How to Make Natural All-Purpose Cleaning Spray

One of the many ways to remove toxins from your home is to swap your household cleaners for more natural ones. This is an area that is hard for people to wrap their minds around, especially in the time we’re living in. Harsh cleaners are what most of us have on hand because we know they can kill viruses and bacteria, but they can also be harmful to our bodies. Breathing in harsh chemicals like bleach can cause asthma attacks and so much more. Even getting these cleaners on our skin can be harmful.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I think natural and/or conventional anti-bacterial and anti-viral cleaners can have a place in the home for certain circumstances, but not for everyday use. For everyday use, I like to use an all-purpose cleaner. All-purpose cleaners do a great job at cleaning different surfaces in all areas of the home, including the bathroom and kitchen.

Now, there are many DIY recipes for natural all-purpose cleaners out there. You can find recipes that use vinegar, alcohol, soap, etc. I’ve tried several variations and have found some that I really enjoyed. The great thing about making your own cleaner is that regardless of the recipe you choose, it’s usually easy to make, inexpensive and the ingredients are readily available. If you want to learn more about what types of ingredients I like to have to make my own household products, check out this post! My all-purpose cleaning spray recipe only requires three ingredients, and if you’re transitioning to a natural lifestyle, I bet you already have them on hand!

PIN FOR LATER!

ALL-PURPOSE CLEANER VS. DISINFECTANT

I mentioned earlier that disinfectants have a place in the home, but not for everyday use. So what is the difference between a disinfecting cleaner and an all-purpose cleaner? As you may have guessed, disinfectant cleaners kill microorganisms like viruses, bacteria, mold, et cetera and clean surfaces of debris in the process, although that’s not their main purpose.

All-purpose cleaners are less harsh, remove dirt, dust, grease and et cetera, but don’t typically have ingredients in them that kill viruses or bacteria. Their main purpose is simply remove particles from a surface to clean it. All-purpose cleaners are great for everyday use, especially for those of us who spend a lot of time at home.

WHY USE AN ALL-PURPOSE CLEANING SPRAY?

If you’re a busy person, you’ll know that simplicity and ease of use is important when it comes to household chores. Being able to use one bottle of cleaner, versus having to dig through a cabinet full of multiple different cleaners, really makes a big difference. It’s also nice to be able to clean multiple different surfaces in one trip around the house, as opposed to having to switch between different cleaners. A natural all-purpose cleaner is also great to give to older children who are starting to help with household chores. You can feel good knowing that the cleaner won’t harm them.

WHAT SURFACES CAN I CLEAN WITH A NATURAL ALL-PURPOSE SPRAY?

This all-purpose spray really can clean just about any surface in your home. It cuts through dust, grease, grime, little fingerprints and more! Here are the areas I like to clean with it.

• Kitchen counters
• Stove
• Stainless steel appliances
• Windows
• Wood furniture
• Wood cabinets
• Mirrors
• Laminate wood floors
• Linoleum floors
• Plastic surfaces

BEST ESSENTIAL OILS FOR CLEANING

There are many essential oils that contain wonderful properties for cleaning. Some help to degrease, while others have some cleansing properties. Here are some of the best essential oils to add to your homemade cleaners:

• Lemon
• Orange
• Tea Tree
• Peppermint
• Lemongrass
• Cinnamon
• Eucalyptus
• Grapefruit
• Lavender
• Thyme
• Bergamot
• Lime
• Rosemary

ESSENTIAL OIL BLENDS TO USE

SPRING SCENT

• 10 drops lemon
• 8 drops lavender
• 8 drops peppermint

CITRUS SCENT

• 10 drops sweet orange
• 10 drops lemon
• 5 drops bergamot

CLEAN SCENT

• 10 drops lemon
• 10 drops sweet orange
• 5 drops tea tree

HOLIDAY SCENT

• 10 drops orange
• 10 drops peppermint
• 5 drops cinnamon

HOW TO MAKE NATURAL ALL-PURPOSE CLEANING SPRAY

TOOLS YOU MAY NEED

• 16 oz spray bottle
• Measuring cup
• Measuring spoon

INGREDIENTS

• 15 oz filtered water
• 2 tbs Castile soap
• 20-25 drops peppermint essential oil or your favorite essential oil(s)

DIRECTIONS FOR MAKING ALL-PURPOSE CLEANING SPRAY

Fill your glass spray bottle half full with filtered or purified water.

Add Castile soap to the bottle.

Then add in your favorite essential oil or oils. I like to use peppermint, but you can use any blend (see below).

Top the bottle off with the rest of the water, add the spray nozzle, shake and it’s ready to use!

NOTES

• It’s important to use filtered or purified water in this because plain tap water can contain bacteria that you don’t want present in your cleaner. If you don’t have access to either filtered or purified water, you can simply boil water, then allow it to cool before using it.
• I like to use a glass bottle for my homemade products that contain essential oils because essential oils can break plastic down over time.
• You can use a small funnel to make the process of making this cleaner easier. The funnel I’m using came with a set of small spray bottles, but you could use a regular funnel for this as well.
• Store this natural all-purpose cleaner in a cool, dark place.
• Shake the bottle prior to each use.

CHECK OUT MORE OF MY NATURAL DIY’S

Looking for more natural DIY recipes like this natural all-purpose cleaning spray? Check these out:

• Homemade Laundry Scent Booster
• How to Switch to an All Natural Laundry Routine
• How to Make a Homemade Air Freshener

Did you make this natural all-purpose cleaning spray? If you did, I’d really appreciate if you came back and gave them a five star rating! Tag me on Instagram (@thesimplehomeplace) to show me your own recreation!