If you're planning on using more natural cleaning products, now’s the time to stock up on regular ol' white <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/30-things-you-should-be-cleaning-with-vinegar-1912030/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">vinegar</a>, because you’re definitely going to need it. For cleaning your windows, grab a reusable spray bottle and pour in 2 cups distilled water, 1/4 cup white vinegar and 8-10 drops of an essential oil of your choice (optional). Shake, spray and wipe away all that gunk, streak-free. For more tips and tricks, check out our handy <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/ultimate-spring-cleaning-checklist-1937104/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ultimate cleaning checklist</a>.

Save some dollars (and the environment) by replacing this kitchen staple with a petroleum-free homemade version. Dissolve 2 tsp. of kosher salt into 1/2 cup of warm distilled water. In a separate container, mix 1/2 cup white vinegar, 1 Tbsp. homemade washing soda and 20-40 drops of lemon or grapefruit essential oil, then stir in the salt mixture until thickened. While a natural option is less harmful to your hands, we still recommend wearing rubber gloves while scrubbing the dishes. Are you <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/sick-of-sanitizing-house-stay-clean-longer-1938057/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">sick of sanitizing? Here's how to make your house stay clean for longer</a>.

For this homemade <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/things-you-didnt-know-dishwasher-could-do-1926172/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">dishwasher</a> detergent, you will need to buy a couple of ingredients from the cleaning aisle — baking soda (1 cup) and washing soda (1 cup) — but everything else is already in your kitchen. Mix them with 1 cup kosher salt and 1 cup water and store in an air-tight container. Use 2 Tbsp. per load. You can also try using white vinegar as a rinsing agent. This is <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/clean-dishwasher-other-dirty-things-1940420/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">how to clean a dishwasher and other things that haven't met a sponge until now</a>.

Looking for a soothing all-natural air freshener that'll keep your home smelling good? While you're washing the floors or wiping down countertops, have a mix of citrus fruits (lemon, orange and grapefruit are best) gently simmering alongside cinnamon sticks, rosemary, cloves and thyme in a medium pot on the stove. It's the perfect eco-friendly product you can make at home. We love a cost-effective hack!

When it comes to natural house cleaners, you can't go wrong with the reliable combo of water and white vinegar. To give your floor a deep clean, mix 1 cup white vinegar in 1 gallon of water. It's natural, gentle on surfaces and will leave your floors looking brand new. If you're <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/living-through-a-renovation-follow-these-tips-for-keeping-your-home-healthy-and-clean-1911093/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">living through a reno, try these tips for keeping your home healthy and clean</a>.

Did you ever make one of those oozing volcanoes in elementary school? Well, this at-home drain cleaner harnesses the same chemical reaction — without the red food colouring. Sprinkle 1/2 cup <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/30-things-you-should-be-cleaning-with-baking-soda-1913816/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">baking soda</a> down the drain, followed with 1/4 cup white vinegar. Let it sit for an hour or so, and then pour a kettle full of boiling water down to give it a final rinse. For more kitchen tips, check out these <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/organize-kitchen-like-marie-kondo-1925853/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ways you can organize your kitchen like Marie Kondo</a>.

This carpet-refresher powder doesn't just lift nasty odours, it also kills fleas and their eggs and helps keep rodents at bay — so get mixing, there’s no time to waste! In an airtight container combine 1 cup water, 1/2 cup white vinegar, 1 tsp. salt and 10-15 drops of a favourite essential oil. Sprinkle the mixture on the offending carpet, vacuum it up and <em>voila</em>! We've also got the scoop on how to <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/how-to-remove-smell-dog-cat-1940537/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">remove the smell of dogs and cats in your home</a>.

Does your favourite mug have rings of grime on the inside that you just can't get rid of no matter how hard you scrub? Simply add a little vinegar to a clean sponge and watch how quickly all that gunk disappears. For cleaning tea kettles, add 2 cups water and 1/4 cup vinegar and bring to a boil. Let it cool down before wiping with clean cloth and rinsing with water. We've also got some <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/quick-and-easy-hacks-to-clean-your-microwave-in-minutes-1925540/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">quick and easy hacks to clean your microwave in minutes</a>.

Stamp out those sneaky dust particles that stick to wooden furniture with the sweet scents of citrus in this homemade dusting spray. In a clean spray bottle, mix 1 cup of water, 1/4 cup of white vinegar (to cut grease), 2 Tbsp. of olive oil (to shine surfaces) and 10-15 drops of lemon essential oil (bergamot, orange, grapefruit or tangerine will also do the trick). Be sure to shake the bottle before each use. While you're at it, here's <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/how-to-declutter-every-room-in-your-house-1938596/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">how to declutter every room in your house</a>.

Being able to pull out a handy disinfecting wipe whenever a sticky situation presents itself is one of the draws of store-bought products, but there is a natural alternative. In a bowl, combine 1 cup water, 1/4 cup white vinegar and 8 drops each of tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil and lemon essential oil. Fold 15-20 squares of cloth (old T-shirts are a good option) into a clean, empty baby-wipes container. Pour the mixture over the cloths, then pull one out and use at will. When you run out, wash them and whip up a new batch. Get a full step-by-step breakdown of another version that includes rubbing alcohol <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/diy/blog/how-to-make-homemade-reusable-disinfectant-wipes-1937808/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.