Natural Herbal Cleaners You Can Make at Home

Natural, eco-friendly herbal cleaners don’t have to be expensive or hard to find—you can make them yourself! These DIY solutions are perfect for disinfecting floors, kitchen counters, and many other household surfaces. Below are some of the most effective herbs you can use for cleaning, along with simple recipes.

1. Clove Cleaner for Mold Removal

Is mold a problem in your home? This long-lasting clove spray can help.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp whole cloves

• 1 cup olive oil (or any oil you have on hand)

• Aluminum foil

• Strainer

• Glass jar

• ¼ cup water

Method:

Grind the cloves, then place them in a glass jar with the oil. Cover the jar with aluminum foil. Place the jar in a heatproof bowl and set it over a pot of simmering water for about 1 hour, checking occasionally. Let it cool, strain, and mix 1 tsp clove oil with ¼ cup water in a spray bottle. Spray on mold, wait 20 minutes, then wipe clean. Pure clove oil also repels ants—just add a few drops where they enter.

2. Mint Cleaner for Shiny Bathroom Fixtures

This mint solution removes mineral deposits from sinks and taps in just a couple of minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup white vinegar

• ½ cup water

• 1 cup chopped fresh mint

• 5 tsp baking soda

Method:

Mix vinegar and water in a spray bottle, add baking soda, and stir until dissolved. Add chopped mint, shake well, and spray on bathroom surfaces.

3. Lavender Spray for Fabrics

A soothing cleaner that freshens clothes, bedding, and upholstery.

Ingredients:

• Peels of 5 lemons

• ½ cup water

• ¼ cup dried lavender

Method:

Combine lemon peels and dried lavender with water. Shake well before use and spray lightly on fabrics.

4. Lavender Carpet Freshener

This simple mix absorbs odors and refreshes carpets.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups baking soda

• ½ cup cornstarch

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

Method:

Blend ingredients in a food processor and store in an airtight jar. Sprinkle over carpets, leave for as long as possible, then vacuum.

5. Rosemary Cleaner for Glass and Mirrors

This mixture adds sparkle to glass surfaces while repelling insects.

Ingredients:

• Lemon peels

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

Method:

Combine in a spray bottle, shake well, and use on mirrors, windows, and glass tables.

6. All-Purpose Herbal Cleaner

Great for disinfecting multiple surfaces around the home.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup vinegar

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

• 2 lemons, sliced

• Large jar, strainer, and spray bottle

Method:

Crush the herbs in a jar to release their oils, add lemon slices, and let sit for several hours or days. Strain and pour into a spray bottle.

7. Herbal Oil Cleaner for Wooden Floors

This recipe restores shine to dull wooden floors while removing scratches and stains.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup distilled white vinegar

• 1 tsp vegetable oil (or oil of choice)

• 1 cup water

• A few drops of essential oil (or fresh herbs)

Method:

Mix vinegar, oil, and water. Add a few drops of essential oil for fragrance. If using fresh herbs, soak them in vinegar for 48 hours before straining and mixing with water and oil. Shake well and use for mopping.

🌿 With these simple recipes, you can keep your home fresh, clean, and chemical-free—while enjoying the natural fragrance and antibacterial benefits of herbs.