6 Natural Cleaning Recipes with Vinegar, Baking Soda & More:

Simple, sustainable, and beautifully effective

If you’ve been following Simmer & Stir, you’ll know I love using what I already have at home, especially when it comes to natural fragrance and home care. Recently, I came across an old cleaning chart tucked away in a vintage magazine, showing how just a few basic ingredients, such as vinegar, baking soda, and citric acid, can be combined to tackle nearly every cleaning job in the house.

Today, I’m sharing my favourite tried-and-tested natural cleaning recipes, using everyday pantry staples. No harsh chemicals, no fuss, and all the gentle, effective power you need to keep your home sparkling (and beautifully scented too).

6 Natural Cleaning Recipes from Pantry Basics

Each recipe below uses one or more of the following simple ingredients:

• White vinegar

• Baking soda (bicarbonate of soda)

• Citric acid

• Castile or plant-based soap

• Washing soda (soda crystals)

• Essential oils (optional)

1. All-Purpose Surface Cleaner

Perfect for: countertops, tables, doorknobs

Mix:

• 1 part white vinegar

• 1 part water

• Optional: 5–10 drops of lemon or lavender essential oil

👉 Combine in a spray bottle. Shake gently before use. Avoid on stone surfaces, such as marble or granite.

2. Streak-Free Glass & Window Spray

Cuts through grease, fingerprints, and water marks to leave windows and mirrors crystal clear, without streaks or synthetic residue.

Mix:

• 2 tbsp vinegar

• 1 tbsp rubbing alcohol (optional)

• 500 ml warm water

👉 Spray and wipe with a lint-free cloth or old newspaper for a streak-free finish.

3. Toilet Cleaner (Fizzing Formula)

The fizzing action helps lift grime, limescale, and odours naturally, making toilet cleaning quicker, fresher, and chemical-free.

Mix:

• 1 cup baking soda

• ½ cup citric acid

• Water (spray until it clumps)

👉 Press into silicone moulds and dry overnight. Drop one into the toilet bowl and let it fizz before scrubbing.

4. Scented Sink Scrub

Perfect for sinks, tubs, and ceramic surfaces. This gentle abrasive scrub lifts soap scum and stains while the essential oils leave a fresh, natural scent. Ideal for restoring shine without scratching delicate surfaces.

Mix:

• 1 cup baking soda

• 2 tbsp liquid castile soap

• 5 drops eucalyptus or tea tree oil

👉 Sprinkle and scrub gently with a sponge.

5. Laundry Booster for Odours & Stains

Mix:

• 1 cup soda crystals

• 3 tbsp citric acid

• 1 tbsp baking soda

👉 Add directly to the drum or detergent drawer. For optimal results, use with warm or hot cycles.

6. Simple Floor Cleaner (No Residue)

Mix:

• 1 litre of warm water

• 1 tbsp vinegar

• 1 tbsp natural soap

👉 Mop as usual. No rinsing needed unless floors are glossy or waxed.

Why This Works

These recipes work because they’re based on real science and gentle, time-tested ingredients:

• Vinegar breaks down limescale and cuts grease

• Baking soda neutralises odours and acts as a mild abrasive

• Citric acid dissolves mineral build-up and softens water

• Natural soap lifts dirt without harsh additives

And when you add a few drops of essential oil, the whole house smells beautifully fresh — without synthetic fragrances.

FAQs – Natural Cleaning with Pantry Staples

1. Can I use these cleaners on all surfaces?

Not quite. Avoid using vinegar on natural stone, such as granite, marble, or slate — it can damage the surface. For wood, test a small patch first.

2. What kind of vinegar should I use?

White distilled vinegar (5% acidity) is perfect. Apple cider vinegar works too, but may leave a scent.

3. Are these safe around kids and pets?

Yes, but still store ingredients safely. Avoid essential oils like tea tree around cats.

4. Can I mix vinegar and baking soda?

They react when combined, creating fizz. Great for drains and toilet fizzers, but not for leave-on surface sprays — the reaction neutralises their cleaning power.

5. Where do I find soda crystals and citric acid? Most supermarkets stock them in the laundry or cleaning aisle. You can also buy them online in bulk for better value.