All Purpose Homemade Cleaning Spray

For a while I have be searching for a good all purpose cleaning spray.  I’ve tried a few natural store bought brands and have been happy with the product but I knew I could make an effective cleaner at home for a fraction of the cost.

I’ve tried a few cleaners and realized I don’t like vinegar.  I know it’s used by many as a great natural cleaner but I really don’t like the smell at all.  I knew I wanted something which used essential oils which have natural antibacterial properties so after perusing the internet and checking out various recipes and with a little tweaking I developed this cleaner.

One part that I love is that it does use essential oils. I use any citrus oils from Young Living that are pure therapeutic grade which means that you get real antibacterial cleaning power and not a poor quality ineffective oil.

Another thing I love about this is the use of the glass vinegar bottle.  I use vinegar frequently in salad dressings and as a rinse aid in our dishwasher so I just purchased it in some smaller glass containers so I could reuse them for this cleaner.  Essential oils can break down plastics so it’s important when you’re using essential oils to store anything made with them in a glass container. I started off making a larger amount and storing it in the 32 ounce sized glass vinegar bottles and then realized that that size was too cumbersome to try and lug around and spray everywhere, I was having to use 2 hands, so stick with the 16 ounce glass bottles. Since this recipe uses washing soda it will separate to the bottom of the bottle so just give it a shake before you spray, that will also get the castille soap mixed up nicely as well.

I use this to clean off our kitchen table after meals, spray on kitchen counters, our trash can, pretreat for sticky spots on the floor before moping and spray down the outside of the toilet and the bathroom sink.  Add your favorite essential oils and you’ve got a wonderful, effective and safe homemade natural cleaner.

All Purpose Homemade Cleaning Spray

2 c. water

1 t. washing soda

1 t. liquid castille soap (like this one)

20 drops of essential oils (sweet orange, lemon, grapefruit, tea tree, lavender or any antibacterial blend like Thieves)

16 ounce glass vinegar bottle (empty)

spray nozzle

*One thing to note is that essential oils oxidize in sunlight so store this under your sink or some other cupboard.