Simple Homemade Non-Toxic All-Purpose Cleaning Spray

Making a simple homemade non-toxic all-purpose cleaning spray for your home is both simple and effective. It is one of the easiest ways to protect your family from harsh chemicals making your living environment a safe place to dwell. I have found that when making a conscious choice of leaning into a more natural way of living, the homemade all purpose cleaner is the simplest way to begin. It requires only a few ingredients, effort, and time, and is by far safer than most store-bought cleaners.

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Effective Natural Ingredients for Homemade Cleaning

When making homemade cleaning solutions, several natural ingredients are particularly effective due to their cleaning, disinfecting, or deodorizing properties. Here are some ingredients you might consider:

1. White Vinegar

• Uses: Cuts grease, dissolves mineral deposits, and is one of the best natural deodorizers. If you are looking for streak-free windows and glass surfaces, then a simple mixture of vinegar and water is a great way to achieve that! Follow the window cleaner with a microfiber cloth for best results.
• How to Use: Mix with water for general cleaning, or use equal parts vinegar and water for tough stains. Avoid on natural stone surfaces as it can damage them.

2. Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate)

• Uses: Abrasive cleaner, deodorizes, neutralizes odors. Baking soda works wonders for tough jobs like stove tops, ovens, sinks, and bathroom surfaces! It will leave a residue, so keep that in mind when using it. I highly suggest switching out your spray nozzle to a chemical resistant one because the standard nozzles tend to get stuck when you add something more than water, however I prefer to store in glass containers.
• How to Use: Sprinkle on surfaces and scrub, or mix with water to form a paste for tougher stains. Can also be used in a spray with vinegar.

3. Lemon Juice

• Uses: Cuts grease, acts as a natural bleach, freshens. Lemon juice and lemon essential oil have worked exceptionally well for me with those tough sink and counter stains. I usually will pour lemon juice or lemon oil on the stain and allow it to sit for a couple of minutes before wiping it clean.
• How to Use: Use directly on stains or mix with water and vinegar for a powerful cleaning solution. Its acidity helps in disinfecting and cutting through grime. You can also add lemon rinds to your all purpose cleaner!

4. Castile Liquid Soap

• Uses: Gentle yet effective cleaner for a variety of surfaces, biodegradable.
• How to Use: Dilute liquid castile soap with water for use on dishes, countertops, or floors. It’s versatile and can be mixed with other ingredients like vinegar for enhanced cleaning. I like to add castile soap along with tea tree essential oil to my all purpose cleaner when I am cleaning the bathrooms for a deeper clean.

5. Essential Oils (such as tea tree, lavender, peppermint, or eucalyptus)

• Uses: Add pleasant fragrance, have antibacterial and antifungal properties.
• How to Use: Add a few drops to any cleaning solution to enhance cleaning power and leave a fresh scent.

6. Hydrogen Peroxide

• Uses: Disinfects, whitens, and removes stains.
• How to Use: Use as a spray or mix with water for cleaning surfaces. Be cautious with colored fabrics or surfaces as it can bleach.

7. Cornstarch

• Uses: Cleans windows, absorbs grease.
• How to Use: Sprinkle on carpets to absorb odors or use on windows with a dry cloth to clean.

8. Rubbing Alcohol

• Uses: Disinfects, evaporates quickly.
• How to Use: Use in small amounts for disinfecting and cleaning glass or electronics.

What essential oils are good for cleaning?

Essential oils  can enhance homemade cleaning solutions with their natural antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties, as well as add pleasant fragrances. Here are some of the best essential oils for cleaning:

1. Tea Tree Oil

• Properties: Antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, natural disinfectant.
• Uses: Ideal for disinfecting surfaces, treating mold, and deodorizing. Great for bathrooms and kitchens.

2. Lemon Oil

• Properties: Antimicrobial, antiseptic, grease-cutting.
• Uses: Excellent for cutting grease, brightening surfaces, and adding a fresh scent. Works well in all-purpose cleaners and on cutting boards.

3. Lavender Oil

• Properties: Antibacterial, calming, pleasant fragrance.
• Uses: Useful for general cleaning and deodorizing. Its soothing scent is great for bedrooms and living areas.

4. Eucalyptus Oil

• Properties: Antimicrobial, antiviral, decongestant.
• Uses: Effective for cleaning and freshening the air. Works well in bathroom cleaners and can help with respiratory issues if used in a diffuser.

5. Peppermint Oil

• Properties: Antimicrobial, antifungal, refreshing scent.
• Uses: Useful for cleaning and also deterring pests. Adds a refreshing smell to cleaning products and works well in kitchens.

6. Orange Oil

• Properties: Antimicrobial, grease-cutting, uplifting scent.
• Uses: Great for cutting through grease and adding a citrusy scent. Often used in all-purpose cleaners and degreasers.

7. Thyme Oil

• Properties: Antimicrobial, antifungal.
• Uses: Excellent for disinfecting surfaces, especially in the kitchen. Thyme oil has strong antibacterial properties.

8. Rosemary Oil

• Properties: Antibacterial, antifungal, invigorating scent.
• Uses: Good for cleaning and adding a fresh, herbal scent. Works well in kitchen and bathroom cleaners.

9. Cedarwood Oil

• Properties: Antimicrobial, antifungal, earthy scent.
• Uses: Useful for deodorizing and adding a woody fragrance. Effective in natural pest repellents and general cleaning.

Equipment for Non-Toxic Cleaning Spray

• Glass spray bottle (16 oz bottle) ( I highly suggest switching out your spray nozzle to a chemical resistant one because the standard nozzles tend to get stuck when you add something more than water, however I prefer to store in glass containers.)

• Funnel

Ingredients for Homemade Cleaning Spray

1. 1 cup of filtered water or tap water
2. 1/2 cup vinegar
3. 10-15 drops of your favorite essential oils  (such as lemon, lavender, or tea tree oil for fragrance and additional cleaning power)
4. (Optional) 1/4 cup of baking soda (For tough areas such as sinks and stovetops. Keep in mind that it will leave a residue.)

Instructions

1. Mix the Ingredients: In a clean spray bottle, combine the water and white vinegar. (Optional- Add the baking soda, if using on sinks or stoves, slowly—this may create a bit of fizz, so go slowly to avoid spills. I add only a 1/4 teaspoon at a time. You will see from the picture below what happens when you add too much at once.)
2. Add Essential Oils: Add 10 to 15 drops of essential oil. These add a pleasant scent and can enhance the cleaning power.
3. Shake Well: Put the lid on the spray bottle and shake gently to mix everything together.
4. Label and Store: Label your bottle for easy identification and store it in a cool, dark place.

Cleaning Spray Uses and Tips

• General Cleaning: Spray directly onto surfaces, then wipe with a clean cloth.
• Kitchen Surfaces: Use on countertops, stovetops, and sinks. Avoid using on natural stone surfaces like granite or marble, as vinegar can damage them.
• Bathroom Cleaning: Great for sinks, mirrors, and tiles. Avoid using on natural stone surfaces.
• Patch Test: Always do a small patch test on surfaces before using extensively to ensure it doesn’t cause damage.
• Avoid Mixing: Do not mix vinegar with chlorine bleach or other strong cleaning agents as this can create harmful fumes.

This cleaner is effective, eco-friendly, and safe for most surfaces.

More Non-Toxic Cleaning Ideas

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