Introduction
Switching to eco-friendly cleaning products is usually less about doing everything perfectly and more about making a few sensible swaps that reduce unnecessary chemicals in the home. For many people, the motivation is straightforward: creating a healthier living space, cutting down on plastic waste, and understanding what’s used on everyday household surfaces.
Fortunately, keeping your home clean doesn’t mean filling a cupboard with specialist sprays or expensive alternatives. In fact, many homemade eco-friendly cleaning products rely on a small number of familiar ingredients that most households already have to hand. When used properly, these natural cleaning products can handle a wide range of everyday jobs.
Eco-friendly and natural cleaning products work particularly well for:
- Everyday surface cleaning around the home
- Tackling light grease and general grime
- Freshening rooms and soft furnishings naturally
However, it’s important to stay realistic. Homemade eco-friendly cleaning products are designed for routine household cleaning, not medical-grade disinfection or specialist sanitation. With this in mind, they offer a practical, affordable, and lower-impact alternative to many conventional cleaning products.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to make eco-friendly cleaning products using three simple, well-established ingredients:
- Distilled white vinegar
- Bicarbonate of soda
- Carefully chosen essential oils
Along the way, we’ll explain where these ingredients work best, where they’re best avoided, and how to use them safely—particularly in homes with pets or children.
Core Ingredients for Eco-Friendly Cleaning
One of the reasons eco-friendly cleaning products are so approachable is that they rely on a small number of simple, well-understood ingredients. Rather than complex formulas, these natural cleaning ingredients work in straightforward ways — by breaking down grease, lifting dirt, or gently scrubbing surfaces.
When you use them sensibly, they cover most everyday household cleaning needs. As a result, they help reduce reliance on unnecessary additives and over-engineered products, while still delivering reliable results.
Distilled White Vinegar
Distilled white vinegar is one of the most widely used ingredients in homemade eco-friendly cleaning products, and for good reason. It contains acetic acid, which helps break down grease, dissolve mineral deposits, and neutralise everyday odours.
For cleaning purposes, distilled white vinegar is generally preferred over apple cider vinegar. It has a neutral colour, a consistent acidity level, and is therefore far less likely to stain surfaces.
In practical, everyday cleaning, white vinegar works particularly well for:
- Kitchen worktops and splashbacks
- Bathroom sinks, tiles, and taps
- Glass and mirrors (when properly diluted)
- Removing limescale and soap residue
However, vinegar isn’t suitable for every surface. Avoid using it on natural stone such as marble, granite, limestone, or travertine, as the acidity can cause etching and permanent damage. Likewise, it’s best avoided on waxed or delicate finishes. If you’d like help choosing the right product, you can read our full guide on the best white vinegar for cleaning in the UK, which covers what to look for and which options work best for household use.
Bicarbonate of Soda
Bicarbonate of soda is another core ingredient in eco-friendly cleaning products. Rather than acting as a disinfectant, it works as a gentle abrasive and deodoriser, which makes it ideal for scrubbing and odour control.
Because of this, bicarbonate of soda is particularly useful for:
- Cleaning sinks, baths, and ceramic surfaces
- Lifting grime without scratching
- Neutralising smells in carpets, bins, and fridges
- Helping loosen baked-on dirt
When bicarbonate of soda is combined with vinegar, it creates a fizzing reaction. While this can help lift dirt and residue, it works best as a short-term cleaning action, rather than a mixture to store for later use.
Essential Oils (Used Carefully)
Essential oils are often added to natural cleaning products to improve scent and offer light antimicrobial support. That said, they should always be used sparingly and with care.
Common essential oils used in eco-friendly household cleaning include:
- Tea tree oil
- Lemon and other citrus oils
- Lavender
It’s important to remember that essential oils are highly concentrated. They should never be used undiluted and should be avoided around pets unless you’re confident which oils are considered lower risk. In practice, essential oils work best as a supporting ingredient for scent, rather than the main cleaning agent.
Used thoughtfully, these three ingredients form the foundation of many simple, effective, and low-impact eco-friendly cleaning solutions for use throughout the home.
Eco-Friendly Kitchen Cleaning
The kitchen is often where people feel most unsure about switching to eco-friendly cleaning products. Concerns around food hygiene, grease, and bacteria are completely understandable. However, when you use them appropriately, simple homemade cleaners can handle most everyday kitchen cleaning tasks with confidence.
The key is knowing what eco-friendly and natural cleaning products are best suited for, and just as importantly, when a more conventional option — such as hot water and washing-up liquid — is still the better choice. In other words, it’s about balance rather than replacement at all costs.
What Eco-Friendly Cleaners Work Well for in the Kitchen
Eco-friendly and natural cleaning products work best for routine, low-risk kitchen jobs. For example, they’re particularly well suited to:
- Wiping down worktops and splashbacks
- Cleaning cupboard fronts and appliance exteriors
- Removing light grease and everyday food residue
- Freshening bins and food storage areas naturally
That said, for raw meat preparation areas, chopping boards, or during periods of illness, hot water and detergent remain the most reliable option. Ultimately, eco-friendly kitchen cleaning is about using the right tool for the job, rather than forcing one solution to do everything.
Simple Eco-Friendly Kitchen Cleaning Spray
This eco-friendly kitchen cleaning spray is designed for general surfaces and everyday use. Because vinegar cuts through grease and neutralises odours, it works particularly well for routine cleaning. Meanwhile, essential oils improve the scent and offer light antimicrobial support.
As a result, this spray fits naturally into a routine focused on homemade eco-friendly cleaning products, rather than single-use commercial alternatives.
Ingredients
- 280 ml water
- 280 ml distilled white vinegar
- A few drops of tea tree oil (or another suitable essential oil)
Method
- Combine the water and distilled white vinegar.
- Pour the mixture into a clean 500 ml spray bottle.
- Add a few drops of essential oil.
- Secure the lid, shake gently, and use as needed.
Before each use, give the bottle a quick shake so the essential oils disperse evenly throughout the liquid. For a simple, fresh-smelling option, you can also try this DIY lemon white vinegar surface cleaner, which shows how to make an effective all-purpose spray using natural ingredients at home.
Surface Compatibility and Safety Notes
Do not use vinegar-based sprays on natural stone surfaces such as marble, granite, limestone, or travertine. Over time, the acidity can dull the surface and cause permanent damage. If you’re unsure, always spot-test on an inconspicuous area first.
In homes with pets, avoid spraying directly onto areas where animals eat or rest. Additionally, good ventilation helps keep eco-friendly kitchen cleaning comfortable and safe.
Sustainable Storage Tips
To reduce waste and stay aligned with eco-friendly principles:
- Reuse existing spray bottles where possible
- Choose glass bottles for longer-term use
- Clearly label homemade eco-friendly cleaning products
Small choices, such as reusable containers, make eco-friendly kitchen cleaning easier to maintain and more sustainable over time.
Eco-Friendly Bathroom Cleaning
Bathrooms are particularly well suited to eco-friendly cleaning products because many common issues — such as limescale, soap residue, and everyday grime — respond well to simple ingredients like vinegar and bicarbonate of soda.
As with kitchen cleaning, the focus here is on regular maintenance, not aggressive disinfection. When used consistently, natural bathroom cleaning products help keep surfaces fresh, hygienic, and free from stubborn build-up over time.
Using Vinegar-Based Sprays in the Bathroom
A diluted vinegar spray is one of the most effective options for eco-friendly bathroom cleaning, particularly when dealing with mineral deposits and soap scum that build up gradually.
In practice, vinegar-based sprays work well on:
- Bathroom sinks and taps
- Shower screens and wall tiles
- Toilet exteriors
- Bathroom mirrors (when properly diluted)
To use, spray the surface, leave it briefly to loosen residue, and then wipe clean with a cloth or sponge. For heavier limescale, allowing the spray to sit for a minute before wiping usually improves the result.
As always, avoid using vinegar on natural stone such as marble or limestone. If you’re unsure, spot-test on an inconspicuous area first.
Gentle Bicarbonate Scrub for Ceramics
For areas that need a little extra effort, bicarbonate of soda provides an effective yet low-impact solution for natural bathroom cleaning. In particular, it works well on ceramic sinks, baths, toilets, and grout.
Ingredients
- ½ cup bicarbonate of soda
- ¼ cup distilled white vinegar
- 4–8 drops of essential oil (optional)
When combined, the vinegar and bicarbonate will fizz. This reaction is completely normal and helps lift dirt, soap scum, and residue from the surface.
How to Use
- Combine the ingredients just before cleaning.
- Apply the mixture to the surface you want to clean.
- Leave for 30 seconds to one minute.
- Scrub gently with a cloth or soft brush.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
As a result, this method works well for tackling soap scum, light mould staining, and limescale, while remaining gentle on ceramic bathroom surfaces.
Where Abrasive Scrubs Should Be Avoided
Although bicarbonate of soda is relatively mild, it can still cause damage on certain materials. To avoid unnecessary wear, do not use abrasive scrubs on:
- Acrylic or soft plastics
- Polished or coated surfaces
- Natural stone
By using the right method for the right surface, you can keep your bathroom clean while protecting finishes and extending their lifespan.
Eco-Friendly, Pet-Safe Home Cleaning & Flea Control
Homes with pets often benefit even more from eco-friendly cleaning products than other households. After all, reducing unnecessary chemicals on floors, soft furnishings, and sleeping areas helps limit irritation while still keeping the home clean and comfortable for both people and animals.
That said, when it comes to fleas, it’s important to be clear from the start. Eco-friendly and pet-safe cleaning methods support flea control, but they are not instant cures. In most cases, the most effective approach focuses on the home environment, rather than applying products directly to pets.
Reducing Fleas Through Environmental Cleaning
Fleas spend a large part of their life cycle away from the animal, hiding in carpets, bedding, and soft furnishings. Because of this, regular pet-safe home cleaning plays a major role in keeping flea numbers under control.
Helpful habits include:
- Vacuuming carpets, rugs, and pet bedding frequently
- Washing pet blankets on a hot cycle, where appropriate
- Keeping sleeping areas clean, dry, and well aired
Over time, eco-friendly cleaning methods work best when they’re used consistently as part of an ongoing routine, rather than as a one-off response to a sudden problem.
Using Bicarbonate of Soda in the Home
Bicarbonate of soda can help disrupt flea eggs in carpets and fabric-covered furniture. Because it has a mild drying effect, it can make these areas less hospitable to fleas over time — especially when combined with regular vacuuming.
To use it effectively:
- Lightly sprinkle bicarbonate of soda over carpets and fabric surfaces.
- Leave it in place for several hours, or overnight where possible.
- Vacuum thoroughly and dispose of the vacuum contents straight away.
As a result, this approach works particularly well in areas where pets tend to rest or sleep, and it fits neatly into a routine focused on pet-safe, eco-friendly cleaning. For a complete guide on how to get rid of fleas naturally, check out our guide here
Essential Oils: Important Safety Notes for Pet Owners
Essential oils are often mentioned in relation to natural flea deterrents, including lavender, citronella, cedar, peppermint, rosemary, and lemongrass. However, essential oils should never be applied directly to pets.
Because essential oils are highly concentrated, they can cause irritation, allergic reactions, or toxicity — especially for cats. If they’re used at all, they should be limited to indirect household use, well diluted, and applied with good ventilation.
If you’re unsure, it’s safest to avoid essential oils altogether in areas where pets spend a lot of time.
DIY Flea Traps for Monitoring Indoor Fleas
DIY flea traps can be useful for identifying lingering flea activity indoors. However, they work best as a monitoring tool, rather than a standalone flea control method.
To make a simple flea trap:
- Fill a shallow dish with water and a small amount of washing-up liquid
- Place a light source nearby or float a tea light on the water (always observe fire safety)
- Leave the trap overnight in areas where fleas are suspected
The light attracts fleas, while the washing-up liquid breaks the surface tension of the water, preventing them from escaping.
Flea Combing as Part of a Broader Routine
Regular grooming helps you spot fleas early and reduces the chance of them becoming established indoors. In practice, flea combing works best when it’s done frequently, calmly, and as part of a wider routine.
A few practical tips:
- Use a fine-toothed flea comb
- Keep a bowl of warm, soapy water nearby
- Comb slowly and thoroughly, especially around the neck and tail
When grooming becomes a relaxed habit, flea management feels far more manageable for both pets and owners.
Used together, these eco-friendly, pet-safe cleaning approaches help reduce flea pressure in the home while avoiding unnecessary chemical exposure. Above all, consistency and patience make the biggest difference, particularly during peak flea seasons.
Summary: A Practical Approach to Eco-Friendly Cleaning
Making the switch to eco-friendly cleaning products doesn’t have to be all or nothing. In most homes, the biggest gains come from replacing a handful of everyday cleaners with simpler, lower-impact alternatives that you can use regularly and with confidence.
By leaning on familiar ingredients such as distilled white vinegar, bicarbonate of soda, and carefully chosen essential oils, you can cover many routine household cleaning tasks without unnecessary chemicals or excessive plastic packaging. As a result, homemade eco-friendly cleaning products offer a practical alternative to many conventional options.
At its best, eco-friendly cleaning is part of a wider household routine, rather than a one-off fix. Over time, small habits — such as regular surface cleaning, sensible storage, and pet-safe eco-friendly cleaning practices — tend to make a bigger difference than chasing perfect solutions.
If you’re new to making eco-friendly cleaning products, it’s best to start small. For example, try one simple swap and build from there. Gradually, these changes add up to a cleaner home, fewer bottles under the sink, and a more sustainable cleaning approach that fits naturally into everyday life.
If you’re just getting started, this DIY natural cleaning products starter kit walks you through the basic ingredients and tools you need to begin making your own cleaners at home.
