Store-bought bathroom cleaners can be undesirable for a number of reasons: the price tag, the harsh smells, and the uncertain ingredients. Some homeowners, therefore, opt to make their own, often out of inexpensive substances they already have around the house. Below, we’ll share some common recipes for do-it-yourself (DIY) bathroom cleaners, along with tips and safety precautions for using them.

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What To Expect From DIY Bathroom Cleaners

Before we begin, we need to clear up some misconceptions. DIY bathroom cleaners are indeed less expensive than many name-brand alternatives, and under many situations, they can be just as effective. However, they often require you to use more time and elbow grease. Store-bought cleaners contain detergents and foaming agents developed to be quick and easy to use—they wouldn’t sell so well if they weren’t. If you expect vinegar or baking soda to do the same job with the same level of effort, you’ll frequently be disappointed.

Additionally, “natural” and “homemade” do not equal “safe.” For example, borax is a common “natural” ingredient in DIY cleaners, but it’s also used as an herbicide and pesticide because it has toxic qualities. You can get sick from inhaling or ingesting borax powder, just as you can get sick from ingesting store-bought cleaners. Isopropyl alcohol is highly flammable. And mixing ingredients like bleach and ammonia can actually have deadly consequences.

“Natural” has many meanings, none of which are regulated by the U.S. government. “Eco-friendly” and “less-toxic” substances can still be toxic and environmentally hazardous when used improperly. That’s not to say that some DIY cleaners aren’t safer to use than some store-bought cleaners. But you must continue to exercise caution and good sense, even if these substances feel safer to you because they’re already in your cupboards.

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Essential Ingredients for Homemade Bathroom Cleaners

Most homemade solutions rely on a combination of cleaning agents and essential oils for added fragrance and disinfecting properties. Here are some of the most common and what they do.

Cleaning Agents

Several common household items serve as the foundation for effective DIY bathroom cleaners:

• Baking soda: Scours, deodorizes, and brightens surfaces.
• Borax: Cleans and deodorizes.
• Cleaning vinegar/distilled white vinegar: Breaks down dirt, oils, and bacteria.
• Dish soap: Breaks down grease and grime.
• Distilled water: Lacks the residue-leaving mineral deposits in tap water.
• Hydrogen peroxide (3% concentration or greater): Kills some germs and bacteria.
• Isopropyl alcohol (70% concentration or greater): Kills some germs and bacteria.
• Kosher salt: Scours grime and residue.
• Liquid castile soap: Picks up dirt, grime, and bacteria.

Essential Oils

Essential oils mostly add pleasant scents to your cleaners. Some research suggests they provide additional disinfection. However, there is a difference between having some antimicrobial properties in a lab dish and being able to kill a broad range of germs on household surfaces. That is to say, don’t rely on essential oils for disinfection, but do enjoy their aroma and make sure you dilute them properly.

Here are some of the most common oils recommended for cleaning products.

• Eucalyptus oil
• Lavender oil
• Lemon oil
• Peppermint oil
• Tea tree oil

Tools for Mixing

In addition to the ingredients, you’ll need some tools on hand to create and store these DIY cleaners.

• Funnel: Use to pour liquids into sprayers without spillage.
• Jars: Use to hold dry cleaners.
• Labels: Use to clearly identify any cleaners.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Use to measure the proper amounts of each ingredient.
• Spray bottles: Use to mix and distribute spray cleaners.

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Using DIY Bathroom Cleaners

Before we share recipes, there are some general principles, best practices, and safety precautions to learn about for safe and effective cleaning.

Tips and Principles

Here’s what you need to know to get the most out of DIY cleaning ingredients.

• Cleaning vinegar, which has a higher concentration of acetic acid, will be more effective than grocery-store vinegar.
• Don’t use vinegar on natural stone, waxed wood, cast iron, or aluminum, as it could harm these surfaces.
• For cleaners that separate quickly, shake well before each use.
• For tough stains, make a paste out of an abrasive and distilled water, let it sit on the stain for 15–30 minutes, and then scrub.
• If a cleaner leaves residue, try reducing the amount of soap or baking soda in the recipe.
• Nonabrasive ingredients such as vinegar and castile soap often need a bit of time to work, so apply them and let them sit for a few minutes before scrubbing.
• Powdered ingredients such as baking soda and cornstarch can cause some spray bottles to clog.
• Powders such as baking soda, borax, and salt are abrasives. They work by scraping surfaces clean. They’re fine to use on tough bathroom tile, but they can scratch more delicate surfaces such as natural stone, aluminum, fiberglass, and some glass.
• Store any cleaners that contain essential oils in glass, not plastic.
• Test cleaners on a small, inconspicuous area before widespread use.

Safety Precautions

Remember to use common sense, even when working with “natural” substances.

• Always label your homemade cleaners clearly.
• Clean spray bottles and jars before mixing or storing cleaners in them.
• Don’t spray substances with isopropyl alcohol near an open flame.
• If your homemade cleaner ever changes smell or consistency, discard it and make a new batch.
• Never mix bleach with anything other than water, as it can create toxic fumes.
• Store cleaners out of reach of children and pets.
• Wear gloves when handling cleaning solutions, especially if you have sensitive skin.

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DIY Bathroom Cleaner Recipes

Now that you’re familiar with the key ingredients let’s explore some basic recipes for all-purpose bathroom cleaners.

All-Purpose Baking Soda Cleaner

For porcelain and other hardy bathroom surfaces, baking soda makes an excellent scrubber and deodorizer.

Try this recipe from Live Simply: 

• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• 2 cups distilled water
• 2 tablespoons liquid castile soap or dish soap
• Up to 20 drops of essential oil (optional)

Mix the ingredients in a 16-ounce spray bottle (glass, if you’re adding essential oils) and shake before each use, as the baking soda will settle at the bottom. This solution can keep for up to a month once mixed.

All-Purpose Vinegar-Based Cleaner

You can use regular distilled white vinegar, like the kind you get at the grocery store, but you’ll have better results with cleaning vinegar. 

Use it in this formula from the Pioneer Woman:

• 1/2 cup dish soap or liquid castile soap
• 1/3 cup cleaning/white vinegar
• 1/3 cup distilled water
• 1/3 cup isopropyl alcohol
• A few drops of lemon essential oil

Mix all ingredients in a glass spray bottle and shake gently before each use. Let sit for three to five minutes, and scrub with an abrasive sponge for best results.

Scouring Powder for Tough Stains

For stubborn stains and soap scum, mixing baking soda with additional abrasives will make it even more effective. 

Try this dry mixture from Apartment Therapy:

• 1 cup baking soda
• 1 cup borax
• 1 cup kosher salt

Mix the ingredients in a jar and sprinkle on surfaces as needed. Use a damp cloth or sponge to scrub, then rinse thoroughly.

Mirror and Glass Cleaner

Keep your bathroom fixtures and mirrors streak-free with this simple solution.

• 1 cup distilled water
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons rubbing alcohol
• 5 drops peppermint essential oil

Mix in a spray bottle and use with a microfiber cloth or newspaper for best results.

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Eco-Friendly Packaging and Storage for Homemade Cleaners

To maximize the environmental benefits of your DIY cleaners, reuse old spray bottles, but always thoroughly clean them before use. You don’t want to accidentally mix incompatible or dangerous ingredients. Use mason jars for storing dry cleaning mixtures, especially solutions containing essential oils. Since you should always label containers anyway, consider using biodegradable or reusable tags.

Incorporating reusable cleaning cloths such as microfiber can also be a sustainable choice. You can wash and reuse them multiple times, reducing waste significantly compared to disposable paper towels. Additionally, think about transitioning to natural sponges and brushes that are biodegradable once worn out.

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Our Conclusion

The mistake many people make with homemade cleaners is expecting them to work as quickly as store-bought cleaners, especially for tough stains, soap scum, and residue. They get frustrated when baking soda doesn’t work and reach for the premade items. If you’re going to use DIY cleaners, know that you need some patience and elbow grease. If you’re willing to put in the work, though, you can save money and get very similar results.

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FAQ About DIY Bathroom Cleaners

How do I make my own bathroom cleaner?

You can make an all-purpose bathroom cleaner by mixing distilled water, vinegar, liquid soap, and essential oils in a spray bottle.

What is the best natural bathroom cleaner?

The best natural cleaner for your bathroom depends on the substances you’re trying to scrub away. Acid-based cleaners break down rust mineral deposits and hard water stains, while base and alkali cleaners are good for removing dirt, fat, and grease with a scrubber.

What is the best homemade cleaner for showers and tubs?

The best homemade cleaner for showers and tubs is a vinegar-based or baking soda-based all-purpose cleaner. You can also mix your own DIY scouring cleaner.

How do you make homemade bathroom cleaner with vinegar?

You can make a homemade bathroom cleaner with vinegar by mixing equal parts of vinegar, rubbing alcohol, and distilled water, plus adding liquid soap and essential oils. Follow a recipe for precise amounts.

Are DIY cleaners as effective as store-bought ones?

DIY cleaners can be as effective as store-bought ones, but they often require more time and scrubbing to work, especially on stubborn grime and stains.

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