For most household cleaning tasks, properly formulated natural cleaners are just as effective as chemical ones. Ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and castile soap have proven cleaning and disinfecting properties. For tough jobs like mold removal or heavy grease, you might need stronger solutions, but our heavy-duty formulas handle most challenges.

Most homemade cleaners last 2-4 weeks when stored properly in a cool, dark place. Adding alcohol or hydrogen peroxide can extend shelf life to 2-3 months. Vinegar-based cleaners can last up to 6 months. Always check for changes in color, smell, or consistency before using.

Most surfaces are safe, but vinegar and acidic cleaners shouldn't be used on natural stone (marble, granite) or unsealed wood as they can etch or damage the surface. Our calculator provides specific warnings based on your selected cleaner type.

Cleaning intensity affects the concentration of active ingredients. Light cleaning (daily maintenance) requires less potent solutions than heavy cleaning (grease, tough stains). The calculator adjusts proportions accordingly to ensure effectiveness without wasting ingredients.

No, they're optional for fragrance. However, some oils like tea tree, lemon, and eucalyptus have antimicrobial properties that can boost cleaning power. Our calculator accounts for these benefits when included.

Our estimates are based on average prices for ingredients and national averages for comparable commercial cleaners. Actual savings may vary based on your local prices and shopping habits, but most users report savings of 60-80%.

Some substitutions are possible (like lemon juice for vinegar in some cases), but this may affect cleaning performance. The calculator provides best results with recommended ingredients. For substitution advice, check our blog or contact our support.

Our heavy-duty formulas with at least 70% alcohol or hydrogen peroxide are effective against many viruses. For critical disinfection needs, we recommend our specialized disinfectant recipe available in the calculator.

Distilled water prevents mineral deposits that can clog sprayers or leave spots, especially important for glass cleaners. For most purposes, filtered or boiled water works fine, but distilled ensures best results.

The calculator automatically adjusts vinegar proportions for hard water when you select your location. Hard water requires slightly more acid to counteract mineral deposits and prevent streaking.