My Go-To Zero Waste Cleaning Hacks for a Tidy Home

Zero waste cleaning hacks have completely transformed how I care for my home. I used to rely on plastic bottles and disposable wipes, which felt convenient at first. But over time, I started noticing how many bags of trash I was hauling out every week. It wasn’t just the waste that bothered me, it was also the worry that harsh chemicals might be lingering on my countertops and floors. The day I decided to switch to zero waste alternatives was the day I reclaimed control over my cleaning routine. Now, everything from my kitchen to my bathroom feels fresher, and I no longer stress about the mountain of plastic containers piling up in my recycling bin. In this tutorial, I’ll share exactly how I manage my cleaning tasks without creating unnecessary waste, so you can do the same.

I know firsthand that transitioning to a zero waste lifestyle can be intimidating. Where do you start, and how do you ensure your home stays spotless? Through plenty of trial and error, I’ve learned that small but consistent changes can lead to big results. These days, I rely on a combination of homemade solutions, reusable materials, and sustainable practices that keep my house tidy. My approach doesn’t involve fancy tools or complicated recipes. Instead, I focus on multipurpose methods and simple ingredients that are safe and easy to find. Think white vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils, rather than shelves upon shelves of single-use plastic bottles.

In this step-by-step tutorial, I’ll walk you through how I clean each part of my home, from the kitchen sink to upholstery. You’ll see how to assemble your own minimal-waste cleaning setup, streamline your tasks, and maintain a sense of calm throughout the process. If you’ve ever dreamed of living more sustainably without compromising on hygiene, let’s jump right in. Grab your natural ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to create a healthier, plastic-free environment for you and your family.

1. Gather the basics

I like to begin with a simple stockpile of reliable, reusable items that I reach for every time I clean. There’s no need to overcomplicate your toolkit. In fact, the fewer items you have, the easier it is to stay organized and truly commit to zero waste cleaning. Here’s what you’ll typically find in my cleaning caddy:

Reusable glass or stainless-steel spray bottles
A small collection of washable microfiber or cotton cloths
A couple of bamboo or wooden scrub brushes
White vinegar, baking soda, and salt
Castile soap or a gentle, plant-based soap bar
Essential oils (like lemon, tea tree, or lavender)

Before I discovered zero waste cleaning, I’d buy single-use wipes and enormous plastic jugs of cleaning products. Eventually, I realized these were not only expensive but also produced piles of plastic that weighed on my conscience. Transitioning to eco-friendly cleaning supplies helped me get the most mileage out of each item I bought. For instance, a single bar of castile soap can be turned into several liters of cleaning solution when properly diluted, which means I’m saving money while also reducing waste.

I also reorganized my storage area to keep these basics in plain sight. This may sound minor, but if things are hidden behind clutter, it’s easy to fall back on disposable convenience products. Having my reusable cloths and zero waste cleaning products within reach is a constant reminder to stay committed. Plus, it means I never have to scramble to find what I need when I notice a spill on the floor or a smudge on the stovetop.

Once you have your essentials, label your jars and bottles so you know exactly what’s inside. In my early days of experimenting, I accidentally sprayed vinegar into the air thinking it was a fresh lavender solution, which wasn’t exactly pleasant. Clear labeling helps avoid confusion, especially if your homemade solutions look similar. And if you feel unsure about a recipe, test it on a small patch first to confirm it’s safe for your surfaces.

2. Create all-purpose cleaners

Homemade, multipurpose solutions are the cornerstone of my zero waste system. With just a few basics, you can tackle the majority of household messes. My favorite all-purpose cleaner starts with equal parts water and white vinegar:

Fill half a spray bottle with water.
Add an equal amount of white vinegar.
If you like a pleasant aroma, include a few drops of essential oil, such as lavender or citrus.

Shake it gently, and you’re good to go. This solution works well on kitchen countertops, bathroom sinks, mirrors, and even light fixtures. The vinegar helps cut through grease and also has antibacterial properties. It does have a distinct smell at first, but that dissipates quickly once it dries.

Another staple in my cleaning playbook is a citrus-infused vinegar blend:

Collect citrus peels (orange, lemon, grapefruit) over a couple of days.
Place the peels in a mason jar and fill it with white vinegar.
Cover the jar and let it sit for about two weeks.
Strain the vinegar into a spray bottle and dilute with an equal amount of water.

This concoction has a milder, more pleasant fragrance than plain vinegar, and it feels like a treat when I spray it around my home. I’ll often use it in areas where the smell of plain vinegar might be too strong, such as cleaning the inside of my fridge or wiping down my dining table. Using sustainable cleaning products and homemade mixes ensures I’m not tossing out single-use plastic bottles or exposing my family to unknown chemicals.

For stubborn grime, I keep a separate jar of baking soda on hand. A quick paste of baking soda and water works wonders on tougher stains in the kitchen and bathroom. I’ll even add a few drops of essential oil if I want extra scent. This mixture acts like a gentle scouring agent to tackle baked-on residue or soap scum. After scrubbing, I simply rinse or wipe the surface clean with water and a damp cloth. I find this approach more effective than many off-the-shelf products, and I spend less time fussing with strong chemical fumes.

3. Tidy the kitchen

The kitchen is often the heart of the home, but it can also be a hot spot for waste if you’re not careful. I used to generate a lot of plastic trash from sponges, dish soap bottles, and disposable paper towels. Here’s how I keep my kitchen spick-and-span with minimal waste:

Swap plastic scrubbers for bamboo brushes: Wooden brushes with natural bristles are sturdy, biodegradable, and they last surprisingly long. When they do wear out, the wooden handle can be composted in many cases, reducing landfill waste.
Make dish soap go further: I dilute a small amount of castile soap into a dispenser or reuse an old pump bottle. A single bar of castile soap also works well if I simply rub my brush or cloth over it each time.
Reusable cloths instead of paper towels: I keep a stack of cloth napkins or rags in a drawer. They’re great for wiping counters, soaking up spills, and dusting off surfaces. After a quick machine or hand wash, they’re ready for reuse.

When deep-cleaning, I rely on my go-to vinegar and water spray. I spritz it onto the countertops and let it sit for a minute before wiping it off. For the stove area, sometimes I sprinkle a bit of baking soda if there’s grease buildup, then spray the vinegar solution on top. The fizz helps lift dried bits of food, and a quick scrub usually does the trick. All those old plastic sponge wrappers and the single-use paper towel rolls have become a distant memory, replaced by simple, reusable tools that cut down on daily trash.

If you’re just venturing into this realm, I recommend checking out some zero waste cleaning tools or a ready-made zero waste cleaning kit. I started out by grabbing whatever brushes and glass bottles I could find at local stores, but over time, I realized the benefits of investing in quality items specifically designed for a low-waste lifestyle. The sturdiness of these products means I’m not constantly replacing them, and I feel confident that I’m making a positive impact on both my health and the environment.

4. Clean the bathroom

Bathrooms can quickly become a trouble zone for single-use plastic containers—think endless bottles of toilet cleaner, shower spray, and bleach. To streamline my cleaning process here, I rely on two homemade solutions: one for everyday freshening up and one for deeper scrubbing. The all-purpose vinegar mixture I covered earlier works great for daily wipe-downs on the sink, faucets, and shower walls. For the toilet, a paste of baking soda and water or castile soap does wonders.

Here’s my weekly routine:

Sink and countertop: Spray vinegar solution across the surface and wipe with a reusable cloth. This helps remove toothpaste splatter and water stains.
Shower and tub: If there’s soap scum or mineral buildup, I’ll apply a baking soda paste. After letting it sit for a few minutes, I’ll give a gentle scrub with a bamboo brush and rinse thoroughly.
Toilet bowl: About once a week, I sprinkle baking soda into the bowl, add a few drops of essential oils for a fresh smell, and then scrub with a toilet brush. If there’s stubborn staining, a dash of vinegar or a bit of castile soap breaks it down.

One thing I noticed is that the bathroom has tons of little corners and crevices that can accumulate gunk. This is where my old toothbrush hacks come in handy. Instead of tossing out an old toothbrush, I repurpose it into a detail-cleaning tool to get into tight spots around faucets and tile grout. I’ll dip it in my homemade solution, then scrub away. It’s a small thing, but it saves me from buying specialized scrubbing tools that often come packaged in plastic.

Whenever possible, I also choose plastic-free cleaning solutions for my bathroom. For instance, I’ve switched to shampoo bars and bar soap for washing my hands or body. It’s simplified my shower shelf and reduced the number of plastic bottles I need to dispose of. Little changes like that add up, turning your bathroom into a space that feels sustainably cared for rather than overrun with plastic.

5. Refresh fabrics gently

Laundry day used to be my biggest battle in the fight against household waste. I’d run through jugs of detergent, drier sheets, and plastic refill pouches. Eventually, I got fed up with the constant trash and started experimenting with zero waste solutions that keep my clothes fresh without the mountain of plastic. Here are a few options I’ve landed on:

Soap nuts or soap berries: These are naturally occurring berries that release saponin, a cleaning agent, when soaked in water. I toss five or six berries into a small cloth bag and use them for roughly five loads before they lose their effectiveness.
Homemade liquid detergent: Sometimes I’ll grate a bar of castile soap, dissolve it in hot water, and add washing soda. I store this mixture in reused glass jars and measure out a small cup for each load.
White vinegar as fabric softener: A quarter cup of vinegar in the rinse cycle helps soften clothes and remove any lingering soap residue. I also add a drop or two of essential oil if I want a subtle scent.
Wool dryer balls: These skip the plastic entirely and can be used for hundreds of loads. They reduce static cling and help clothes dry faster.

I try to keep my laundry routine simple but effective. To refresh upholstery, I rely on a spray bottle filled with water, a tablespoon of baking soda, and a couple of drops of essential oil. I’ll lightly mist my couches or chairs, then let the air dry do the rest. If I spot a stain, I promptly dab it with my all-purpose vinegar cleaner. A quick treatment usually prevents the stain from setting.

These small zero waste cleaning swaps have made a big difference in how I handle fabrics, from my favorite sweaters to my couch cushions. I love that I don’t have to lug home those massive plastic detergent jugs or tear open single-use dryer sheet boxes anymore. And my clothes feel every bit as clean. If you’re worried about stubborn odors or tough stains, you’ll be surprised at how powerful mild ingredients can be once you get your ratios and timing right.

6. Polish floors thoroughly

Different floor surfaces need different approaches, but there’s no reason to resort to chemical-laden products. My favorite method involves a bucket of warm water, a splash of vinegar, and just enough castile soap to break down dirt. But before I start mopping, I always sweep or vacuum thoroughly to pick up debris that could scratch the floor. Once that’s done, I move on to mopping in sections.

Tile floors: A vinegar-water-castile soap solution generally works well. After mopping, I’ll use a clean cloth to dry the floor, ensuring there are no streaks.
Hardwood floors: I limit the vinegar content so I don’t risk damaging the finish. Sometimes I opt for a specialized floor cleaner from reputable zero waste cleaning brands that rely on natural oils. Afterward, I buff the sealed surface with a soft, dry towel for a subtle shine.
Laminate floors: Similar to hardwood, too much liquid can cause swelling. I keep the mop just damp enough to lift dirt without soaking the boards.

When I’m done, I pour out the dirty water onto a patch of outdoor grass or down a drain, making sure it contains only biodegradable ingredients. I’ll usually rinse out the mop and let it air dry as well. This step ensures everything is ready for the next cleaning session, sparing me the need to buy replacement mop heads or single-use pads. My dad used to say that shiny floors are like a warm greeting at the door, and I tend to agree. Walking across squeaky-clean floors, without the smell of pungent chemicals, makes my entire place feel calm and welcoming.

Based on my experience, if you want to be thorough but gentle in your approach, keep an eye on your floors’ specific finish. Not all materials handle the same ratios of vinegar and water. When in doubt, test a hidden corner to confirm it’s safe. Taking an extra moment to check can mean the difference between preserving your floors’ shine and accidentally causing dull spots.

7. Store your kit

With most of my cleaning tasks covered by a handful of ingredients and tools, I find it really helpful to keep everything in one place. That’s where a zero waste cleaning kit comes into play. Having a dedicated caddy or shelf is key to making sure your items stay organized, visible, and ready for action. I keep my vinegar sprays, baking soda jar, brushes, and extra cloths together—easy to grab at a moment’s notice.

Here’s how I organize my setup:

A sturdy, open-topped container to hold daily essentials.
Clearly labeled bottles so I don’t mix up solutions.
A small towel or washable rag at the bottom in case of leaks or drips.
Hooks or pegs on the wall to hold drying towels and brushes.

As someone who used to toss all my products into a cupboard under the sink, I can vouch that investing time in a proper system pays off. I no longer find half-empty containers scattered across different rooms, and I don’t have to buy items I already own but couldn’t locate. If possible, I recommend using an old crate, basket, or something you already have around the house. No need for a fancy brand-new bin.

This strategy also helps you maintain an inventory of your supplies. When your vinegar solution is running low or you’re almost out of castile soap, you’ll notice right away. That means fewer emergency runs to the store, and more deliberate, planned purchases of zero waste cleaning products that align with your values. It’s pretty satisfying to see everything neatly arranged in one spot, knowing each piece plays a crucial role in keeping your home clean and your trash bin empty.

8. Maintain the routine

While setting up a zero waste cleaning system is a great accomplishment, staying consistent is where you truly reap the benefits. I’ve learned it’s easier to keep up small daily habits than to let messes pile up and tackle them all at once. Even five minutes each day can make a huge difference in how tidy and comfortable your home feels.

Here are some habits that simplify maintenance:

Wipe up spills as they happen: If something splatters on the stove, I spritz it with my vinegar cleaner and wipe it up right away. Waiting just makes scrubbing harder later.
Quick bathroom refresh: Every so often, I’ll give the counter or mirror a quick wipe with a cloth. That means less buildup by the end of the week.
Routine laundry checks: I look for towels or cloths needing a wash, adding them to the day’s load so they’re back in rotation quickly.
Rotating deep cleans: I schedule a different area of the house each weekend, focusing on tasks like scrubbing behind appliances or organizing under the sink.

I also keep to a zero waste cleaning routine, noting which areas need attention most frequently. It’s not rigid, but it gives me a structure. In the beginning, I struggled with feeling overwhelmed. But once I broke tasks into smaller chunks, I actually found cleaning more relaxing. It became a mindful activity where I could see instant results from a few minutes of effort.

Don’t forget to celebrate small milestones too. If you manage a month of consistent zero waste cleaning, treat yourself—maybe bake a batch of cookies or spend some extra time relaxing with a good book. Positive reinforcement keeps you motivated and signals that you’re successfully creating healthy habits.

9. Wrap up your journey

I’ll be the first to admit that adopting a zero waste mindset won’t happen overnight. It’s a process of experimentation, trial and error, and evolving routines. The reward, though, is well worth the effort. My home feels cleaner and healthier, and I love knowing that I’m contributing less plastic to landfills. Friends often ask me how I keep my place so pristine without a cabinet full of conventional cleaners. My answer is simple: the right tools, a few homemade solutions, and a commitment to staying consistent.

Over time, these zero waste cleaning hacks have enriched my daily life in ways I never expected. I’ve become more aware of how everyday choices impact the environment. I’m kinder to my wallet, since I’m cutting back on disposable items. And my home has a fresh, inviting vibe that puts me in a great mood when I walk through the door.

If you’re just starting out, take it step by step. Make one small change—like switching to reusable cloths—then build from there. Slowly incorporate homemade cleaners or simplify your cleaning toolkit. As you embed these habits, you’ll likely feel a sense of pride, knowing your efforts are making a tangible difference. And remember, you’re not alone in this: there’s a whole community of us out there, sharing tips and cheering each other on. We might not be perfect, but every small shift is a stride forward.

So fill up that spray bottle, put on some music or a favorite podcast, and embrace the feeling of a freshly cleaned, zero waste home. Every wipe, every sweep, and every quick spritz of vinegar-based solution brings you that much closer to a cleaner environment—for your living space, your loved ones, and our planet. Here’s to a future where we can all breathe a little easier, one zero waste cleaning session at a time.