Making the most of your pantry essentials for safer, all-purpose cleaning solutions is a score right now. Skip the grocery store lines and potential “sold out” signs in exchange for cleaners that are easy on the environment and your wallet. Please keep all cleaning solutions out of reach of children. Even 100% pure essential oils can be harmful if not properly used.

The first step is to stock up on these simple ingredients to make almost any natural cleaner:

• Hydrogen Peroxide breaks down into completely harmless water with an extra oxygen molecule, making it a safe alternative to chlorine bleach.
• Borax is simply an alkali to cut that stubborn dirt, oil, and grease.
• Baking Soda will become your new best friend, as it can scour most surfaces to perfection without fear of scratches. It works wonders with animal messes as a natural deodorizer.
• Essential Oils will bring your homemade cleaners to the next level by enhancing their scent. A few favorites include lavender, lemon, tea tree, orange, and eucalyptus. Bonus: Did you know that tea tree oil is a natural antibacterial?
• Distilled White Vinegar is mildly acidic, which makes for an outstanding coffee and rust stain cleaner. Tip: Take a close look at the label to ensure a high concentration of 5% or more to be most effective.
• Castile Soap is best bought in liquid form to help rinse away the relentless dirt.
• Rubbing Alcohol is very common and versatile in that it can be used anywhere from an antiseptic to a surface disinfectant.

Now that we have our staples on hand, let’s break down a few simple combinations that’ll yield the most benefits.

Carpet Stain Cleaner 

Cover the entire stain with a generous amount of baking soda. In a spray bottle, shake together a 1:1 ratio of water to white vinegar. Spray the stain evenly, then wait for the solution to set in, about 3-4 hours. Using a scrub brush, gently rub the cleaning solution into the stain, then allow it to dry overnight. In the morning, vacuum the dried cleaning solution until the residue has disappeared!

In addition, mix together 1/4 cup borax powder, 1/4 cup table salt, and 1/4 cup white vinegar to make a paste. Then, apply the paste directly on the stain and, once again, let it dry overnight to vacuum up after 24 hours. This specific solution is most effective in killing bacteria and deodorizing protein-based stains, such as from dairy products, baby food, bodily fluids, etc.

All-Purpose Cleaner

In a 24-ounce spray bottle, add together 3/4 cup hydrogen peroxide, 2 teaspoon (unscented) castile soap, 2 cups water, 1/2 cup white vinegar, 12 drops tea tree oil, and lavender essential oil to your preference. This all-purpose cleaner is wonderful for all common cleaning needs to remove germs and leave the house smelling fresh.

Glass and Window Cleaner

Shake together 1 cup of water, 1/2 teaspoon castile soap, and 1/4 cup white vinegar in a 24-ounce spray bottle. Using a soft microfiber or cotton cloth, use this simple cleaner for streak-free sparkles.

Toilet Cleaner

In a small spray bottle, shake together 1 cup white vinegar and 1/2 teaspoon essential oil of your choice, such as tea tree essential oil and lemon essential oil. Spray the cleaner in the toilet bowl, as well as over the seat, lid, and base. Scatter a generous amount of baking soda around the toilet bowl, then scrub with a toilet brush. Use paper towels or disposable cloths to wipe down the toilet lid, seat, and anywhere else sprayed that is outside the toilet bowl.

Antibacterial Cleaner

In a 24-ounce spray bottle, add together 1/2 cup white vinegar, 2 tablespoons rubbing alcohol, 3 cups water, 10 drops of tea tree essential oils, and 15 drops lavender essential oil. Shake to combine.

After two weeks, you will want to dump any homemade cleaner and make a new batch to ensure a job well done each time. The best method is labeling and dating each cleaner the same day they are made. In addition, glass spray bottles are recommended for storing any remaining cleaner to prevent any reaction with the cleaning ingredients.

The easy combinations for homemade, natural cleaning solutions are endless! From drain cleaners to tick removers, a DIY solution can almost always be found as you search through your simple pantry essentials.