Homemade Cleaning Products: Simple Recipes for a Healthier Home
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Many commercial cleaners contain harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrances, and preservatives that can irritate the skin, lungs, and nervous system. For those of us wanting a simpler, gentler way to clean our homes (especially around tamariki or pets), making your own cleaning products is a satisfying and safe alternative.
You don’t need anything fancy. Just a few pantry staples, plus essential oils from the Zurma collection, and you can create natural, effective cleaners for every corner of the house.
Why Go Natural?
- Healthier indoor air – No synthetic perfumes or fumes
- Less plastic waste – Reuse your bottles again and again
- Customisable – Choose the oils and scents you love
- Safe for sensitive people – Ideal for households with allergies or asthma
- Eco-friendly – Gentle on both home and Papatūānuku
Essential Ingredients You'll Need
-White vinegar
-Natural Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda)
-Distilled or cooled boiled water
-Spray bottles and jars
Recipe 1: All-Purpose Surface Spray
Good for: Kitchen benches, bathroom sinks, tables, and high chairs
Ingredients:
1 cup white vinegar
1 cup water
15 drops Lemon Essential Oil
10 drops Tea Tree Essential Oil
Instructions:
Combine ingredients in a clean spray bottle. Shake before each use. Spray and wipe with a cloth or rag.
Recipe 2: Soft Scrub Cream
Good for: Bathtubs, sinks, stovetops, and grime-prone spots
Ingredients:
½ cup Natural Sodium Bicarbonate
1 tablespoon Castile Soap
5 drops Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Small splash of water to make a paste
Instructions:
Mix into a thick, creamy texture. Scoop onto a damp cloth or sponge and scrub. Rinse well.
Recipe 3: Glass & Mirror Spray
Good for: Windows, shower screens, mirrors
Ingredients:
1 cup distilled water
1 cup white vinegar
10 drops Peppermint Essential Oil
Instructions:
Add all ingredients to a spray bottle. Shake and spray onto glass. Wipe with a microfibre cloth or newspaper.
Recipe 4: Gentle Floor Cleaner
Good for: Wooden, tile, or lino floors (sealed)
Ingredients:
2 litres warm water
¼ cup white vinegar
10 drops Lavender Essential Oil
10 drops Orange Essential Oil
Instructions:
Combine in a mop bucket. Use as usual—no need to rinse unless heavily soiled.
Our Favourite Essential Oils for Cleaning
All available via the Zurma Essential Oil Collection:
Lemon – Uplifting, great for degreasing and cutting through grime
Tea Tree – Antimicrobial, mould-fighting, and deodorising
Lavender – Soothing, calming, and ideal for everyday use
Eucalyptus – Powerful surface cleanser with a crisp scent
Peppermint – Great for windows and cool, fresh-smelling blends
Orange – Adds an uplifting citrus scent to sprays and is excellent on sticky messes
A Few Handy Tips
-Shake blends well before each use
-Store out of direct sunlight
-Test on small areas first if using on delicate surfaces
-Never mix vinegar with bleach
-Label your homemade cleaners clearly
Final Thoughts
Homemade cleaning products are one of the easiest ways to reduce toxins at home and take a more conscious, sustainable approach to everyday care. These recipes are gentle, cost-effective, and easy to tweak to your own needs.
Get started today with Zurma’s: