Feeling like you’re wasting money on those expensive, smelly cleaners? What if I told you you could make a powerful, natural, homemade all-purpose cleaner in less than a minute, using just 3 simple ingredients? This isn’t just about saving money (though you’ll save a ton!), it’s about making your home a safer, happier place to live.
Do you ever get that raw, tickly throat feeling after using harsh chemical sprays in the bathroom? I still shiver just thinking about it! The good news is, you can wave goodbye to that feeling for good.
By switching to a natural cleaner, you’re not just cleaning your home. You’re also eliminating some of those toxic chemicals that can cause skin irritation, lung discomfort, and even immune system damage.
As a modern-day homemaker, I find so much joy in bringing back old-fashioned skills and using them to live a more intentional life. From my homemade glass cleaner to my homemade laundry detergent, I’ve found that these toxin-free DIYs are not only simple to make but work even better than the store-bought stuff!
I know that starting this natural living journey can feel a bit daunting at first, but trust me, the more you experiment with homemade cleaners and beauty products, the more you’ll fall in love with them. And did I mention how exciting it is to be a frugal homemaker? It’s amazing what you can create for so little money!
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Why You’ll Adore This All-Purpose Spray
Making your own cleaner is a small change that makes a huge difference. Here’s why this spray will become your new best friend:
- It’s Safe and Gentle: You can clean your kitchen without worrying about chemical residue on your surfaces.
- It’s Incredibly Frugal: This spray costs just a few cents per bottle to make. You’ll be amazed at how much money you save over a year by not buying those expensive store-bought brands.
- It’s Better for the Planet: Reusing your own spray bottle over and over again helps cut down on plastic waste. Plus, you won’t be washing harsh chemicals down the drain, which is better for our waterways.
- You’re in Control: You get to choose your favourite scent and ingredients. Want a calming lavender spray for the bathroom or a zesty lemon one for the kitchen?
What You’ll Need
- Liquid Castile Soap: This is a natural, vegetable oil-based soap that does an amazing job of cutting through grease. I love using Dr. Bronner’s—it’s organic and even comes with essential oils already added!
- Essential Oils (Lemon, Orange, or Peppermint): Not only do they make your cleaner smell incredible, but they also have powerful properties. Lemon is a natural antiseptic, orange is great for degreasing, and peppermint is a fantastic antibacterial. Plus, a lovely scent can make cleaning feel a little less like a chore!
- Distilled Water: If you plan to use the cleaner up quickly, tap water is fine. However, if it will be sitting for a while, using distilled water can help prevent mould from growing.
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Dr Bronner’s liquid castile soap
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Tip for Mould – Add 10 more drops of tea tree essential oils. Tea tree’s anti-fungal properties will help clean mould and mildew. It can help prevent future growth by killing the spores. Perfect for windows, window sills and the bathroom.
How to Use This All-Purpose Cleaner
This spray is super versatile and can be used on almost any surface around your home, from your kitchen benches to your bathroom tiles and even your wooden furniture. Just give the surface a spritz, let it sit for about 30 seconds to work its magic, and then wipe it clean with a damp rag. It’s that simple!
FAQs & Tips
How long will this last? If you use distilled water, a batch should be good for several months. I like to make a small amount (the same as this recipe) at a time to ensure it’s safe to use. Because there are no nasty chemicals in this spray, its shelf life isn’t as long as store-bought options.
Do I need to shake it before each use? Yes! The castile soap and water can separate over time, so give it a quick shake before each use to make sure it’s well-mixed and ready to clean.
Can I use this on everything? This spray is safe for most surfaces, including sealed wood, granite, tiles, and glass. However, avoid using it on unsealed or porous surfaces, as the water can cause damage over time.
Can I use this on glass? For glass and mirrors, a dedicated homemade glass cleaner will work better.
Is this a disinfectant? This cleaner is designed to clean surfaces by lifting and removing dirt, dust, and grime. While the essential oils have some anti-bacterial properties, they’re not a hospital-grade disinfectant. For areas that require disinfecting, like a cutting board after handling raw meat, a separate solution (like vinegar or hydrogen peroxide) should be used. Try my spray below:
DIY Disinfectant Spray
For those times when you need to kill germs, here’s a simple recipe to keep on hand.
- 1 part hydrogen peroxide (3% solution)
- 1 part water
Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water in a dark or opaque spray bottle. Hydrogen peroxide breaks down when exposed to light, so this is a crucial step! Simply spray the solution onto a clean surface and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes to effectively kill germs before wiping it clean.
Love,
DIY Natural Homemade All Purpose Cleaner
Say goodbye to harsh chemicals and hello to a cleaner, greener home! This simple, all-purpose cleaner uses just three natural ingredients to cut through grease and grime in minutes. Learn how to make a powerful, safe, and super affordable spray that works on almost every surface in your home.
Materials
- 1 tablespoon liquid Castile soap
- 10 drops of your favourite essential oil (lemon, orange, or peppermint)
- 1 cup distilled water
Tools
- Amber glass spray bottle
- Small funnel
- Label maker
Instructions
- Pour the warm water into your glass spray bottle.
- Add the liquid castile soap and your essential oils.
- Secure the lid, give it a gentle shake to mix everything together, and it's ready to use!
- This spray is super versatile and can be used on almost any surface around your home, from your kitchen benches to your bathroom tiles and even your wooden furniture. Just give the surface a spritz, let it sit for about 30 seconds to work its magic, and then wipe it clean with a damp rag.
Notes
- A note on using distilled water: This is important for a longer shelf life. Distilled water has had all minerals and impurities removed, so there's nothing in it for mould or bacteria to feed on.
- One of the best ways to ensure your cleaner is always fresh is to simply make a smaller batch at a time. The recipe is so quick to mix up that it's easy to make just what you need for a month.
