Keeping our homes clean is important, but many store-bought cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can be bad for our health and the environment. The good news is that plenty of natural alternatives clean just as well, if not better. These natural cleaners are often cheaper, safer to use around kids and pets, and better for the planet.
In this list, I’ll share 15 natural cleaners that work better than their chemical counterparts. These cleaners use simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen or can easily find at any grocery store.
Banana Peel
Don’t throw away those banana peels! They can be used to polish silver and leather items. The inside of a banana peel contains natural oils and mild abrasives that can clean and shine. Simply rub the inside of the peel on your silver or leather items, then buff it with a soft cloth. It’s an eco-friendly way to make your belongings look their best.
Baking Soda Paste
Baking soda is a gentle abrasive that can tackle tough stains and grime. Make a paste by mixing baking soda with a little water. Use it to clean sinks, bathtubs, and even grout between tiles. The paste is also effective for removing stubborn food residues from pots and pans.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is nature’s bleach and deodorizer. Its acidic properties make it great for removing stains and brightening surfaces. Use it to clean cutting boards, remove soap scum, or freshen up your garbage disposal. The pleasant citrus smell is an added bonus, leaving your home smelling fresh and clean.
Onion
Onions can be used for more than just cooking. They’re great for cleaning and polishing metal grills and racks. Cut an onion in half and rub it on a warm grill to remove stuck-on food and grease. The natural enzymes in onions help break down grime. As an added benefit, it can help season your grill for the next use.
Essential Oils
Essential oils not only smell great but also have natural antibacterial properties. Add a few drops of tea tree, lavender, or eucalyptus oil to your homemade cleaners for extra cleaning power. These oils can help disinfect surfaces while leaving a pleasant, natural fragrance. Remember to always dilute essential oils properly before use.
Hydrogen Peroxide
This common household item is a powerful disinfectant and stain remover. Use it to clean and whiten grout, remove mildew, or sanitize cutting boards. Hydrogen peroxide breaks down into water and oxygen, making it environmentally friendly. Always store it in a dark bottle as light can reduce its effectiveness.
Olive Oil
Olive oil isn’t just for cooking- it’s also great for cleaning and polishing wood. Use it to remove sticky residues, shine stainless steel appliances, or condition wooden cutting boards. A little goes a long way, so use sparingly. The oil leaves surfaces with a beautiful, natural sheen.
Salt
Salt is an excellent natural abrasive for tough cleaning jobs. Use it to scrub cast iron pans, remove water stains from flower vases, or clean grimy oven racks. Mix salt with lemon juice or vinegar for extra cleaning power. It’s also great for absorbing fresh spills on carpets or fabrics.
Cornstarch
Cornstarch is a surprising but effective cleaner for many household tasks. Use it to clean windows, absorb grease stains, or freshen carpets and upholstery. It’s particularly good at removing oily stains from fabrics. Cornstarch is also a natural deodorizer that helps eliminate unpleasant odors.
Ketchup
Surprisingly, ketchup is an excellent cleaner for certain metals. Use it to clean and polish copper, brass, or silver items. The acidity in tomatoes helps break down tarnish and oxidation. Simply apply ketchup to the metal surface, let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse and buff. It’s a fun and unexpected way to make your metal items shine.
Cream of Tartar
This baking ingredient is also a powerful cleaner. Mix it with lemon juice or vinegar to clean aluminum cookware, remove soap scum, or polish brass and copper. It’s particularly effective at removing rust stains. Cream of tartar is mildly acidic, which gives it its cleaning power.
Borax
Borax is a natural mineral that boosts the cleaning power of other products. Use it to clean toilets, freshen laundry, or make an all-purpose cleaner when mixed with vinegar. It’s also effective at killing mold and mildew. While natural, borax should be used carefully and kept away from children and pets.
Grapefruit and Salt
This combination is perfect for cleaning bathtubs and sinks. Cut a grapefruit in half, sprinkle salt on the cut side, and scrub away. The citric acid in the grapefruit combined with the abrasiveness of salt makes a powerful cleaner. Plus, it leaves your bathroom smelling fresh and citrusy.
Vodka
Cheap vodka can be a surprisingly effective cleaner. Use it to remove mildew, clean glass, or eliminate odors from fabrics. The alcohol content makes it a natural disinfectant. It’s particularly good for cleaning and disinfecting items that are difficult to wash, like stuffed animals or decorative pillows.
Cucumber Slices
Cucumber isn’t just for salads – it’s also great for cleaning. Use cucumber slices to remove tarnish from faucets or eliminate streaks on stainless steel. The mild acid in cucumbers helps break down mineral deposits and water spots. As a bonus, it leaves behind a fresh, clean scent.
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