with a damp cloth.
Do not use for:
Sensitive or painted surfaces, as the mixture may strip the finish.
Related Article: How to Make Laundry Detergent
Natural Cleaning: Store-Bought Options That Get a Gold Star
DIY isn’t always realistic—and that’s totally fine. When you need something pre-made but still want to avoid plastic and harsh chemicals, there are brands doing it right. These options use refillable or plastic-free packaging, focus on safe ingredients, and back it all up with third-party certifications.
Blueland
Blueland is known for changing the way we clean—one tablet at a time. They’ve built their entire model around ditching single-use plastic and making refills the norm. Their products are minimalist, refillable, and made to last.
Packaging: Refillable tablets and reusable containers—no single-use plastic.
Certifications: B Corp, Cradle to Cradle (Platinum), EWG Verified, EPA Safer Choice, Leaping Bunny, USDA BioPreferred, MADE SAFE, Climate Neutral.
I really love Blueland’s refillable cleaning bottles. It’s so simple—just drop a tab into the bottle with hot water, and voilà, you’ve got a fresh batch of cleaner. It’s a convenient way to reduce waste, and I love that the bottles are designed to be used again and again.
Meliora
Meliora (which means “better” in Latin) is a woman-owned brand committed to full ingredient transparency, plastic-free packaging, and low-waste manufacturing. Their products are made in the USA with people and the planet in mind.
Packaging: Plastic-free, recyclable, and compostable. Offers powders and solid soaps in tins, cardboard, or glass.
Certifications: B Corp, MADE SAFE, EWG Verified, EPA Safer Choice, Leaping Bunny.
Cleancult
Cleancult combines a sleek, modern look with serious sustainability goals. Its refill system cuts out plastic waste, and it has designed every part of its packaging to be recyclable or reusable.
Packaging: Refillable glass and aluminum bottles. Refill cartons are paper-based and recyclable.
Certifications: Certified Plastic Neutral, Leaping Bunny, Member of the Sustainable Packaging Coalition.
This Has Been About Natural Cleaning Solutions
Making the switch to natural cleaning isn’t about overhauling your entire life overnight—it’s about finding better ways to care for your home, your health, and the planet. Whether you’re mixing vinegar and baking soda in your kitchen or choosing refillable bottles from brands that actually care, every change adds up.
Natural cleaners are proof that simple can still be powerful. You don’t need toxic ingredients or mountains of plastic to keep things fresh and functional. Just a few safe staples, a little curiosity, and maybe a mason jar or two.
References
- Grand View Research. (n.d.). Natural household cleaners market size report, 2025-2030. Retrieved April 15, 2025, from https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/natural-household-cleaners-market ↩︎
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Indoor air quality. Retrieved April 15, 2025, from https://www.epa.gov/report-environment/indoor-air-quality ↩︎
