5 Simple DIY Cleaning Recipes for Kids (From the Little Helpers Cleaning Cards)

Disclosure and Safety Notice: These recipes are for educational purposes only. Always use adult supervision when children are helping. Essential oils, borax, citric acid, and other ingredients may cause irritation if they come into contact with skin, eyes, or are ingested. Wear gloves when needed and wash hands after use. Momi at Home is not responsible for any accidents, misuse, or allergic reactions that may occur from making or using these recipes. Test cleaners on a small, hidden area first to ensure they are safe for your surfaces. Store all supplies and finished products out of reach of young children and pets. By using these recipes, you agree to take full responsibility for your own safety and results.

As moms, we wear a lot of hats: homemaker, teacher, chef, peacemaker… and sometimes maid.

If you’ve ever felt like the chores are piling up faster than you can tackle them, you’re not alone. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to carry the load alone.

One of the best gifts we can give our kids is teaching them real-life skills and cleaning is one of them. By inviting your children into the process, you not only get help with the housework, but you also give them confidence, responsibility, and a sense of teamwork.

That’s exactly why I created the FREE Little Helper Cleaning Cards. A set of printable recipe cards with safe, natural DIY cleaning recipes that your kids can help make and use. These aren’t just about getting a clean house; they’re about building habits, skills, and even memories together.

In this post, I’ll share all five recipes included in the set and give you tips for how to involve your kids in the process no matter their age.

1. DIY All-Purpose Cleaner (Kid-Friendly Version)

Every mom needs an all-purpose cleaner for tables, counters, and quick spills. This recipe is simple, natural, and perfect for kids to use on everyday messes.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup of distilled water
1/2 cup of white vinegar
5 drops of essential oil (lemon or lavender works great)
8oz spray bottle

How your kids can help:

Older kids can spray and wipe down the kitchen table after meals.
Younger kids can clean up small spills.
Let your little one carry their own 8 oz spray bottle sized just for them!

This is the most used cleaner in our home and I'm sure that will be the case for your family too. It’s safe, quick, and makes them feel proud to be “in charge” of the cleaning.

2. Streak-Free DIY Glass Cleaner

Say goodbye to fingerprints on mirrors and windows! This DIY glass cleaner leaves surfaces sparkling without the harsh fumes of store-bought sprays.

Ingredients:

2/3 cup of distilled water
1/4 cup of white vinegar
1 tsp of rubbing alcohol
8oz spray bottle

How your kids can help:

Turn cleaning into a game: give your kids the glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth and let them “race” to find and wipe fingerprints.
For younger helpers, assign them one window while you do another.

When making the cleaner you should be the one in charge of measuring and pouring the alcohol.

3. Toilet Bowl Cleaner Tablets

Let’s be honest.Toilet cleaning isn’t anyone’s favorite chore. But when you add fizzing action, kids suddenly think it’s fun! These toilet bowl cleaner tablets are a safe and natural way to clean while giving kids a job they’ll actually look forward to.

Ingredients:

1 tbsp of distilled water
1/2 cup of baking soda
2 tbsp of citric acid
5 drops of essential oil (lemon or lavender works great)
silicone molds of the shape you want your tablets to be
16 oz container for storage

How your kids can help:

Younger kids can drop a tablet into the toilet and watch it fizz and then scrub with a toilet brush.
Older kids can help make the tablets by mixing and putting into molds (just remind them to wear gloves and wash their hands afterward).

Make sure your children wear gloves when making and using these fizzy tablets and always wash their hands after touching them.

4. Laundry Detergent

Laundry is a constant in family life, but teaching kids to pitch in makes it less overwhelming. This homemade laundry detergent is budget-friendly, effective, and easy to mix up in bulk.

Ingredients:

1 cup of grated castile soap
1 cup of washing soda
1 cup of borax
20 drops of essential oil (you can mix oils or just use one. I like lemon and lavender mix.)
32 oz storage container

How your kids can help:

Younger kids can help measure and mix ingredients. (make sure they wear gloves)
Older kids can scoop detergent into the washer and learn how to run a load responsibly.

This recipe not only cuts down on store-bought detergent costs, but it also gives older kids the satisfaction of contributing in a “grown-up” way.

5. Liquid Dish Soap

Dishes pile up fast. Especially in busy homeschool households. A natural dish soap recipe gives your family a safer, eco-friendly alternative that kids can help use.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup of liquid castile soap
1 1/2 cup of distilled water
30 drops of essential oil (if your castile soap is unscented)
16 oz stainless steel soap dispenser

How your kids can help:

Younger kids can rinse plastic cups and plates.
Older kids can take on a full sink of dishes or load the dishwasher.

Assigning dish duty by age helps lighten your load while teaching everyone responsibility.

Why DIY Cleaning Recipes Are Perfect for Families

Safe & Natural: You control what goes into your cleaners, so no harsh chemicals are floating around your home.
Life Skills Training: Kids learn measuring, mixing, and problem-solving while making recipes.
Family Unity: Chores stop being “mom vs. kids” and become family teamwork.
Budget-Friendly: Most recipes use inexpensive, pantry-friendly ingredients.
Faithful Homemaking: Caring for your home with intention teaches kids stewardship. A value that reaches far beyond cleaning.

Want these recipes in a kid-friendly format?

Grab the FREE Little Helpers Cleaning Cards. Printable recipe cards that make it easy for your kids to help mix, clean, and learn responsibility while having fun.

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HEY, I’M ASIA…

A homemaking, faith-filled Momi learning to homeschool my 6-year old daughter without a roadmap (or a mom of my own to call). I created this space to help you simplify faith, homeschooling, and homemaking one grace-filled step at a time.

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