Simple Zero Waste Cleaning Recipes

Many cleaning products on the market today are full of synthetic fragrances and strong chemicals known to increase VOCs indoors.

However, when it comes to cleaning your home, less is often more. Did you know that soapy water is often sufficient to remove most bacteria and viruses from surfaces? Some studies even support the argument that conventional disinfecting products can create a false sense of security and foster an environment in which some bacteria and viruses spread faster. This means even simpler, less chemically aggressive options can actually be more effective!

You'll notice that several of these recipes share some of the same ingredients to lower cleaning costs and keep things simple, while still cleaning effectively without harmful chemicals. Hello, zero waste, and hello extra dollars in your pocket. Happy Cleaning!

Stainless Steel Appliance Cleaner and Polish

What you'll need:

• Dish Soap
• Water
• Olive Oil

Dab a drop of dish soap on a damp cloth. Wipe the stainless steel until all residue is gone. Dish soap breaks down oils, so this will help get rid of those annoying fingerprints. Once the stainless steel is clean you can wipe to dry and then polish with olive oil.

To polish, dab a clean cloth in olive oil and wipe the cleaned surface in the direction of the grain. Wipe any excess oil off with a clean cloth. 

My husband and I recently renovated our kitchen. We repurposed an older stainless steel oven range hood, which had a thick layer of grime and dust. I used this method and it looks brand new!

Oven Cleaner

What you'll need:

• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 3 tablespoons water
• Compostable rubber gloves
• Vinegar spray bottle

Combine ingredients in a bowl to make a paste. Apply the paste to the inside of the oven, including the glass and/or metal parts (do not apply to the heating coils). Let the paste sit for 15 minutes and then wipe it up with water. Repeat the process for more stubborn grime. If you have an especially tough job, you can let the baking soda mixture sit for up to 12 hrs then spray with vinegar and wipe away.

Glass Cleaner

• 1 cup rubbing alcohol (isopropyl)
• 1 cup water (preferably distilled)
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar

Mix ingredients in a 16-oz spray bottle or larger. After wiping, be sure to buff out water marks on the glass with a dry cloth.

Hard Floor Cleaner

What you'll need:

• 1 gallon of water
• 1-2 teaspoons of castile soap or our dish soap
• 10 drops of essential oils if you'd like to add a scent

Mix ingredients in a bucket and mop.

Carpet Spot Remover (for light carpet)

• 1 tbsp of oxy powder
• 16oz of water

Simply create a solution of 1 tablespoon of Oxy Powder per 16oz of water. Soak up any excess liquid before applying the solution to the stain. Use just enough solution to cover the stained area. Wait 1 to 5 minutes, and then soak up with a white towel. Repeat if necessary, and then rinse thoroughly with water and blot dry. Once the area is completely dry, run the vacuum over it. 

Chemical Bleach Alternative

Chemical bleach can be harsh on fabrics and harmful to the environment, but Oxygen Brightener offers a natural alternative that's just as effective. Add a scoop or two to your laundry load instead of bleach to brighten whites, colors, and remove stains without damaging your clothes. It's gentle on fabrics, free from harsh chemicals, and won't leave behind that strong bleach odor. Plus, it's safe for use on both colors and whites, making it a versatile addition to your laundry routine. 

Cleaning a reusable shower curtain? Try filling a large pot with hot water and a few tbsps of oxy, set it on the side of your tub to soak the bottom of the curtain. Once it's sat for an hour, wash with oxy in your washing machine. Hang in the sun to dry. 

Drain Maintenance & Clogs

For slow drains and monthly maintenance:

• ½ cup baking soda down the drain
• Let sit 10 minutes
• Follow with 1 cup white vinegar
• Wait 15–30 minutes, then flush with the hottest tap water you have

Letting the baking soda sit first gives it time to absorb grease and loosen buildup, then when vinegar is added, the fizzing reaction helps push loosened material through. This method is best for prevention and mild sluggishness, not a true clog.

For actual tough clogs, here's the honest answer:

Baking soda and vinegar alone won't cut it here, and no one should pretend otherwise. Enzyme drain cleaners contain bacteria that break down organic material such as food particles, hair, and soap scum. Unlike chemical cleaners, they won't corrode pipes or produce harmful fumes, and they can actually support your septic system's bacterial ecosystem over the long term. It's not plastic-free, but Biokleen has a great drain cleaner that I've used many times in the past.

For a less wasteful version, make sure you have a good reusable drain snake for hair clogs and biofilm clogs. It's been years since I've needed to purchase a drain enzyme cleaner.

Toilet Scrub

What you'll need:

• 2 cups warm water
• 3 tablespoons baking soda
• 1/4 cup castile soap

Combine ingredients in a container and shake well. Pour the mix in your toilet and let it sit for a few minutes or more before scrubbing.

Not up to DIYing? Try our new Bath and Kitchen Scrub!

Bathroom Grout:

Discoloration of tile grout can be caused by dirt, grime, spills, mold or mildew. To clean your grout, make a paste with 1 tbsp of oxy powder and hot water, then scrub. We recommend avoiding using an abrasive sponge/scrubber that may scratch the grout. Use a clean, soft cloth and clean water to wipe. Rinse well.

Own our Stain Remover? We've found it works wonders on grout, too! 

Have a favorite simple and low-waste cleaning recipe? Share it below in the comments!