Scrubbers sit on a counter with lemons and reusable cleaning bottles.
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6 natural cleaning products you can make at home

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January 30, 2023
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This story originally appeared on The Rounds and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio.

6 natural cleaning products you can make at home

After COVID-19 disrupted supply chain issues worldwide, many consumers sought creative ways to keep their homes clean. Consumers who experimented with homemade cleaners not only saved a trip to the store, but also saved money and enjoyed environmental benefits.

Of course, now that we're recovering from the pandemic, it's still a great time to try out homemade cleaners. Many commercial cleaning products contain volatile compounds that degrade the environment when they end up in the surrounding air and water. Additionally, containers for these products come in plastic packaging—just 8% of which is recycled.

Knowing what each household material does can help you understand exactly what to grab to tackle mold on surfaces or a clogged drain. The Rounds has compiled a list of do-it-yourself cleaning products that can easily be made at home with everyday products from your pantry.

Making at-home cleaning solutions starts with understanding the natural properties of everyday items like baking soda, white vinegar, lemon, olive oil, soap nuts, castile soap, and essential oils. Baking soda, for instance, breaks down minerals in grease, absorbs odors, and is a mild abrasive, while vinegar's acidity combats stains and grime.

When making at-home cleaning solutions, only mix what's needed for a specific job since some DIY cleaning products may have a short shelf life and lose potency. For any cleaning solutions you store, use clean, unused containers and keep them away from pets, children, and food products. Label the containers with the date you mixed the product and the ingredients used. And always be sure to first test surfaces with a small amount of the cleaner you've mixed to be sure it won't cause any harm to finishes.

Keep reading for instructions on how to make six natural cleaning products at home.

Baking soda being dropped in a glass of water to create a cleaning solution.
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focal point // Shutterstock

Kitchen cleaner and deodorizer

Ingredients:
- 4 T. baking soda
- 1 qt. warm water

Baking soda is invaluable for making surfaces shine and absorbing bad smells.

The substance is also a natural buffer, removing dried and stuck materials while still being gentle enough not to scratch surfaces. Baking soda can be used on any appliance or surface in the kitchen. Mix the baking soda and water until a paste forms. Rub onto dirty spots with a sponge or cloth, then rinse.

Borax powder and a lemon on a kitchen table.
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FotoHelin // Shutterstock

Heavy-duty scrub

Ingredients:
- 1/2 lemon
- 1/2 c. borax powder

Borax is particularly adept at removing rust that forms in the bathroom and kitchen. Although this recipe is most useful for hard surfaces like tubs, sinks, and counters, borax can also be used for carpets, to clean floors, and even in gardens.

For the scrub, mix borax powder and juice from the lemon with water and apply to spots with a sponge. Alternatively, you can cut the lemon in half and dip one of the halves directly into the borax and use it to scrub. Wait a few minutes before rinsing.

Note that borax has low toxicity levels, which can cause skin irritation, so avoid using too much. Never use borax in personal care products, kids' toys such as slime or near food and pets.

A person using a natural solution to clean wood.
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Maridav // Shutterstock

Wood cleaner

Ingredients:
- 1/2 c. lemon juice (roughly four lemons' worth)
- 1/4 c. water
- 1/2 tsp. liquid soap or detergent
- A few drops of olive oil

Though only added in small amounts, olive oil adds powerful natural shine and moisture to wood. Liquid detergent or soap cleans out grime, while lemon juice adds a pleasant smell. You can also swap out lemon juice with vinegar, allowing you to make more of the solution and store it for future use.

To use this cleaner, mix all ingredients, then use a sponge to apply it to wood surfaces. Before whipping up this recipe, consider the type of wood you're cleaning: Oil and wax finishes require a gentle scrub, while hard finishes are more durable.

A hand scrubbing stains off a wall using a natural cleaner.
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Andrey_Popov // Shutterstock

Mold remover

Ingredients:
- 2 c. water
- 2 tsp. tea tree oil
- 1/4 c. baking soda
- 24-ounce spray bottle

Creating this cleaner is easy: Add the ingredients to the spray bottle and shake well.

Getting rid of mold is a matter of killing the growth rather than just scrubbing it off. Baking soda and tea tree oil are both antimicrobial, meaning they will naturally eat away the spores.

After combining the baking soda and oil with the water, use it to spray down the mold-affected area. Allow the solution to sit for 24 hours, then mix an additional 1/4 cup of baking soda with the solution to form a paste. Slather some on top of the area being cleaned, rub with a sponge or brush, then rinse.

Lemon slices in simmering water.
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Photointoto // Shutterstock

Air freshener

Ingredients:
- 2-3 oranges, lemons, and/or limes, sliced
- Handful of fresh herbs (basil, rosemary, or lavender)
- 2-4 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tsp. whole cloves

Combine all the ingredients in a small pot, filling with water until three-fourths full, cover, and boil. When boiling begins, remove the lid, bring the pot down to a simmer, and let the scents travel through the air. Remember never to leave a simmering pot unattended. Add small amounts of water as the mixture simmers.

Preserve the excess for a few more uses by storing it in an airtight container and repeating the boiling and simmering process. To maximize the effectiveness of this recipe, use fresh fruits and herbs, and choose longer-lasting picks, such as citrus and woody herbs.

Baking soda and white vinegar on a wooden table.
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gcafotografia // Shutterstock

Drain cleaner

Ingredients:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar

Only two ingredients are needed to clear drains with an at-home solution. No prior preparation is necessary—just pour some baking soda down the drain, followed by the vinegar. The ingredients naturally react together to break down dirt and grease.

After 15 minutes, pour hot water down the drain to wash away excess soda and vinegar. Not only will buildup be removed, but the drain will also be disinfected and deodorized. If the drain continues to work slowly afterward, repeat the process with the combo one or two more times to eradicate stubborn materials.

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