Natural Cleaning Products for House Cleaners: 12 DIY Recipes for a Greener Home or Cleaning Business

If you clean houses professionally, the products you bring into a client's home become part of the experience you provide.

Your clients notice sparkling mirrors, clean countertops, fresh bathrooms and beautiful floors. But they may also care about what is left behind after the cleaning is finished.

Conventional household cleaners can contain synthetic fragrances, solvents, surfactants and other formulated ingredients. Depending on the product and how it is used, some ingredients or residues may remain on a surface after cleaning. Fragrance can also linger in the indoor environment long after the cleaning bottle has been put away.

For some homeowners, that's exactly what they're trying to reduce.

They don't necessarily want a kitchen countertop, bathroom vanity, dining table or floor covered with the residue and heavy fragrance of a conventional cleaning product just so the house smells clean. They want the dirt and grime removed while keeping the products used throughout their home as simple as practical.

If reducing synthetic fragrance in your home is one of your goals, read our guide Why You Should Avoid Synthetic Fragrance in Your Home (And Natural Alternatives That Actually Work) for a deeper look at synthetic fragrance and alternatives you can use throughout your home.

For professional cleaners, the products you choose can even become part of the reason a customer hires you.

Imagine being able to tell a prospective client:

“We offer a naturally fresh cleaning option using simple, recognizable ingredients and pure essential oils whenever appropriate for the surface being cleaned.”

But this guide isn't only for professional house cleaners.

Natural Cleaning Recipes for Professionals—and Anyone Who Wants a Greener Home

You certainly don't have to own a cleaning business to use these recipes.

These formulas can be made by anyone who wants a greener approach to cleaning, wants greater control over the ingredients used throughout their home or simply wants to reduce reliance on conventional store-bought cleaning products.

Whether you clean 20 homes a week or simply want a different approach to cleaning your own kitchen, bathrooms, floors, baseboards and furniture, the same principles apply: use the right ingredients for the job, know which surfaces they're appropriate for, measure carefully and choose pure essential oils appropriate for the formula.

With a relatively small collection of ingredients, you can make cleaners for countertops, sinks, bathtubs, showers, toilets, mirrors, floors, furniture, carpets, rugs, baseboards and even ovens.

For professional cleaners, that may reduce supply costs while helping create a distinctive service.

For homeowners, it offers a practical way to replace many commonly purchased cleaners with products you can make yourself.

How Much Do Homemade Cleaning Products Cost?

One of the biggest advantages of making your own cleaning products is that the same core ingredients can be used in multiple formulas.

A gallon of distilled water doesn't make just one bottle of cleaner. A box of baking soda can make numerous batches. A bottle of essential oil provides enough oil for many cleaning recipes.

That makes the cost of the amount actually used much more meaningful than the price of the initial supplies.

For every recipe below, we've placed the approximate cost right beside each ingredient so you can see exactly where the money goes.

We've also estimated the finished cost of each cleaner and compared it with the approximate retail price of a comparable store-bought alternative.

How We Calculate Essential Oil Costs

Our essential oils are sold in 10 mL bottles. For estimating purposes, we're using approximately 20 drops per mL, or about 200 drops per bottle. Actual drop size can vary depending on the essential oil, its viscosity and the dropper.

Want to learn more about these oils beyond cleaning? Visit our Essential Oil Guides for in-depth information about individual essential oils, everyday uses, DIY recipes, diffuser blends and more.

Before using essential oils throughout your home—or in a client's home—we also recommend reading our complete Essential Oil Safety Guide.

Six Essential Oil Scent Profiles for Natural Cleaning

Instead of making every cleaner smell exactly the same, we've created six scent profiles that can be used throughout this guide.

1. Naturally Fresh

Lemon + Blood Orange

Bright, familiar and citrus-forward.

2. Fresh & Crisp

Lemon + Eucalyptus + Peppermint

Cool, bright and refreshing.

3. Citrus Grove

Blood Orange + Lemon + Grapefruit

A fuller citrus combination with layers of sweet and bright citrus.

4. Lavender Lemon

Lavender + Lemon

A softer combination balancing fresh citrus with Lavender.

5. Clean & Herbal

Tea Tree + Lemon + Eucalyptus

Fresh, herbal and crisp, with Tea Tree taking the lead.

Tea Tree has a stronger and more distinctive aroma than the citrus oils, so the Clean & Herbal option generally uses fewer total drops than some of the other profiles.

6. Fresh Pine

Pine + Lemon

Fresh, crisp and woodsy with the familiar pine-forward character many people associate with a freshly cleaned home. Lemon adds a bright citrus note that complements the Pine while keeping the blend clean, fresh and inviting.

Important: The Drop Counts Change From Recipe to Recipe

These six names describe the essential-oil combination and general scent profile.

They do not represent one universal blend recipe.

A gallon of floor cleaner, a 16-ounce glass spray and an 8-ounce furniture polish are very different products. The appropriate amount of essential oil changes accordingly.

Every recipe below therefore provides its own exact drop counts and cost for the scent options appropriate for that particular cleaner.

Always follow the amounts listed in the individual recipe you're making.

1. Gentle Everyday All-Purpose Cleaner

A versatile everyday cleaner for many of the surfaces that get touched, splashed and smudged throughout a home.

Container

24-ounce reusable spray bottle

Ingredients & Approximate Cost

• 2 cups distilled water — $0.17
• 1 tablespoon unscented Castile soap — $0.27
• One essential-oil blend below

Naturally Fresh — approx. $0.57

• 10 drops Lemon — $0.38
• 5 drops Blood Orange — $0.19

Fresh & Crisp — approx. $0.56

• 8 drops Lemon — $0.30
• 4 drops Eucalyptus — $0.15
• 3 drops Peppermint — $0.11

Citrus Grove — approx. $0.61

• 6 drops Blood Orange — $0.23
• 5 drops Lemon — $0.19
• 4 drops Grapefruit — $0.19

Lavender Lemon — approx. $0.65

• 8 drops Lavender — $0.47
• 5 drops Lemon — $0.19

Clean & Herbal — approx. $0.49

• 6 drops Tea Tree — $0.23
• 4 drops Lemon — $0.15
• 3 drops Eucalyptus — $0.11

Fresh Pine — approx. $0.67

• 10 drops Pine — $0.48
• 5 drops Lemon — $0.19

Estimated Cost to Make: approximately $0.93–$1.09

Comparable store-bought all-purpose cleaner: approximately $3.50

Potential savings: approximately $2.41–$2.57, or 69–73%.

Great For

Sealed countertops, kitchen cabinet exteriors, bathroom vanities, baseboards, painted doors, door frames, window sills, light-switch plates, sealed shelving, appliance exteriors, trash-can exteriors, washable walls, tables and other compatible washable surfaces.

Directions

Add the distilled water to the bottle followed by the Castile soap and one of the essential-oil options above. Replace the sprayer and gently turn the bottle several times to combine. Shake gently before use. Spray onto a cleaning cloth or compatible surface and wipe clean.

2. Quick-Drying All-Purpose Cleaning Spray

This formula incorporates 70% isopropyl rubbing alcohol to help it evaporate more quickly.

Container

16-ounce reusable spray bottle

Ingredients & Approximate Cost

• 1 cup distilled water — $0.09
• 6 tablespoons white vinegar — $0.09
• 3 tablespoons 70% isopropyl rubbing alcohol — $0.14
• One essential-oil blend below

Naturally Fresh — approx. $0.38

• 7 drops Lemon — $0.26
• 3 drops Blood Orange — $0.11

Fresh & Crisp — approx. $0.38

• 5 drops Lemon — $0.19
• 3 drops Eucalyptus — $0.11
• 2 drops Peppermint — $0.08

Citrus Grove — approx. $0.41

• 4 drops Blood Orange — $0.15
• 4 drops Lemon — $0.15
• 2 drops Grapefruit — $0.10

Lavender Lemon — approx. $0.41

• 5 drops Lavender — $0.29
• 3 drops Lemon — $0.11

Clean & Herbal — approx. $0.34

• 4 drops Tea Tree — $0.15
• 3 drops Lemon — $0.11
• 2 drops Eucalyptus — $0.08

Fresh Pine — approx. $0.45

• 7 drops Pine — $0.34
• 3 drops Lemon — $0.11

Estimated Cost to Make: approximately $0.66–$0.73

Comparable store-bought multi-surface cleaner: approximately $3.50

Potential savings: approximately $2.77–$2.84, or 79–81%.

Great For

Compatible sealed hard surfaces, appliance exteriors, trash-can exteriors, baseboards, painted doors, door frames, window sills, compatible shelving and many everyday washable surfaces.

Avoid marble, limestone, travertine and other acid-sensitive surfaces.

Directions

Combine the ingredients and one essential-oil option in the spray bottle. Shake gently before use. Spray lightly and wipe with a clean microfiber cloth.

3. Everyday Countertop Cleaner

This simple soap-based formula doesn't contain vinegar, making it useful for many everyday countertop-cleaning jobs.

Container

24-ounce reusable spray bottle

Ingredients & Approximate Cost

• 2 cups distilled water — $0.17
• 2 teaspoons unscented Castile soap — $0.18
• One essential-oil blend below

Naturally Fresh — approx. $0.45

• 8 drops Lemon — $0.30
• 4 drops Blood Orange — $0.15

Fresh & Crisp — approx. $0.45

• 6 drops Lemon — $0.23
• 4 drops Eucalyptus — $0.15
• 2 drops Peppermint — $0.08

Citrus Grove — approx. $0.49

• 5 drops Blood Orange — $0.19
• 4 drops Lemon — $0.15
• 3 drops Grapefruit — $0.15

Lavender Lemon — approx. $0.50

• 6 drops Lavender — $0.35
• 4 drops Lemon — $0.15

Clean & Herbal — approx. $0.41

• 5 drops Tea Tree — $0.19
• 3 drops Lemon — $0.11
• 3 drops Eucalyptus — $0.11

Fresh Pine — approx. $0.54

• 8 drops Pine — $0.39
• 4 drops Lemon — $0.15

Estimated Cost to Make: approximately $0.76–$0.85

Comparable store-bought countertop cleaner: approximately $5.50

Potential savings: approximately $4.65–$4.74, or 85–86%.

Great For

Compatible sealed countertops, kitchen islands, laminate counters, bathroom vanities, sealed work surfaces, tables, cabinet exteriors and appliance exteriors.

Always follow manufacturer recommendations for specialty stone.

Directions

Combine all ingredients with one essential-oil option. Gently shake before use. Spray lightly and wipe with a clean microfiber cloth.

4. Bathtub, Shower & Sink Scrub

Baking soda provides mild abrasive action while Castile soap helps lift everyday bathroom grime.

Container

8-ounce wide-mouth jar with lid

Ingredients & Approximate Cost

• 1/2 cup baking soda — $0.21
• 2 tablespoons unscented Castile soap — $0.54
• 1–2 tablespoons distilled water — about $0.01
• One essential-oil blend below

Naturally Fresh — approx. $0.30

• 5 drops Lemon — $0.19
• 3 drops Blood Orange — $0.11

Fresh & Crisp — approx. $0.30

• 4 drops Lemon — $0.15
• 2 drops Eucalyptus — $0.08
• 2 drops Peppermint — $0.08

Citrus Grove — approx. $0.32

• 3 drops Blood Orange — $0.11
• 3 drops Lemon — $0.11
• 2 drops Grapefruit — $0.10

Lavender Lemon — approx. $0.31

• 4 drops Lavender — $0.23
• 2 drops Lemon — $0.08

Clean & Herbal — approx. $0.30

• 4 drops Tea Tree — $0.15
• 2 drops Lemon — $0.08
• 2 drops Eucalyptus — $0.08

Fresh Pine — approx. $0.35

• 5 drops Pine — $0.24
• 3 drops Lemon — $0.11

Estimated Cost to Make: approximately $1.06–$1.08

Comparable store-bought bathroom cleaner: approximately $4.00

Potential savings: approximately $2.92–$2.94, or about 73%.

Great For

Compatible bathtubs, bathroom sinks, shower walls, ceramic tile, porcelain, faucet bases, soap dishes, shower shelves and other compatible bathroom surfaces requiring a little extra scrubbing.

Directions

Combine the baking soda and Castile soap. Slowly add enough distilled water to create a soft cleaning paste. Add one essential-oil option and stir thoroughly. Apply with a damp cloth or non-scratch sponge, scrub and rinse thoroughly.

5. Hard-Water & Limescale Cleaner

Citric acid makes this a more specialized formula for mineral deposits and hard-water buildup.

Container

16-ounce compatible acid-resistant bottle

Ingredients & Approximate Cost

• 1 cup very warm distilled water — $0.09
• 1 cup citric acid — approximately $2.13
• 1 tablespoon eco-friendly dishwashing liquid — $0.09
• One essential-oil blend below

Naturally Fresh — approx. $0.38

• 7 drops Lemon — $0.26
• 3 drops Blood Orange — $0.11

Fresh & Crisp — approx. $0.38

• 5 drops Lemon — $0.19
• 3 drops Eucalyptus — $0.11
• 2 drops Peppermint — $0.08

Citrus Grove — approx. $0.41

• 4 drops Blood Orange — $0.15
• 4 drops Lemon — $0.15
• 2 drops Grapefruit — $0.10

Clean & Herbal — approx. $0.34

• 4 drops Tea Tree — $0.15
• 3 drops Lemon — $0.11
• 2 drops Eucalyptus — $0.08

Fresh Pine — approx. $0.45

• 7 drops Pine — $0.34
• 3 drops Lemon — $0.11

Estimated Cost to Make: approximately $2.65–$2.72

Comparable hard-water/limescale cleaner: approximately $6.00

Potential savings: approximately $3.28–$3.35, or 55–56%.

Great For

Compatible faucets, shower fixtures, shower glass, ceramic tile, sinks and other acid-tolerant surfaces with mineral deposits or hard-water buildup.

Do not use on marble, limestone, travertine or other acid-sensitive stone.

Directions

Dissolve the citric acid completely in the warm distilled water. Allow it to cool before adding the dishwashing liquid and one essential-oil option. Apply to compatible surfaces, allow a short contact time, scrub or wipe as necessary and rinse thoroughly.

6. Clinging Toilet Bowl Cleaning Gel

A thicker consistency helps this cleaner cling to the inside of the bowl instead of immediately running into the water.

Container

24-ounce angled squeeze bottle

Ingredients & Approximate Cost

• 2 cups warm distilled water — $0.17
• 2 teaspoons eco-friendly dishwashing liquid — $0.06
• 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum — $0.04
• 1/4 cup citric acid — approximately $0.53
• 1/3 cup hot distilled water — $0.03
• One essential-oil blend below

Naturally Fresh — approx. $0.38

• 7 drops Lemon — $0.26
• 3 drops Blood Orange — $0.11

Fresh & Crisp — approx. $0.38

• 5 drops Lemon — $0.19
• 3 drops Eucalyptus — $0.11
• 2 drops Peppermint — $0.08

Citrus Grove — approx. $0.41

• 4 drops Blood Orange — $0.15
• 4 drops Lemon — $0.15
• 2 drops Grapefruit — $0.10

Clean & Herbal — approx. $0.34

• 4 drops Tea Tree — $0.15
• 3 drops Lemon — $0.11
• 2 drops Eucalyptus — $0.08

Fresh Pine — approx. $0.45

• 7 drops Pine — $0.34
• 3 drops Lemon — $0.11

Estimated Cost to Make: approximately $1.17–$1.24

Comparable store-bought toilet bowl cleaner: approximately $3.00

Potential savings: approximately $1.76–$1.83, or 59–61%.

Great For

The inside of compatible porcelain toilet bowls, beneath the rim and areas of routine mineral buildup inside the bowl.

Directions

Mix the xanthan gum into the dishwashing liquid until evenly dispersed. Dissolve the citric acid separately in the hot distilled water. Gradually combine with the remaining water, then incorporate the thickened dishwashing-liquid mixture. Allow to cool and thicken before adding one essential-oil option. Transfer to the squeeze bottle. Apply beneath the rim and around the bowl, allow it to sit briefly, scrub and flush.

7. Streak-Free Mirror & Glass Cleaner

Because too much essential oil can work against the streak-free goal, this formula intentionally uses fewer drops.

Container

16-ounce fine-mist spray bottle

Ingredients & Approximate Cost

• 1 1/2 cups distilled water — $0.13
• 1/2 cup 70% isopropyl rubbing alcohol — $0.37
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar — $0.03
• One essential-oil blend below

Naturally Fresh — approx. $0.19

• 3 drops Lemon — $0.11
• 2 drops Blood Orange — $0.08

Fresh & Crisp — approx. $0.19

• 2 drops Lemon — $0.08
• 2 drops Eucalyptus — $0.08
• 1 drop Peppermint — $0.04

Citrus Grove — approx. $0.21

• 2 drops Blood Orange — $0.08
• 2 drops Lemon — $0.08
• 1 drop Grapefruit — $0.05

Clean & Herbal — approx. $0.19

• 2 drops Tea Tree — $0.08
• 2 drops Lemon — $0.08
• 1 drop Eucalyptus — $0.04

Fresh Pine — approx. $0.23

• 3 drops Pine — $0.15
• 2 drops Lemon — $0.08

Estimated Cost to Make: approximately $0.72–$0.74

Comparable store-bought glass cleaner: approximately $3.50

Potential savings: approximately $2.76–$2.78, or about 79%.

Great For

Mirrors, interior windows, patio-door glass, glass tables, compatible shower glass, glass cabinet doors and glass shelving.

Directions

Combine all ingredients with one essential-oil option. Shake before use. Use sparingly—a light mist is usually enough. Wipe with a clean, dedicated glass microfiber cloth.

8. Natural Floor Cleaner

Container

2-gallon cleaning bucket

Ingredients & Approximate Cost

• 1 gallon warm tap water — approximately $1.37 if using purchased distilled water
• 1 tablespoon unscented Castile soap — $0.27
• One essential-oil blend below

Naturally Fresh — approx. $0.75

• 13 drops Lemon — $0.49
• 7 drops Blood Orange — $0.26

Fresh & Crisp — approx. $0.75

• 10 drops Lemon — $0.38
• 6 drops Eucalyptus — $0.23
• 4 drops Peppermint — $0.15

Citrus Grove — approx. $0.80

• 8 drops Blood Orange — $0.30
• 7 drops Lemon — $0.26
• 5 drops Grapefruit — $0.24

Lavender Lemon — approx. $0.84

• 10 drops Lavender — $0.58
• 7 drops Lemon — $0.26

Clean & Herbal — approx. $0.68

• 8 drops Tea Tree — $0.30
• 6 drops Lemon — $0.23
• 4 drops Eucalyptus — $0.15

Fresh Pine — approx. $0.45

• 14 drops Pine — $0.68
• 6 drops Lemon — $0.26

Estimated Cost to Make: approximately $2.32–$2.48 per gallon using purchased distilled water. Using appropriate tap water can reduce the cost considerably.

Comparable store-bought floor cleaner: approximately $6.00

Potential savings: approximately $3.52–$3.68, or 59–61%.

Great For

Compatible sealed tile, manufacturer-approved vinyl flooring and other compatible sealed hard flooring.

Always follow flooring manufacturer recommendations, particularly for hardwood and laminate.

Directions

Add the Castile soap and one essential-oil option to the warm water and gently stir. Use a damp—not soaking wet—mop.

9. Natural Furniture Polish

Pine + Lemon actually makes sense for the furniture polish because the woodsy Pine profile pairs naturally with wood furniture, while Lemon keeps it bright and fresh.

Container

8-ounce glass bottle with cap

Ingredients & Approximate Cost

• 1/2 cup olive oil — approximately $1.40
• 1/4 cup white vinegar — $0.06
• One essential-oil blend below

Naturally Fresh — approx. $0.30

• 5 drops Lemon — $0.19
• 3 drops Blood Orange — $0.11

Citrus Grove — approx. $0.32

• 3 drops Blood Orange — $0.11
• 3 drops Lemon — $0.11
• 2 drops Grapefruit — $0.10

Lavender Lemon — approx. $0.31

• 4 drops Lavender — $0.23
• 2 drops Lemon — $0.08

Fresh Pine — approx. $0.35

• 5 drops Pine — $0.24
• 3 drops Lemon — $0.11

Estimated Cost to Make: approximately $1.76–$1.78

Comparable store-bought furniture polish: approximately $5.50

Potential savings: approximately $3.72–$3.74, or about 68%.

Great For

Compatible finished wood furniture, wooden tables, dressers, nightstands, wooden chair frames, compatible wood shelving and some finished wood cabinet exteriors.

Always test first and follow the furniture manufacturer's recommendations.

Directions

Combine the ingredients with one essential-oil option. Shake well immediately before each use because the ingredients naturally separate. Apply a small amount to a soft cloth rather than directly onto furniture. Wipe with the grain and buff with a clean, dry cloth.

Want more options for caring for wood naturally? Read our Natural Furniture Polish guide for additional recipes and wood-care ideas.

10. Carpet & Rug Freshening Powder

Container

16-ounce shaker jar - an empty, clean parmesan shaker works great!

Ingredients & Approximate Cost

• 2 cups baking soda — approximately $0.83
• One essential-oil blend below

Naturally Fresh — approx. $0.38

• 7 drops Lemon — $0.26
• 3 drops Blood Orange — $0.11

Fresh & Crisp — approx. $0.38

• 5 drops Lemon — $0.19
• 3 drops Eucalyptus — $0.11
• 2 drops Peppermint — $0.08

Citrus Grove — approx. $0.41

• 4 drops Blood Orange — $0.15
• 4 drops Lemon — $0.15
• 2 drops Grapefruit — $0.10

Lavender Lemon — approx. $0.41

• 5 drops Lavender — $0.29
• 3 drops Lemon — $0.11

Clean & Herbal — approx. $0.34

• 4 drops Tea Tree — $0.15
• 3 drops Lemon — $0.11
• 2 drops Eucalyptus — $0.08

Fresh Pine — approx. $0.45

• 14 drops Pine — $0.68
• 6 drops Lemon — $0.26

Estimated Cost to Make: approximately $1.17–$1.24

Comparable store-bought carpet freshener: approximately $3.00

Potential savings: approximately $1.76–$1.83, or 59–61%.

Great For

Compatible wall-to-wall carpeting, area rugs when approved, entry rugs and carpeted stairs.

Directions

Add your chosen essential oils to the baking soda and mix extremely thoroughly so concentrated droplets of oil aren't left in the powder. Transfer to the shaker. Apply only a light layer, allow approximately 15 minutes and vacuum thoroughly.

For professional cleaning, obtain client approval before applying anything to specialty rugs or carpets and consider children, pets and household sensitivities.

11. Natural Cream Cleaner

A thicker cleaner for compatible surfaces that need a little more scrubbing than an everyday spray provides.

Container

8-ounce wide-mouth jar

Ingredients & Approximate Cost

• 3/4 cup baking soda — $0.31
• 2 tablespoons vegetable glycerin — $0.55
• 1 tablespoon eco-friendly dishwashing liquid — $0.09
• One essential-oil blend below

Naturally Fresh — approx. $0.30

• 5 drops Lemon — $0.19
• 3 drops Blood Orange — $0.11

Fresh & Crisp — approx. $0.30

• 4 drops Lemon — $0.15
• 2 drops Eucalyptus — $0.08
• 2 drops Peppermint — $0.08

Citrus Grove — approx. $0.32

• 3 drops Blood Orange — $0.11
• 3 drops Lemon — $0.11
• 2 drops Grapefruit — $0.10

Lavender Lemon — approx. $0.31

• 4 drops Lavender — $0.23
• 2 drops Lemon — $0.08

Clean & Herbal — approx. $0.30

• 4 drops Tea Tree — $0.15
• 2 drops Lemon — $0.08
• 2 drops Eucalyptus — $0.08

Fresh Pine — approx. $0.35

• 5 drops Pine — $0.24
• 3 drops Lemon — $0.11

Estimated Cost to Make: approximately $1.25–$1.27

Comparable store-bought cream cleanser: approximately $3.50

Potential savings: approximately $2.23–$2.25, or about 64%.

Great For

Compatible sinks, bathtubs, shower surfaces, ceramic tile, porcelain, faucet bases and other compatible surfaces requiring mild scrubbing.

Directions

Mix the baking soda, glycerin and dishwashing liquid. Add one essential-oil option and mix thoroughly. If necessary, adjust the consistency with a small amount of baking soda or distilled water. Apply with a damp cloth or non-scratch sponge, scrub and rinse.

12. Fresh-Mixed Oxygen Oven Cleaner

Sodium percarbonate gives this formula extra cleaning power for tougher jobs.

Container

16-ounce mixing bowl with silicone spatula or cleaning brush

Wear cleaning gloves when making and using this formula.

Ingredients & Approximate Cost

• 1 cup baking soda — $0.42
• 2 tablespoons sodium percarbonate — approximately $0.62
• 1 tablespoon eco-friendly dishwashing liquid — $0.09
• 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum — $0.04
• Approximately 1/2 cup warm distilled water — $0.04
• One essential-oil blend below

Naturally Fresh — approx. $0.30

• 5 drops Lemon — $0.19
• 3 drops Blood Orange — $0.11

Fresh & Crisp — approx. $0.30

• 4 drops Lemon — $0.15
• 2 drops Eucalyptus — $0.08
• 2 drops Peppermint — $0.08

Citrus Grove — approx. $0.32

• 3 drops Blood Orange — $0.11
• 3 drops Lemon — $0.11
• 2 drops Grapefruit — $0.10

Clean & Herbal — approx. $0.30

• 4 drops Tea Tree — $0.15
• 2 drops Lemon — $0.08
• 2 drops Eucalyptus — $0.08

Fresh Pine — approx. $0.35

• 5 drops Pine — $0.24
• 3 drops Lemon — $0.11

Estimated Cost to Make: approximately $1.51–$1.53

Comparable store-bought oven cleaner: approximately $5.50

Potential savings: approximately $3.97–$3.99, or about 72%.

Great For

Compatible oven interiors, manufacturer-approved oven-door interiors, compatible oven racks and areas with baked-on cooking residue.

Directions

Make sure the oven is completely cool and put on cleaning gloves. Combine the baking soda, sodium percarbonate and xanthan gum. Add the dishwashing liquid, then gradually add enough warm water to create a spreadable paste. Add one essential-oil option. Apply to compatible surfaces while avoiding heating elements and components the manufacturer says shouldn't be coated. Allow time to work, scrub and remove thoroughly with clean damp cloths.

Make this cleaner fresh. Sodium percarbonate activates once water is added, so don't store the wet mixture in a sealed container.

How Much Could You Save Making All 12 Cleaning Products?

Because every recipe has its own appropriately scaled essential-oil options, there isn't one fixed cost for the complete collection.

Depending on which scent profiles you choose, making one batch of all 12 cleaners costs approximately $16–$17

Purchasing comparable store-bought products would cost approximately: $52.50

That represents potential savings of approximately: 

$35–$36 — roughly two-thirds less.

Professional cleaners won't use every product at exactly the same rate. Glass cleaner might disappear much faster than furniture polish, for example. But saving a few dollars on products you make repeatedly can add up quickly. The same is true for homeowners. If these recipes replace products you regularly purchase, the savings accumulate each time you refill a bottle instead of purchasing another finished cleaner.

What Does It Cost to Stock Your Natural Cleaning Supply Shelf?

There's an important difference between the cost of ingredients consumed in one recipe and the amount you'll spend initially to purchase the full ingredient list.

If you're starting from scratch, here's a reasonable budget:

Approximate Cost of Basic Ingredients: Approximately $63–$103

Approximate Cost of All Eight Essential Oils: Approximately $68.51

Approximate Total Initial Investment: $132–$171

Reusable spray bottles, jars and specialty containers would be additional if you don't already have them.

But that $132–$171 is not the cost of making one set of cleaners. It's the approximate cost of stocking your supply shelf with full packages. You'll still have baking soda, Castile soap, citric acid, xanthan gum, sodium percarbonate, essential oils and other ingredients left after making your first batches to make multiple batches!

Other Supplies You'll Want

A practical setup may also include reusable spray bottles, a fine-mist bottle, an angled toilet-cleaner bottle, wide-mouth jars, a shaker container, mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, a silicone spatula, cleaning brushes, non-scratch scrubbers, microfiber cloths, a mop and bucket, cleaning gloves, waterproof labels and a permanent marker.

Professional cleaners should clearly label every made product with the product name, date made, appropriate surfaces and surfaces to avoid.

Turn Your Natural Cleaning Option Into Part of Your Brand

For a professional house cleaner, these products can be more than a way to reduce supply costs.

They can become something you offer.

You might tell prospective clients:

“We offer a naturally fresh cleaning option using simple cleaning ingredients and pure essential oils whenever appropriate for the surface.”

You can even let clients select their preferred scent profile:

• Naturally Fresh — Lemon + Blood Orange
• Fresh & Crisp — Lemon + Eucalyptus + Peppermint
• Citrus Grove — Blood Orange + Lemon + Grapefruit
• Lavender Lemon — Lavender + Lemon
• Clean & Herbal — Tea Tree + Lemon + Eucalyptus
• Fresh Pine — Pine + Lemon
• Unscented — No essential oils where appropriate
• No Preference — Let the cleaner choose

Want to Learn More About the Essential Oils in These Recipes?

The oils in these cleaning recipes have uses that extend well beyond the cleaning cabinet.

If you're new to essential oils—or want to understand the individual oils you're using—explore our Essential Oil Guides. You'll find guides covering individual oils, ways to use them, DIY recipes, diffuser blends, safety considerations and more.

And if you're just getting started, our Essential Oils for Beginners: A Complete Guide to Uses, Benefits & Safety is another helpful place to begin.

Before using essential oils in your own home or incorporating them into a professional cleaning service, read the Northridge Oak Essential Oil Safety Guide for important information about safe handling, dilution, children, pregnancy, eye safety and other considerations.

A Greener Cleaning Routine Doesn't Have to Be Complicated

Whether you're cleaning your own home or running a professional cleaning business, you don't necessarily need a different store-bought bottle for every surface in the house.

A relatively small collection of ingredients can be used to make cleaners for kitchens, bathrooms, floors, glass, furniture, carpets, baseboards and tougher cleaning jobs.

You choose the ingredients. You choose the essential oils. You choose the scent profile. You can choose an unscented option when appropriate. And you can make only what you need.

For professional cleaners, that can become part of the customer experience while potentially reducing a recurring business expense.

For homeowners, it can be a practical way to move toward a greener cleaning routine and reduce reliance on conventional store-bought cleaning products.

If reducing synthetic fragrance is an important part of that goal, continue with our Why You Should Avoid Synthetic Fragrance in Your Home (And Natural Alternatives That Actually Work) guide.

Essential Oil Safety

Essential oils are highly concentrated and should be used thoughtfully.

Keep essential oils and homemade cleaning products out of reach of children and pets. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes. Consider the people and animals in the home before using essential oils.

Professional cleaners should ask clients about sensitivities, children, pets and any essential oils they prefer not to have used in their home.

Wear cleaning gloves when appropriate, particularly when working with concentrated cleaning ingredients.

Always follow appropriate essential-oil usage and dilution guidelines, test cleaning products on an inconspicuous area before widespread use and follow the surface manufacturer's care instructions.

For more detailed information, read the Northridge Oak Essential Oil Safety Guide before using essential oils in your home or professional cleaning business.

If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, have a medical condition or have questions about personal essential-oil use, consult an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

Disclaimer

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products and the information provided are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

The information in this article is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from an appropriate professional.

Cost estimates are approximate and based on representative U.S. retail pricing. Prices, package sizes and ingredient costs vary by retailer, location and time. 

Essential-oil calculations use retail prices and approximately 200 drops per 10 mL bottle. Actual drop count varies according to oil viscosity and dropper.