Have you ever caught a whiff of harsh chemicals from a cleaning product and thought, “There must be a better way…”?
Well, my friend, let me take you on a little journey—one that begins in my grandmother’s old house in the heart of Transylvania.
I remember it so clearly. The scent of vinegar and thyme drifting through the air, the creaky wooden floors, and the way my grandma would clean everything with simple things from her pantry. No sprays in plastic bottles. Just real, honest ingredients—like vinegar, lemon peel, and baking soda. And everything sparkled.
Fast forward a few decades, two children, a small UK kitchen, and a mum who’s passionate about making food from scratch and reducing waste—guess who’s now mixing up homemade natural cleaners again?
Why I Switched to Natural Cleaning Products
Before I had my boys, I didn’t think much about the products I used to clean the bathroom or kitchen. But once little hands started crawling across the floor and licking everything (why do toddlers do that?!), I began reading labels—and honestly, it was scary.
Many mainstream cleaners contain ingredients I couldn’t even pronounce. That’s when I went back to my roots.
Natural, homemade cleaners are not only safer for my kids and better for the environment, they’re also super budget-friendly—and you know I love saving money where I can!
👉 Related: 5 Easy Eco-Friendly Swaps for Busy Mums
My Go-To All-Purpose Cleaner Recipe
Here’s my favourite homemade spray—it’s so simple, you’ll wonder why you ever bought store-bought cleaners!
You’ll need:
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- Peel of 1 lemon or orange
- 5–10 drops of essential oil (I love tea tree or lavender!)
Instructions:
- Pop the citrus peels in a jar and cover with vinegar. Let it infuse for about a week.
- Strain, mix with water in a spray bottle, and add your essential oils.
- Shake and clean away!
🍋 Tip: Citrus-infused vinegar smells so much better than plain, and it boosts the cleaning power naturally.
Why It Matters: Health, Home & Heritage
Using homemade products connects me to something deeper. It’s not just about cleaning—it’s about slowing down, choosing simple things, and embracing a gentler way of living.
My grandmother never had a cupboard full of sprays and wipes. She used what she had—because that’s what Transylvanian women have always done. We were raised to be resourceful, to respect nature, and to make do beautifully.
And now, here I am, teaching my boys to clean the table with a cloth soaked in lemon-vinegar spray—just like I learned.
Final Thoughts: Cleaning with Heart
Homemade cleaners aren’t just about being “natural”—they’re about reclaiming our power as mums, homemakers, and women with deep cultural roots.
They’re about saying:
“I care what goes into my home. I care what touches my children’s hands. And I believe simple can be powerful.”
If you’re ready to start your natural cleaning journey, I hope this post gave you a warm push in the right direction. And if you ever need a friend to swap recipes or tips with—I’m just a comment away. 😊
With love and lemon-scented memories,
Krisztina 💛
