Homemade All-Purpose Spray Cleaner (Non-Toxic Recipe)

Make this homemade all-purpose spray cleaner with just three ingredients and two minutes’ time. It’s simple to make and good for the environment. This cleaner eliminates toxic cleaning products and works for your whole home. It’s gentle but powerful, perfect for all your cleaning needs, from the kitchen and bathroom to the living room and more.

Why I Love Homemade Cleaners

Homemade cleaners are a better choice than store-bought options full of harsh chemicals. They are gentler on your skin and the air, help the environment and save you money.

By making your own, you control what goes in them (like the potency and scent). So, you can clean your home safely with easy-to-make products that are kind to nature.

I’ve been making homemade cleaners for years, including my homemade glass cleaner, homemade cleaning paste, this disinfectant spray and even a DIY all-purpose cleaning powder.

How to Make All-Purpose Spray Cleaner

To make your own all-purpose spray cleaner, you just need a few things: water, distilled white vinegar and essential oils. You can easily find these at the store or through Azure Standard.

Josh and I have been purchasing from Azure Standard for over twenty years now. I will only buy distilled white vinegar from them because their solution is 11% vinegar (store-bought brands are only 5%). So, for any recipe that calls for regular distilled white vinegar, you can actually cut the amount in half. That means for every gallon of vinegar I purchase from Azure, I’m actually getting two gallons worth.

Furthermore, I can trust that my vinegar is made from non-GMO crops and never from petroleum. Beyond that, Azure Standard has a special deal! If you’re a first-time Azure Standard customer, use coupon code “HOMESTEADINGFAMILY15” at checkout for 15% off your order of $100 or more!

Ingredients & Supplies Needed

As I said, only three ingredients are needed for my homemade all-purpose spray cleaner:

• Water – If you are using your cleaning spray within a couple of weeks, you can use regular tap or filtered water. However, if you want this recipe to have a longer shelf-life, use distilled water. It doesn’t have impurities or minerals, unlike tap water.
• Distilled White Vinegar – White vinegar is key for homemade cleaners. It’s a great disinfectant and deodorizer. Because of its acid, it fights bacteria well. You can use it on many home surfaces, but not on delicate ones like marble. It’s cheap, good for the environment, and can take the place of a lot of store-bought cleaners. (Source)
• Essential Oils – Essential oils come from plants and are very strong. They can make your homemade cleaners smell nice and add a boost of extra cleaning power. For example, tea tree oil fights germs, and citrus oils cut through grease. Always check if an oil is safe before using it. Some oils are harmful to pets.
• Glass Spray Bottle – I like to use glass cleaning bottles to eliminate more plastic in the home. They’re easy to clean, reusable and the perfect size to hold in my hand. (Learn more ways to have a zero-waste home here.)
• Funnel – Having a funnel will keep spills and messes from happening!

Essential Oil Options

Essential oils are a great way to improve your homemade all-purpose spray. They’ve been used for health benefits, in cosmetics, and to improve mood. Including them in your cleaning routine adds a boost of natural cleaning power.

• Tea Tree Oil – Tea tree oil, also called melaleuca, is a go-to for homemade cleaners. It’s natural and a strong disinfectant. It’s been known to fight off bacteria, fungi, and even viruses. A few drops in your cleaner can make it more powerful against germs and smells. But remember, it can irritate the skin and be toxic to pets if too concentrated.
• Citrus Oils – Lemon, orange, and grapefruit oils add a nice, clean scent. They’re not just about fragrance, though. These oils break down grease and kill germs. So, they boost your DIY cleaners’ performance. Lemon oil, powered by limonene, fights grease and dirt. Orange oil works similarly and leaves an uplifting scent behind.
• Germ-Fighting Blends – There are also many germ-fighting blends. They’re known for their virus and bacteria-fighting oils. It usually includes a combination of lemon, cinnamon, eucalyptus, clove, and rosemary. This blend of essential oils will level up your cleaner’s germ-killing ability.

Step-by-Step Directions

• Add all ingredients to a glass spray bottle.
• Add the lid and give it a few good shakes.
• Label and date the bottle and store it out of direct sunlight in a cool location.

Uses for All-Purpose Spray Cleaner

Kitchen Surfaces	This versatile homemade cleaner is great for many kitchen surfaces. It’s perfect for countertops, sinks, and tile. Plus, it’s gentle but tough on grease and grime without leaving behind irritating residue. This cleaner is safe and non-toxic, making it perfect for food areas.
Bathroom Surfaces	Use it on sinks, tubs, and showers to clean soap scum and stains. Its formula is kind to delicate surfaces but strong on dirt. This natural cleaner is a better choice than strong chemicals for a spotless bathroom.
Household Surfaces	It works on wood, glass, and mirrors too. No more streaks on your stainless steel or glass. For quick dusting, just spray on a cloth and wipe. With this DIY cleaner, your whole home can sparkle without harmful ingredients.
CAUTION	Do not use this all-purpose spray cleaner on natural stone. It can cause pitting on marble, granite and other stone surfaces.

Storage and Shelf Life

Making your own cleaning spray is great. But it’s key to store it right and know how long it will last. Use a glass bottle that seals tight to keep your spray fresh and distilled water to make your all-purpose cleaner last longer.

Depending on the water, your homemade all-purpose spray cleaner will last anywhere from 2-4 weeks (with regular tap or filtered water) or up to 3-6 months (with distilled water). Keeping your cleaners in a cool, dark place also helps.

FAQ

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