Homemade Chemical-Free Spring Cleaning Recipes

Spring cleaning does not have to mean a cabinet full of plastic bottles and harsh chemicals. With a few simple ingredients and a Mason jar, you can make your own cleaning solutions that actually work, cost a fraction of the price, and keep plastic out of the trash.

Here are our go-to homemade cleaning recipes, all made and stored right in a Mason jar with a reCAP Sprayer Lid so you can spray directly from the jar. No extra bottles, no waste.

1. All-Purpose Cleaner

This is the one you will reach for every single day. Mix it up in a regular mouth Mason jar and spray it on countertops, stovetops, and bathroom surfaces.

• 1 cup white distilled vinegar
• 1 cup water
• 15 drops of your favorite essential oil (lavender, lemon, and tea tree all work great)

Combine everything in a Mason jar, snap on the reCAP Sprayer Lid, and give it a shake. Spray on surfaces and wipe clean with a cloth. That is it.

*Note: Skip the vinegar on granite and marble. Use a few drops of castile soap mixed with water instead.

2. Streak-Free Window and Mirror Spray

Commercial glass cleaners leave behind a film that causes streaks over time. This homemade version does not.

• 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol (70% or higher)
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 cups warm water

Mix in a wide mouth Mason jar, snap on the reCAP Sprayer Lid, and shake well before each use since the cornstarch settles. Spray on glass and wipe with a lint-free cloth or newspaper. Wash windows on a cloudy day so the solution does not dry before you can wipe it.

3. Baking Soda Bathroom Scrub

For tubs, sinks, and tile grout, this scrub does the heavy lifting without scratching surfaces.

• 1/2 cup baking soda
• A few drops of castile soap
• 10 drops tea tree oil
• Enough water to make a thick paste

Mix in a small Mason jar with a lid. Scoop out with a sponge or cloth and scrub, then rinse well. Store in the fridge between uses for up to two weeks.

4. Stainless Steel Polish

Make your appliances shine again without scratching them.

• 2 tablespoons mineral oil
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar

Mix in a small Mason jar. Apply a small amount to a soft cloth and buff in the direction of the grain. Wipe clean with a dry cloth. This also works beautifully on stainless steel sinks.

5. Citrus Infused Vinegar for Tough Grease and Buildup

If you have citrus peels sitting around from cooking or juicing, do not throw them away. They make a powerful, great-smelling cleaner.

• Citrus peels (lemon, orange, or grapefruit)
• White distilled vinegar

Fill a Mason jar with citrus peels and cover completely with vinegar. Seal and let sit for two weeks in a cool, dark spot. Strain out the peels, dilute with equal parts water, and transfer to a clean Mason jar with the reCAP Sprayer Lid. Use anywhere you would use regular vinegar cleaner, with a much better smell.

A Few Extra Tips Worth Knowing

• To tackle lime and mineral buildup around faucets, soak a paper towel in straight vinegar and lay it over the fixture for an hour. The deposits soften and wipe right off.
• Label your Mason jar cleaners with masking tape and a marker so you always know what is in each one.
• Store your cleaners away from direct sunlight and out of reach of kids.
• Most of these keep for several months so you can make a big batch and not worry about it for a while.

The reCAP Sprayer Lid fits any regular mouth Mason jar and is the perfect tool for all of these recipes. One lid, zero plastic spray bottles.