Looking for a simple way to save money on cleaning and reduce your impact on the environment? Making your own eco-friendly natural cleaning products is a great place to start. Whether you're based in the UK or elsewhere, homemade natural cleaning products are a budget-friendly and sustainable alternative to shop-bought solutions. 

In this post, we’ll explore why DIY cleaning products are a smart swap, share three easy recipes, and explain how you can create a safer, greener home without spending a fortune.

Why switch to homemade eco-friendly cleaning products?

Store-bought cleaning sprays, bleaches and disinfectants are often filled with harsh chemicals. These ingredients can pollute waterways, damage indoor air quality, and pose risks to your health. If you have children or pets at home, it’s especially important to consider what products you're using in your living space.

Even eco-branded cleaning products can come with a higher price tag. While options like eco-friendly cleaning products subscription UK services are growing in popularity, they may not fit every budget. That’s where homemade alternatives shine — they’re cost-effective, simple to make, and just as effective for everyday cleaning tasks.

Create a safe, natural home environment

When I became a parent, I became much more aware of the ingredients in the products I used around the house. I wanted my children to grow up in a safe space free from unnecessary chemicals — from the food they ate to the air they breathed.

Many mainstream cleaning products contain synthetic fragrances, bleach, and ingredients that can irritate the skin or respiratory system. Swapping these for natural homemade alternatives gave me peace of mind and contributed to a healthier home for the whole family.

The problem: eco-friendly brands can be expensive

One of the biggest barriers to choosing green products is the price. Many eco-friendly brands cost more than their chemical-heavy counterparts. It feels backwards — the products that are better for our health and planet shouldn’t be a luxury.

Affordable eco friendly cleaning products can be hard to come by in shops. But when you make your own, you control the cost. You can buy ingredients in bulk, reuse containers, and avoid unnecessary packaging — saving money and reducing waste.

The solution: how to make eco friendly cleaning products at home

Homemade eco friendly products are surprisingly easy to make. Most recipes use a few key ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen cupboard:

• White vinegar (a powerful disinfectant)

• Bicarbonate of soda (great for scrubbing and deodorising)

• Lemon juice (natural antibacterial properties)

• Essential oils (for fragrance and extra cleaning power)

• Castile soap (a gentle yet effective cleaner)

3 simple homemade natural cleaning products (UK-friendly)

If you’re just getting started with natural cleaning, try these three easy recipes:

1. All-purpose cleaner

Perfect for kitchen surfaces, tiles and sinks. 

• 500ml water

• 250ml white vinegar

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 10 drops of tea tree or lavender essential oil

Mix in a spray bottle and shake before each use.

2. Natural bathroom scrub

Tackles grime, soap scum and limescale.

• ½ cup bicarbonate of soda

• A few drops of water (just enough to make a paste)

• Optional: a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil

Apply with a cloth, scrub, then rinse.

3. DIY glass cleaner

For streak-free windows and mirrors.

• 250ml water

• 250ml white vinegar

• 1 tablespoon cornflour

Shake well before spraying and wipe with a clean microfibre cloth.

Extra tips to save more and reduce waste

• Buy in bulk: Ingredients like vinegar and bicarbonate of soda are cheaper in larger quantities.

• Reuse containers: Keep old cleaning spray bottles and refill them with your own mixes.

• Label everything: Make your DIY products easy to use with clear labels and ingredient lists.

• Start small: You don’t need to overhaul your entire cupboard overnight. Replace items gradually as they run out.

A greener, cheaper cleaning routine

Once you start using homemade natural cleaning products, you may be surprised at how effective they are — and how little you miss the harsh chemical versions. Not only will you reduce your household waste and exposure to toxins, but you'll also save money over time. 

And if you're still interested in regular top-ups, some eco friendly cleaning products subscription services offer refill pouches and starter kits that complement homemade options without generating excess waste.