Homemade Herbal Cleaners for a Natural, Chemical-Free Home

You don’t need expensive or rare ingredients to make natural, eco-friendly cleaners. You can create your own solutions to clean floors, kitchen countertops, and many household surfaces. Here are some herbal options to achieve effective results without relying on chemical-heavy products.

1. Clove Cleaner for Mold

Cloves are excellent for cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, and their oil can be used as a long-lasting spray.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon whole cloves

• 1 cup olive oil (or any available oil)

• Aluminum foil

• Strainer

• Glass jar

• ¼ cup water

Instructions:

1. Grind the cloves using a spice grinder, mortar and pestle, or a sealed bag with a rolling pin.

2. Place the cloves and oil in a glass jar and cover with aluminum foil.

3. Fill a pot halfway with water and place a metal or glass bowl over it. Put the jar in the bowl and heat gently for at least an hour, checking occasionally to ensure the water doesn’t spill.

4. Let the jar cool, strain the oil, and mix 1 teaspoon of clove oil with ¼ cup water in a spray bottle.

5. Spray on moldy areas, wait 20 minutes, then wipe.

Tip: Clove oil also repels ants. Apply a few drops along entry points.

2. Mint Cleaner for Bathroom Faucets

This solution removes mineral deposits from sinks and faucets.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup white vinegar

• ½ cup water

• 1 cup chopped mint

• 5 teaspoons baking soda

Instructions:

Mix vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Add baking soda and stir until smooth. Add chopped mint and shake well. Apply to surfaces and let sit for a few minutes before wiping.

3. Lavender Cleaner for Clothes and Fabrics

Lavender gives a calming scent and is suitable for clothing, bed linens, and sofas.

Ingredients:

• Peels of 5 lemons

• ½ cup water

• ¼ cup dried lavender

Instructions:

Mix lemon peels and dried lavender, add water, and stir well.

4. Lavender Carpet Powder

Helps absorb odors and refresh carpets.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups baking soda

• ½ cup cornstarch

• ¼ cup dried lavender (or 1 cup fresh lavender)

Instructions:

Mix ingredients in a food processor and store in a sealed jar. Sprinkle on carpet before vacuuming, allow it to absorb odors, then vacuum.

5. Rosemary Cleaner for Mirrors

Leaves mirrors, glass, and windows sparkling and repels insects.

Ingredients:

• Lemon peels

• 1 cup fresh rosemary (or ¼ cup dried)

Instructions:

Mix ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well.

6. Multipurpose Herbal Cleaner

Suitable for various surfaces.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup vinegar

• 2 cups fresh herbs (mint, rosemary, lavender, thyme, basil, sage, or a preferred mix)

• 2 lemons

• Large jar, strainer, spray bottle

Instructions:

Crush herbs in a jar to release oils. Slice lemons and add them. Let sit for a few hours or days. Strain and pour into a spray bottle for use.

7. Oil-Based Wooden Floor Cleaner

Restores shine and removes scratches and stains.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup distilled white vinegar

• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil (or oil of choice)

• 1 cup water

• Essential herbal oil or fresh herbs

Instructions:

Mix vinegar, oil, and water, then add a few drops of essential oil. For fresh herbs, combine vinegar with 1 cup of herbs (lavender is ideal) and let sit for 48 hours. Strain, add oil and water, shake, and use for cleaning floors.

These herbal solutions are safe, eco-friendly, and effective alternatives to chemical cleaners, keeping your home fresh and naturally clean.