A Guide to Natural & DIY Cleaning Solutions with Fresh Nest

With a few simple ingredients, you can create your own natural cleaning solutions that are just as effective. Whether save money, or simply experiment with DIY solutions, this guide will introduce you to some of the best natural cleaning recipes and techniques. The beauty of DIY cleaning is that many natural ingredients have multiple uses.

A List of Some of the Most Common Ingredients:

1. Baking Soda
   Baking soda is an absolute powerhouse in the cleaning world. It works as an abrasive scrub, a deodorizer, and even helps with stain removal. Plus, it’s completely safe for your family and the environment.

2. White Vinegar
   White vinegar is one of the most versatile cleaning agents you can use. It’s great for cutting grease, removing odors, and even sanitizing surfaces. The acidity also makes it effective against mold and mildew.

3. Lemon Juice
   Not only does lemon smell fresh, but its acidity helps to break down grease and grime. It also has natural antibacterial properties and can be used to brighten up surfaces.

4. Castile Soap
   A plant-based soap made from oils like olive, coconut, or hemp, Castile soap is gentle yet powerful. It’s great for all-purpose cleaning, including washing dishes and cleaning floors.

5. Essential Oils
   Essential oils such as tea tree, lavender, eucalyptus, and peppermint not only provide natural fragrances but also offer antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. A few drops go a long way in boosting the effectiveness of your DIY cleaners.

6. Hydrogen Peroxide
   A great alternative to bleach, hydrogen peroxide has disinfectant properties and can be used to clean and sanitize various surfaces, including bathrooms and kitchen countertops.

Our Favorite Natural Cleaning Recipe:

Now that you have the basics of what you need, let’s look at some simple and effective DIY cleaning recipes. These solutions are quick to make, customizable, and sure to leave your home sparkling.

1. All-Purpose Cleaner

This basic all-purpose cleaner can be used on most surfaces, from kitchen counters to bathroom sinks. It’s non-toxic and super simple to make.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water

• 1 cup white vinegar

• 1 tablespoon baking soda

• 10–15 drops essential oil (e.g., lemon or tea tree oil)

Instructions:

1. Combine water and vinegar in a spray bottle.

2. Add the baking soda (it may fizz a little).

3. Add the essential oils for fragrance.

4. Shake well before use.

Use: Spray on countertops, bathroom surfaces, and floors. Wipe away with a clean cloth.

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With just a few ingredients, you can tackle most cleaning tasks, from scrubbing kitchen counters to freshening up your carpets. Plus, making your own cleaners is customizable and fun—you can experiment with different scents and combinations that work best for your home.