For several years now, I’ve been swapping out big brand, all-purpose cleaners for natural ones. Most are great products that I continue to use, despite the heftier price tag. But every so often, I like to try my hand at a less expensive, DIY option. Today I’m sharing one of the latest of these DIY’s, which is this affordable and simple, all natural, multi-surface spray cleaner. And the best part? It takes just 3 ingredients and 5 minutes to make 🙂
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Supplies:
Ingredients:
Why Castile Soap?
Castile soap is a concentrated, vegetable-based soap with ingredients we can all recognize! And perhaps the most popular brand is Dr. Bronner’s which uses primarily coconut, olive and hemp oils as its base. Castile soap mixed with water is gentle and safe to use on any surface, including counters, sinks, bathtubs, floors, and on a variety of materials such as marble, granite, linoleum, and so much more.
Castile soap is well-known as a biodegradable and non-toxic substance that is also safe to use around both pets and kids.
(Note: I am not a health expert, so be sure to consult someone who is, such as Dr. Josh Axe. For starters, check out his article “13 Uses for Castile Soap – Natural Cleaning For Body & Home”).
Why Essential Oils?
Essential oils are concentrated oils derived from plants. They’re renowned for their health properties associated with ancient healing practices. They also happen to have disinfectant properties that are ideal to use around the home.
Most essential oils are great for use in DIY cleaners, but here are just a few ideas to get you started on choosing some for your green cleaning products:
- Lavendar (lavandula angustifolia): antiseptic, anti-viral, fungicidal + relaxing to the nervous system
- Lemon (citrus limon): antiseptic, antimicrobial + mood elevating
- Peppermint (mentha piperita): antiseptic + energy boosting
- Sweet Orange (citrus sinensis): antifungal, antibacterial + uplifting
- Tea Tree (melaleuca alternifolia): antimicrobial, antifungal, antiseptic, bactericidal, insecticidal -> a power-house of cleaning. Often combined with orange or lavender because of its strong smell.
(Note: In order to be rendered safe around people and most pets, however, essential oils must be diluted. For more on the safe use of essential oils, see Dr. Josh Axe’s article “Essential Oil Safety”).
I almost always use certified organic essential oils and have personally used the following brands:
- Aura Cacia (US company + available on Amazon)
- Divine Essence (Canadian company)
Here’s How To Make Your Own All Natural, Multi-Surface Spray Cleaner
STEPS
Step 1: Add Water
Insert the funnel through the top opening of the spray bottle and fill, leaving a couple of inches in order to make room for the remaining ingredients and reinsertion of the nozzle.
Step 2: Add Castile Liquid Soap
Add the liquid castile soap. I used Dr Bronner’s Liquid Castile Soap (unscented).
*If you prefer precise measurements, then you will need 1 T castile liquid soap for every cup of water used.*
Step 3: Add Essential Oil(s)
Add about 10-15 drops of essential oils for every cup of water used.
Since I used about 2.5 cups of water, I added 25+ drops of essential oils (about 15 drops lemon, 5 drops sweet orange, and 5 drops tea trea).
When you are ready to use your cleaner, just swish the contents around (or gently shake), then spray your surface and wipe! It’s that easy 🙂
The advantages to using an all-natural, multi-surface spray cleaner are clear. Green, non-toxic, and safe to use around the home, this affordable DIY option is so easy to make. In just 3 simple steps, you’ll be hooked on the idea of making your own cleaning products.
Happy cleaning 🙂
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