5 Incredibly Easy DIY Cleaning Solutions

You think you’re doing your home a favor every time you give it a good, top-to-bottom scrubbing, but depending on the products you use, you might be dispelling toxic substances into your home—including chemicals that may cause health risks.

Before you reach for that name-brand product, give one of these DIY cleaning solutions a try—you’ll save money and promote a happier, healthier home. The best part? You probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry.

Wall Cleaner

It’s not something you think about on a daily basis, so when it comes time to clean your walls, the task may feel daunting. Luckily, you can whip up this simple homemade wall cleaner. For everyday cleaning, 1/4 cup of white vinegar with 1 quart of warm water should do the trick. But for more stubborn stains—for example, when a child decides to use your wall for their latest artistic masterpiece—try baking soda and a little elbow grease.

Carpet Cleaner

Whether you spill red wine or the dog drags dirt in, you don’t need the most abrasive cleaner on the market to lift stains from your carpet. Try this combo: 1 cup of white vinegar, 2 cups of water and 2 teaspoons of salt. Mix the ingredients in a shaker bottle, spray directly on the stain, let dry and vacuum. You can even mix in a clear essential oil to add a fresh scent.

Wood Cleaner

Lemon juice and olive oil are two common cooking ingredients that add flavor to dishes, but did you know they can also be used to restore wood to its natural luster? Simply add a 1/2 cup of lemon juice and 3/4 cup of olive oil to a gallon of hot water and wipe it over your floors with a wrung-out mop.

Tile Cleaner

Vodka isn’t just for making a great martini. When 4 ounces of the spirit is mixed with 4 ounces of water and a dozen or so drops of an essential oil (wouldn’t peppermint smell fantastic?), it makes a pretty powerful tile cleaner. Spray the mixture on floors and counters for a disinfecting sparkle.

Glass Cleaner

Windows and mirrors are no match for rubbing alcohol. Simply combine 1 cup of the cleaning agent with 1 cup of water and 1 tablespoon of white vinegar for a homemade cleaning solution that will leave glass with a sparkly, clean shine.