Autumn brings something special. The air becomes crisper, the light slowly fades. The home suddenly feels more important as you start spending more time in it. A feeling of wanting to make it cozy begins to sneak 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 choking fumes. It’s possible to keep your home clean using natural ingredients you mix yourself – without compromising on results.
Here you’ll find our best recipes for washing textiles, scrubbing bathrooms, clearing drains, and creating a fresh, soft scent throughout the home. All with just a few basic ingredients and a little care.
Basic ingredients to keep at home
With these in the cupboard, you can clean almost anything.
Bicarbonate of soda – neutralizes odor, dissolves grease, gently scrubs
Vinegar or gel vinegar – for limescale, bacteria and drain cleaning
Citric acid – effective for descaling and surface cleaning
Sodium percarbonate – whitens and deep cleans
Household soap (liquid or solid) – dissolves grease, gentle on skin
Soap flakes – fragrance-free laundry detergent for delicate materials
Smectite clay – for stubborn stains on fabric, furniture or walls
Essential oils – for both scent and function (e.g. lavender, tea tree, lemongrass)
Spray bottles & cloths – preferably glass and natural materials
Textiles that feel like new
Pillows, curtains and throws are often used but easily forgotten. A simple homemade laundry routine is enough to make them feel fresh again.
You’ll need:
1–2 tbsp soap flakes in the detergent compartment
1 tbsp sodium percarbonate in the drum (for light textiles)
3 drops lavender oil in the softener compartment
Let air dry if possible. Otherwise, use low heat in the dryer.
Tip:
Washing dark textiles? Swap sodium percarbonate for bicarbonate instead.
Scrub paste for kitchen and bathroom
After summer, surfaces often gather more dirt than you’d think. This paste is easy to mix and works in both kitchen and bathroom.
You’ll need:
2 tbsp bicarbonate of soda
1 tbsp liquid soap
5 drops essential oil (lemongrass or peppermint)
Mix into a paste. Use on stovetops, tiles, sinks, bathtubs or grout. Scrub and rinse.
Remove limescale with citric acid
Limescale on showerheads or in kettles disappears easily with this trick.
You’ll need:
2 tbsp citric acid
500 ml hot water
Place the items in the solution or pour it into the appliance. Let sit for 30 minutes and rinse thoroughly.
Freshen up sink and washbasin
With just two basic ingredients, you can keep your kitchen naturally clean. A simple all-in-one solution that freshens, dissolves grease and cleans – without harsh cleaners.
How to:
2 tbsp bicarbonate of soda
2 tbsp vinegar
Pour the bicarbonate into the drain (sink, basin or toilet), then add the vinegar. Let sit for 10–15 minutes. Rinse with boiling water.
Tip:
This blend is perfect for:
freshening sinks and basins
dissolving grease and grime in drains
Clean the toilet with natural ingredients
The toilet is one place we really want to keep both clean and fresh – without harsh cleaners. Here’s a simple recipe using natural ingredients to break down buildup, reduce odors and leave a fresh feeling.
How to:
Sprinkle 1 tbsp sodium percarbonate into the toilet bowl, especially around the rim
Carefully add vinegar, let it fizz and sit for 10–15 minutes
Add a few drops of essential oil – tea tree or eucalyptus – for a fresh scent and antibacterial effect
Scrub with a toilet brush and flush
Tip:
Want to boost the effect? Let the mixture sit overnight before scrubbing. It’ll make buildup easier to remove and the toilet extra fresh by morning.
Surface spray for those areas you rarely think about
Light switches, door handles and windowsills are small but often dirty. This surface spray makes them clean in no time.
You’ll need:
200 ml water
1 tbsp vinegar
1 tsp citric acid
5 drops 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
Drop in the essential oil of your choice – lavender for a calming floral scent, or rosemary for a refreshing feel
Screw the lid on and gently shake before use
Spray directly on the surface – like handles, windowsills or switches – and wipe with a clean cloth
For tough dirt, let sit for a minute before wiping
Tips:
Spray frequently on high-touch areas to keep bacteria and dirt at bay
Store in a cool, dark place for longer shelf life
Avoid using on natural stone or delicate wood – always patch test first
Remove stains with clay
Old stains on sofa cushions, walls or other fabric surfaces can feel hopeless – but sometimes a dab of clay is all it takes. Smectite clay cleans gently yet effectively without harsh chemicals and works well on both fabrics and hard surfaces.
You’ll need:
A pea-sized amount of smectite clay
A few drops of water
How to:
Mix the clay with a little water into a firm, pliable paste
Apply directly to the stain – ideally with your finger or a small spatula
Let it dry completely. The clay will draw out the dirt
Gently brush off the dried clay with a soft brush or cloth
Wash the surface as usual if possible, or wipe with a damp cloth
Tips:
Always patch test first, especially on fabric or painted surfaces
Works well on grease, makeup or dirt – especially on light materials
For an even gentler clean, mix in a little bicarbonate
Set the tone with a homemade autumn mist
When cleaning is done – or if you just want to soften the mood at home – a natural room spray is a lovely finishing touch. This homemade mist gives a warm, soft scent without being overpowering. Perfect for creating calm and harmony in the hallway, bedroom or wardrobe.
You’ll need:
50 ml water
1 tsp witch hazel water
10 drops essential oil – choose one or blend freely:
Glass spray bottle
How to:
Mix water and witch hazel directly in the spray bottle
Add your essential oils – for example, try 4 drops lavender, 3 myrrh and 3 rosemary for a balanced autumn scent
Screw on the lid and shake gently before each use
Use:
Spray lightly over textiles, in the hallway or wardrobe, on curtains, sofa cushions or even shoes. Avoid delicate surfaces and always test a small area first.
Tips:
For an even calmer feel in the bedroom: use only lavender and myrrh
For a more energizing scent near the front door: add a couple of drops of citrus or peppermint
Store in a cool, dark 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 – harsh smells, plastic and disposable products – as what you gain. It’s simple, affordable, and kind to both your body and your home. And maybe that’s exactly why it feels so satisfying.
