Autumn brings something special. The air becomes crisper, the light fades more and more. The home suddenly becomes more important as you start spending more time there. The feeling of wanting to make it cozy creeps in. To create a place for rest. And where do you usually start? By cleaning.
But cleaning doesn’t have to mean harsh chemicals, plastic buckets, and overpowering smells. You can keep your home clean with natural ingredients you mix yourself, without compromising on results.
Here you get our best recipes for washing textiles, scrubbing bathrooms, clearing drains, and creating a fresh, soft scent throughout the home. All with the help of a few basic ingredients and a little care.
Basic ingredients to have at home
With these in your cupboard, you can clean almost anything.
- Baking soda – neutralizes odors, dissolves grease, gently scrubs
- Vinegar or gel vinegar – against limescale, bacteria, and for drains
- Citric acid – effective for descaling and surface cleaning
- Sodium percarbonate – bleaches and cleans deeply
- Household soap (liquid or solid) – dissolves grease, gentle on skin
- Soap flakes – fragrance-free detergent for sensitive materials
- Smectite clay – for stubborn stains on fabric, furniture, or walls
- Essential oils – for both scent and function (for example lavender, tea tree, lemongrass)
- Spray bottles & cloths – preferably glass and natural materials
Textiles that feel like new
Pillows, curtains, and blankets are often used but easily forgotten. A simple homemade washing routine is enough to make them feel fresh again.
You need:
- 1–2 tbsp soap flakes in the detergent compartment
- 1 tbsp sodium percarbonate in the drum (for light textiles)
- 3 drops of lavender oil in the fabric softener compartment
Let air dry if possible. Otherwise, use low heat in the dryer.
Tips:
Are you washing dark textiles? Replace sodium percarbonate with baking soda instead.
Scrubbing paste for kitchen and bathroom
After summer, surfaces often collect more dirt than you realize. This paste is easy to mix and works in both the kitchen and bathroom.
You need:
- 2 tbsp baking soda
- 1 tbsp liquid soap
- 5 drops of essential oil (lemongrass or peppermint)
Mix into a paste. Use on stove, tiles, sink, bathtub, or grout. Scrub and rinse.
Remove limescale with citric acid
Limescale on showerheads or in the kettle easily disappears with this trick.
You need:
- 2 tbsp citric acid
- 5 dl warm water
Place the parts or pour the mixture into the appliance. Let stand for 30 minutes and rinse thoroughly.
Freshen up the sink and washbasin
With just two basic ingredients, you keep the kitchen clean naturally. A simple all-in-one solution that freshens up, dissolves grease, and cleans – without harsh cleaning agents.
How to:
- 2 tbsp baking soda
- 2 tbsp vinegar
Pour baking soda into the drain (sink, washbasin, or toilet), then add vinegar. Let it work for 10–15 minutes. Rinse with boiling water.
Tips:
This mixture works great to:
- freshen up the sink and washbasin
- dissolve grease and dirt in the drain
Clean the toilet with natural ingredients
The toilet is a place where we want it both clean and fresh – without harsh cleaning agents. Here is a simple recipe with natural ingredients that help dissolve deposits, reduce bad odors, and give a fresh feeling.
How to:
- Sprinkle 1 tbsp of sodium percarbonate in the toilet bowl, preferably around the edges.
- Carefully add vinegar, let it bubble and work for 10–15 minutes.
- Add a few drops of essential oil, tea tree or eucalyptus, if you want a fresh scent and antibacterial effect.
- Scrub with the toilet brush and flush.
Tips:
Want to boost the effect? Let the mixture sit overnight before scrubbing. This makes it easier to remove buildup and gives an extra fresh feeling in the morning.
Surface spray for those surfaces you rarely think about
Light switches, door handles, and windowsills are small but often dirty. This surface spray cleans them quickly.
You need:
- 200 ml water
- 1 tbsp vinegar
- 1 tsp citric acid
- 5 drops of lavender or rosemary
- Glass spray bottle
Spray and wipe with a cloth.
How to:
- Start by pouring the water into the spray bottle.
- Add vinegar and citric acid.
- Add a few drops of your preferred essential oil – lavender for a calm, floral scent or rosemary for a refreshing feel.
- Screw on the lid and shake the bottle gently before use.
Spray directly on the surface, such as door handles, windowsills, or light switches, and wipe with a clean cloth. For extra dirty surfaces, let the spray sit for a minute before wiping.
Tips:
- Spray frequently on contact surfaces in the home to keep bacteria and dirt away.
- Store the bottle in a dark, cool place for longer shelf life.
- Avoid using on natural stone or delicate wood surfaces – always test on a small area first.
Remove stains with clay
Old stains on sofa cushions, walls, or other textile surfaces can seem hopeless, but sometimes a dollop of clay is enough to save them. Smectite clay cleans gently yet effectively without harsh chemicals and works great on both textiles and hard surfaces.
You need:
- 1 dollop of smectite clay (about the size of a pea)
- A few drops of water
How to:
- Mix the clay with a little water until you get a firm but moldable paste.
- Apply directly to the stain – preferably with your finger or a small spatula.
- Let it dry completely. The clay attracts dirt while drying.
- Gently brush off the dry clay with a soft brush or cloth.
- Wash the surface as usual if the material allows, otherwise wipe with a lightly damp cloth.
Tips:
- Always test first on a hidden area, especially if you’re cleaning textiles or painted surfaces.
- Also works on stains from grease, makeup, or dirt – especially on light materials.
- If you want an even gentler cleaning, you can add a little baking soda.
Set the mood with a homemade autumn mist
When you’ve finished cleaning, or just want to create a softer feeling at home, a natural room spray is a lovely finishing touch. This homemade mist gives a warm, gentle scent without feeling overpowering. Perfect for creating calm and harmony in the hallway, bedroom, or closet.
You need:
- 50 ml water
- 1 tsp witch hazel water
- 10 drops of essential oil – choose one or mix freely:
- Glass spray bottle
How to:
- Mix water and witch hazel water directly in the spray bottle.
- Add your essential oils – try, for example, 4 drops of lavender, 3 of myrrh, and 3 of rosemary for a balanced autumn scent.
- Screw on the lid and shake gently before each use.
Usage:
Lightly spray over textiles, in the hallway or closet, on curtains, sofa cushions, or even shoes. Avoid delicate surfaces and always test on a small area first.
Tips:
- For an even calmer feeling in the bedroom: use only lavender and myrrh.
- For a fresher scent by the front door: add a few drops of citrus or peppermint.
- Store the bottle in a dark, cool place for longer shelf life.
Clean on the surface – but also in the feeling
Cleaning with natural ingredients is just as much about what you avoid – strong scents, plastic, and disposable products – as what you get. It’s simple, affordable, and gentle on both body and home. And maybe that’s exactly why it feels so satisfying.
