Are you looking for a way to clean your house without harsh chemicals? Check out this homemade cleaning spray recipe that uses essential oils. This cleaner is safe and effective, and it smells great too!
I have a lot of cleaning products in my home. However, there’s no one single item that I use more than my all-purpose cleaning spray.
Kitchen counters, kids’ toys, bathroom sinks, even messes on the floor… I always reach for my homemade all-purpose cleaning spray!
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Oftentimes, commercial cleaners aren’t enough to get the job done and leave surfaces with a film. That’s why you should make your own cleaner – and it doesn’t take much at all!
You’ll need just three simple ingredients: water, white vinegar, and essential oils.
Why Make a DIY Cleaning Spray?
Cleaning sprays can be expensive, and sometimes they contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful to both your health and the environment.
By making your own cleaning spray, you know exactly what’s in it, and you can customize it to fit your needs.
This all-purpose surface spray is perfect for everyday cleaning. It’s gentle enough to use daily, but it’s also effective at cutting through grease and grime.
Plus, it smells amazing! The essential oils give the spray a fresh, clean scent that will leave your home smelling great.
All-purpose Surface Cleaner Recipe
This homemade all-purpose cleaner is perfect for cleaning up everyday messes. It’s safe to use on most surfaces, and the essential oils give it a fresh, clean scent.
Plus, it’s much cheaper than store-bought cleaners.
Give it a try the next time you’re about to start your cleaning chores!
Ingredients
- 16 oz empty spray bottle
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup distilled water*
- 10 drops tea tree essential oil
- 15 drops lemon essential oil
You may substitute for other essential oils that are recommended for natural cleaning. This way, you can customize your DIY recipe to your personal preferences.
Note: there will be a slight vinegar smell. If it’s too strong for you, adjust your recipe to use less vinegar and more water. You may also add 1-2 tbs dish soap or liquid castile soap to the mix to soften the scent of vinegar. Avoid the use of harsh ingredients such as rubbing alcohol, chlorine bleach, or baking soda.
* if you don’t have distilled water (or don’t want to spend money on buying it at the store), boil hot water and let it cool off. This is a very close second to using distilled water. The boiling kills off harmful bacteria and germs, which is what you want for best longevity of your DIY recipe.
Directions
- Fill all ingredients in your glass spray bottle.
- Shake well before each use.
- To use, spray the area and wipe it clean with a damp cloth.
- Ditch the paper towels! Instead, opt for washable and reusable microfiber towels.
Voila – it was as simple as that. Your homemade all-purpose cleaning spray is ready to go!
Be sure to test it on an inconspicuous area first, as vinegar can sometimes be hard on delicate surfaces such as granite or natural stone. If you have a surface you’re unsure about, test your DIY cleaner in a small corner first (or on the underside if available).
But for everyday cleaning in everyday areas, this natural mixture will certainly do the trick!
It’s best to use your natural cleaner within 6 months. That’s why I only ever make 16 oz at a time. It lasts me about 5-6 months.
Use a Natural Cleaning Concentrate
Short on essential oils? Not interested in DIY today?
Try a natural cleaning concentrate product. These ready-made bottles of cleaning concentrate make natural housekeeping a total breeze!
Just add the contents of these little bottles to a 16oz spray bottle, top up with water, and you’re all set.
Benefits of using a Homemade Cleaner
There are many benefits to using homemade cleaners, including:
- They’re cheaper than store-bought cleaners.
- You can customize them to fit your needs, scent preferences, and dilution ratio strength.
- They’re safer for both the health of your home, and the health of the environment.
- They’re super easy to make if you’re out, rather than relying on store-bought cleaners.
How to get the most out of your Homemade All Purpose Cleaner
There are a few things to keep in mind when using a homemade cleaning spray:
- Always shake the bottle before each use.
- Test the cleaner on a unnoticeable area before using it on a larger surface.
- Never mix different homemade cleaners together.
- Be sure to store your homemade cleaners in a cool, dark place.
Making your own cleaning spray is a great way to save money, customize your cleaning needs, and be safe for both your health and the environment. This all-purpose cleaner recipe is perfect for everyday house cleaning and can be used on a variety of surfaces. Give it a try the next time you need to break out the cleaning supplies!
Shake well before each use, and you’re good to go.
I hope this recipe showed you how easy it can be to clean more naturally.
Beverly
Thanks for sharing, I really like essential oils! They smell so fresh and clean and make me smile, because they are all natural. I don’t like to buy cleaning products from the stores as they are so strong and they stink. I have allergies. I would like to hear more on mixing oils for other ideas, for example shower clean and soap scum. 🤔