20 Essential Oil Cleaning Recipes - DIY Natural Cleaners

Updated November 2026
To clean with essential oils, add a few drops of lemon, orange, tea tree, lavender or peppermint oil to simple ingredients like white vinegar, baking soda, castile soap and water. Here are my 20 favorite essential oil cleaning recipes for every room, from an all-purpose spray to dish soap and floor cleaner, plus the supplies to keep on hand and the safety tips I follow. Jump to the 20 recipes.

Cleaning isn't one of my favorite things, but homemade cleaners make it a lot more fun. I love any reason to use my essential oils, and these recipes are inexpensive, easy to make and leave my house smelling fresh instead of like harsh chemicals.

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Must-Have DIY Natural Cleaning Ingredients

Here are the ingredients I use in my homemade cleaners. You may already have most of them at home.

Castile Soap

Castile soap lifts dirt and cuts grease. It's my must-have for foaming soap, dish soap, laundry and many other recipes. I buy an unscented one so I can add my own oils. Shop castile soap (affiliate link). Learn more in essential oils and castile soap.

Baking Soda

Baking soda absorbs odors and gives gentle scrubbing power for counters, sinks and tubs. Shop baking soda (affiliate link). Try my scented baking soda too.

White Vinegar

Buy the big jug, because you'll use it a lot. White vinegar cuts grease and grime and dissolves mineral deposits and soap scum. Keep it off granite, marble and other natural stone, because the acid can dull these surfaces over time. Shop white vinegar (affiliate link)

Olive Oil

A basic olive oil works well as a polish for wood and leather. Save your nice cooking oil for the kitchen. Shop olive oil (affiliate link)

Microfiber Cloths

Microfiber cloths are great for windows, mirrors, dusting and countertops. They absorb better than regular towels, leave a streak-free finish and won't scratch. Shop microfiber cloths (affiliate link)

Glass Spray Bottles

Essential oils can break down some plastics, so I use glass. The 8 oz size is a good fit for most of these recipes. Water-based sprays have no preservative, so mix small batches fresh every week or two. Shop glass spray bottles (affiliate link)

Salt

Table salt is naturally abrasive, so it's good for scouring rust, soap scum and grime on hard surfaces. A sprinkle also helps settle overflowing suds in the sink.

Borax

Borax (sodium borate) is a naturally occurring mineral that has been used in laundry and cleaning for over 100 years. It's a great laundry booster, stain remover and toilet cleaner. It's still a strong cleaner, though. Wear gloves if your skin is sensitive, keep it away from your eyes, and store it out of reach of kids and pets, since it's harmful if swallowed. Shop borax (affiliate link)

Rubbing Alcohol or High-Proof Alcohol

Alcohol cuts grime and evaporates quickly, so it's great for streak-free shower and glass sprays. Rubbing alcohol works well in the shower. For fabric sprays like the mattress spray, and for room sprays, I use high-proof grain alcohol (like 190-proof) to help the oils mix into the water. See my homemade essential oil sprays.

Vegetable Glycerin

Vegetable glycerin thickens homemade soaps and adds a soft, moisturizing feel for your hands. It doesn't help essential oils mix into water, so you'll still need to shake. Shop vegetable glycerin (affiliate link)

Other handy ingredients include lemon juice, washing soda (affiliate link) and hydrogen peroxide.

A Few Safety Basics
• Never mix bleach with vinegar or ammonia, and never store vinegar and hydrogen peroxide together in one bottle.
• Don't mix vinegar or lemon juice with castile soap. They curdle into a greasy mess.
• Keep vinegar and citrus cleaners off granite, marble and other natural stone, and test wood, fabric and painted surfaces in a hidden spot first.
• Use glass bottles, label every one, and store cleaners and oils where kids and pets can't reach them.
• Let surfaces and floors dry before kids touch them. Recipes with peppermint are for homes where the kids in the room are 6 and up; eucalyptus, 10 and up.
• Never put oils on pets, and diffuse with a door open so they can leave. Cats are especially sensitive, including to tea tree, citrus, peppermint, eucalyptus, pine, wintergreen, cinnamon, clove, and ylang ylang. Keep pets out of the room while you spray or mop.
• Never swallow essential oils. If someone does, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.

For more on what not to mix and which surfaces to skip, see my natural cleaning mistakes to avoid.

Best Essential Oils for Cleaning

Citrus oils are my top pick for cleaning, but these are all wonderful to clean with. Read why I love each of my favorites in my top 5 essential oils for cleaning.

• Lemon essential oil
• Orange essential oil
• Lime essential oil
• Lavender essential oil
• Tea tree oil (melaleuca)
• Peppermint essential oil (not around kids under 6)
• Spearmint essential oil
• White fir essential oil
• Eucalyptus essential oil (not around kids under 10)

20 DIY Essential Oil Cleaning Recipes

These essential oil cleaning recipes are for surfaces, not skin, except the hand soap. Shake sprays well before every use, since essential oils float on top of water and vinegar.

1. Lime Essential Oil Soft Scrub

Cleaning · For surfaces, not skin

A zesty paste for stovetops, sinks and tubs.

• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 2 tablespoons castile soap
• 1 tablespoon water
• 10 drops lime (Citrus aurantifolia)

Directions: Mix in a bowl and use right away. Rinse well. Store leftovers in a glass jar and use within a week.

2. Peppermint Daily Shower Spray

Cleaning · For surfaces, not skin

A cool, minty mist for shower walls and doors, with no rinsing.

• 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol
• 3/4 cup water
• 10 drops peppermint (Mentha × piperita)
• 8 oz glass spray bottle

Directions: Combine in the bottle. After each shower, shake well and mist the walls and doors.

Note: Contains peppermint, so use it when kids under 6 aren't in the room.

3. Homemade All-Purpose Surface Cleaner

Cleaning · For surfaces, not skin

A soft floral and sweet citrus spray for everyday wipe-downs.

• 3/4 cup distilled water
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 15 drops lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
• 15 drops sweet orange (Citrus sinensis)
• 8 oz glass spray bottle

Directions: Combine in the bottle. Shake well, spray the surface and wipe clean.

4. Tea Tree Toilet Cleaner

Cleaning · For surfaces, not skin

A fizzing powder and vinegar spray for the toilet bowl.

• 1 cup white vinegar in an 8 oz glass spray bottle
• 1 cup baking soda
• 1/4 cup salt
• 10 drops tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)
• A shaker container (a recycled spice jar works great)

Directions: Mix the baking soda, salt and tea tree oil in the shaker. Spray vinegar into the toilet bowl, then sprinkle in the powder and let it fizz. Add more vinegar if needed. Let it sit 15 minutes, scrub with a toilet brush and flush.

5. Tea Tree Cleaning Wipes

Cleaning · For surfaces, not skin

Homemade wipes for quick cleanups around the house.

• 1 roll sturdy paper towels (you'll use half per batch)
• 2 cups warm distilled water
• 15 drops tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)
• 1 tablespoon castile soap
• Container with an airtight lid, or a gallon zip-top bag

Directions: Cut the paper towel roll in half with a serrated knife and save the other half for your next batch. Stir the tea tree oil into the castile soap, then mix in the water. Place the half roll in the container and pour the mixture over it. Let it soak for 10 minutes, flip the container and soak 10 more. Pull out the cardboard tube and pull wipes from the center. Keep covered, and use within a week.

6. Pine Floor Cleaner

Cleaning · For surfaces, not skin

A fresh, crisp evergreen scent for mopping day.

• 1 gallon warm water
• 2 tablespoons castile soap
• 15 drops white fir (Abies alba or A. concolor)
• 5 drops lemon (Citrus limon)

Directions: Mix the essential oils into the castile soap first, then add to the water in a mop bucket. Mop floors and let them air dry.

Note: If you have cats, follow with a plain water mop so oils don't end up on their paws.

7. Dusting Spray

Cleaning · For surfaces, not skin

A light mist for a microfiber cloth that picks up dust.

• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 3 tablespoons white vinegar
• 10 drops white fir (Abies alba or A. concolor) or lemon (Citrus limon)
• 3/4 cup distilled water
• 8 oz glass spray bottle

Directions: Add everything except the water and swirl. Fill with water and shake. Shake well, lightly mist a microfiber cloth, then dust.

Note: Skip natural stone, since this spray has vinegar.

8. Simple Furniture Polish

Cleaning · For surfaces, not skin

A bright lemon polish for wood furniture.

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 5 drops lemon (Citrus limon)
• 2 oz glass pump bottle

Directions: Shake to mix. Pump a little onto a microfiber cloth and rub into wood surfaces. Polish every month or two, and dust with the spray above in between.

Note: Test on a hidden spot first.

9. Stain Remover Spray for Clothes

Cleaning · For surfaces, not skin

A pre-wash spray for everyday stains.

• 2 tablespoons vegetable glycerin
• 2 tablespoons castile soap
• 3/4 cup distilled water
• 10 drops lemon (Citrus limon)
• 8 oz glass spray bottle

Directions: Get the full directions in my DIY stain remover for clothes.

10. Mint Citrus Surface Spray

Cleaning · For surfaces, not skin

A cool mint and sweet orange spray for counters, doorknobs and handles.

• 3 tablespoons white vinegar
• 10 drops peppermint (Mentha × piperita)
• 10 drops sweet orange (Citrus sinensis)
• 10 drops eucalyptus (Eucalyptus radiata or E. globulus)
• 3/4 cup water
• 8 oz glass spray bottle

Directions: Combine and shake well. Spray and wipe clean.

Note: Contains eucalyptus and peppermint, so spray when kids under 10 are out of the room, and let it dry.

11. Window Spray Cleaner

Cleaning · For surfaces, not skin

A bright citrus spray for windows and mirrors.

• 3 tablespoons white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon rubbing alcohol to help prevent streaks (optional)
• 10 drops lemon (Citrus limon), sweet orange (Citrus sinensis), or lime (Citrus aurantifolia)
• 3/4 cup water
• 8 oz glass spray bottle

Directions: Add everything except the water and swirl. Fill with water and shake. Use with a microfiber cloth for best results.

12. Refrigerator and Microwave Cleaner

Cleaning · For surfaces, not skin

A simple lemon and vinegar spray for inside the fridge and microwave.

• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 3/4 cup hot water
• 5 drops lemon (Citrus limon)
• 8 oz glass spray bottle

Directions: Shake well, spray inside the fridge or microwave, then scrub and wipe with a damp cloth. For a stuck-on microwave, heat a cup of water with 3 drops of lemon essential oil in a microwave-safe container for about 4 minutes until steamy. Let it sit 5 minutes, carefully remove the hot cup and wipe the inside clean.

13. Shower Mildew Stain Spray

Cleaning · For surfaces, not skin

A vinegar and borax spray for grout, caulk and shower corners.

• 2/3 cup white vinegar
• 1/4 cup distilled water
• 1 teaspoon borax
• 5 drops tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)
• 5 drops lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
• 5 drops sweet orange (Citrus sinensis)
• 5 drops eucalyptus (Eucalyptus radiata or E. globulus)
• 8 oz glass spray bottle

Directions: Shake well and spray. Let it sit 15 minutes, then wipe with a damp microfiber cloth. Run the fan to keep things dry. For large or recurring mold, fix the moisture source and call a professional.

Note: Contains eucalyptus, so spray when kids under 10 are out of the room, and let it dry.

14. Homemade Citrus Dish Soap

Cleaning · For dishes, not skin

A cheerful citrus soap for the sink.

• 3/4 cup liquid castile soap
• 2 teaspoons vegetable glycerin
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 10 drops lemon (Citrus limon)
• 5 drops sweet orange (Citrus sinensis)
• 5 drops tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)
• 8 oz glass pump bottle

Directions: Gently whisk everything in a bowl, then funnel into the bottle. Add a few squirts to dish water, or a little to a washcloth to hand wash dishes. Rinse dishes well.

Note: Wear gloves if your hands are sensitive.

15. Shower Head Cleaner

Cleaning · For surfaces, not skin

A vinegar soak for mineral buildup on the shower head.

• White vinegar
• 5 drops lemon (Citrus limon)
• Gallon zip-top bag and a rubber band

Directions: Put the shower head in the bag with enough vinegar to cover it and add the lemon oil. Soak a few hours. If you can't remove the shower head, fill the bag, slip it over the head and hold it in place with a rubber band. Run the water for a minute before showering.

Note: Skip this on brass, gold-tone or specialty finishes.

16. Mattress Refresh Spray

Cleaning · For surfaces, not skin

A light, fresh mist for a bare mattress on sheet-changing day.

• 1/4 cup high-proof grain alcohol (like 190-proof)
• 3/4 cup distilled water
• 8 drops lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
• 4 drops peppermint (Mentha × piperita)
• 4 drops tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)
• 4 drops eucalyptus (Eucalyptus radiata or E. globulus)
• 8 oz glass spray bottle

Directions: Add the essential oils to the alcohol and swirl, then add the water. Shake well, lightly mist a bare mattress and let it dry completely before making the bed.

Note: Contains eucalyptus and peppermint, so use it on beds for ages 10 and up. Make a fresh batch every week or two. This freshens a mattress, but it won't get rid of bed bugs. If you suspect them, call a pest professional.

17. Garbage Disposal Cleaning Bombs

Cleaning · For surfaces, not skin

Fizzy orange and mint pods for a fresher-smelling sink.

• 2 cups baking soda
• 1 cup salt
• 1/4 cup liquid castile soap
• 15 drops sweet orange (Citrus sinensis)
• 15 drops peppermint (Mentha × piperita)
• About 1/2 cup water

Directions: Mix the baking soda and salt, then blend in the castile soap and essential oils. Slowly add water while stirring until the mix feels like damp sand and holds together when pressed. Too wet? Add baking soda. Too dry? Add a little water. Pack into a tablespoon or roll into balls, set on wax paper and let dry about 24 hours. Store in a glass jar. To use, drop one in the disposal, run the water and turn on the disposal. See my garbage disposal cleaner pods for more.

Note: Contains peppermint, so use it when kids under 6 aren't in the kitchen.

18. Grime and Grease Remover

Cleaning · For surfaces, not skin

A fizzing lemon cleaner for under appliances and on top of kitchen cabinets.

• 1 cup white vinegar in an 8 oz glass spray bottle
• 1/4 cup baking soda
• 4 drops lemon (Citrus limon)
• Paper towels

Directions: Mix the baking soda and lemon oil in a shaker. Spray the greasy area with vinegar, sprinkle on the baking soda, then spray again and let it fizz. Let sit 15 minutes, then wipe with paper towels and toss them.

19. Natural Stovetop Cleaner

Cleaning · For surfaces, not skin

A scrubbing paste for a cool stovetop and burners.

• 1/4 cup baking soda
• 1/4 cup salt
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons water
• 5 drops lime (Citrus aurantifolia)

Directions: Stir into a paste and spread over a cool stovetop and burners. Leave on for 15 minutes or longer for tough spots, scrub with a sponge and wipe clean.

Note: Skip the salt on glass cooktops, which can scratch.

20. Lavender Foaming Hand Soap

Hand soap · Ages 2+ · 20 drops in a 10 oz foaming bottle

A soft lavender foam for the bathroom or kitchen sink.

• 2 tablespoons castile soap
• 2 teaspoons vegetable glycerin
• 20 drops lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
• 1 cup distilled water
• 10 oz foaming soap pump

Directions: Add the water to the bottle first, then the castile soap, glycerin and essential oil. Screw on the pump and tip gently to mix. Try my rosemary lemon foaming hand soap too.

Note: Make a fresh batch every few weeks.

Essential Oils Cleaning Guide with Labels

Want all of these recipes in one place, with labels for your bottles? Grab my essential oil cleaning guide.

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More Essential Oil Cleaning Posts

Cleaning Basics

• Top 5 Essential Oils for Cleaning Naturally
• Natural Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid
• Lemon Essential Oil for Cleaning
• Essential Oils and Castile Soap
• Benefits of Castile Soap
• Kumquat Essential Oil for Cleaning

Kitchen and Bathroom

• Garbage Disposal Cleaner Pods
• Homemade Oven Cleaner
• DIY Fizzing Toilet Powder
• Scented Baking Soda

Laundry, Soap and Around the House

• DIY Stain Remover for Clothes
• DIY Foaming Hand Soap
• Makeup Brush Cleaner
• How to Reuse and Clean Empty Essential Oil Bottles

Fresh-Smelling Home

• Fall Essential Oil Cleaning Spray
• Homemade Essential Oil Sprays
• Baking Soda Air Freshener
• Peppermint Air Freshener
• Spring Cleaning Diffuser Blend

Ready to make your own cleaners? My Aromatherapy Supply Kits have the bottles and supplies you need, and my free essential oil guides have even more recipes.