4 Tried-and-True DIY Cleaners Literally Anyone Can Make

There are a lot of reasons to make your own household cleaners. DIY products save money, allow you to know exactly what’s going on your counters, floors, and other surfaces, and tend to be more environmentally friendly than their store-bought counterparts. On the other hand, making your own cleaners isn’t always as simple as it seems. You may end up with crumbly detergent pods that took hours to make and leech the color from your laundry — just for example.

That’s why it’s best to start with just one tried-and-true DIY product — which is what we’ll be doing this weekend.

I’ve made and used all sorts of different cleaning products, including dishwasher detergent, laundry detergent, granite cleaner, window cleaner, stainless steel cleaner, and all-purpose cleaner. Some have worked better than others. Now I only use DIY cleaners and products that fit seamlessly into our family life and that work just as well as the pre-made stuff.

Here are a few of my favorites to choose from:

• All-purpose cleaner made fromwhite vinegarand water.
• Glass cleanermade of water, white vinegar, and dish soap.
• Alvin Corn, another glass cleaner made with alcohol, cornstarch, and water.
• Water, bleach, and Tideas an all-purpose and floor cleaner.

Pick one and give it a whirl. Maybe it’ll make its way into your cleaning tool caddy this year and help you tip the scales toward a bit more of a simple, sustainable, and cost-effective cleaning routine.

You can catch up with weekend projectsright here. Share your progress with us and others by posting updates and photos on Instagram and Twitter with the hashtag#atweekendproject.

Remember: This is about improvement, not perfection. Each week you can either choose to work on the assignment we’ve sent you, or tackle another project you’ve been meaning to get to. It’s also completely okay to skip a weekend if you’re busy or not feeling the assignment.