All Purpose Cleaner Natural Recipe

Once upon a time, I was a single college student in a one-room dorm and it didn’t take much to keep it clean. After a few more years, I moved into a two-room apartment.A few kids who weren’t so neat and orderly! I needed a multi-purpose cleaner to work, and fast!

Clean Naturally

As a mom, I soon learned that child is a synonym for “maker of messes while being absolutely adorable.” It’s amazing how fast toddlers can make messes.

Also, I realized that children put everything into their mouths. So I looked for natural cleaning options that could stand up to toddler messes but wouldn’t accidentally poison them if (when) they licked the floor.

When I discovered the harsh chemicals that are in most household cleaning products sold commercially, I realized I could make healthier versions at home. One of the hardest ones to create was a natural all-purpose cleaner. My kids tested it and I’ve found that this cleaner works great. I’ve calculated that over the years I’ve saved over $200 making this myself!

Essential oils from plants are used to clean and remove dirt, soap scum, grime, and other everyday contaminants. Deodorizing surfaces is also possible without the use of bleach or other harsh cleaning agents.

Why make your own natural cleaner?

Short answer: it takes less than one minute, is cheaper, and works better.

My kids are old enough to make this all-purpose cleaner themselves.  It’s eco-friendly and free of the toxins found in many conventional household cleaners. You can also customize the surface cleaner by adding your favourite essential oils.

Important note: There is some debate about borax and if it is safe in homemade cleaners. I personally feel it’s safe to use and much safer than most cleaning products. This article is about a reputable source.It is a very good summary of the information.

Don’t agree? Leave it out, or use a concentrated natural cleaner The Basics of BranchingThis recipe can be substituted for this one.

Natural All Purpose Cleaner That Works!

This easy-to-make natural cleaner is great for cleaning hard surfaces in the home.

Yield

Instructions

• Borax, washing soda and essential oils can be placed in a sprayer bottle (preferably made of glass).

• Fill the bottle almost to the top with distilled water. Leave space for the sprayer. It is best to use distilled water but any water which has been boiled can be used.

• Screw the lid on and shake it well. Use as required. It is great for cleaning toys, bathroom, kitchen, and floors.

Notes

Store your cleaner out of direct sunlight and heat. Store your cleaner properly and it should last around 3 months. 

FAQs about All-Purpose Cleaning Agent

Are you worried about the chemistry involved in making your own cleaners at home? Want to substitute something? The most common questions I get about my homemade multi-purpose cleaner are:

What is the difference between baking soda and washing soda?

No, they’re similar but with some important differences. Baking soda contains sodium bicarbonate, while washing soda only contains sodium carbonate. In this recipe, washing soda is more potent and effective than baking soda (but it’s still non-toxic). Don’t have it? Create your own This tutorial will show you how to wash your clothes with washing soda.

Is This Disinfectant?

Technically no, but most home messes don’t need a disinfectant. Too many disinfectants are also a problem. I wouldn’t use this cleaning agent on food-related messes, especially raw meat. However, it’s a great multi-surface cleaner for hard household surfaces like countertops, floors, and cabinets. Some studies have shown that essential oils can be mildly disinfectant. I’d stick to hydrogen peroxide or food-grade or rubbing alcohol and soap/water to disinfect raw meat messes.

Why Isn’t There Vinegar in this Recipe?

Vinegar isn’t the cleaning powerhouse it’s made out to be. It does have its uses, like for streak-free windows, but isn’t an effective degreaser or disinfectant. Both vinegar and washing soap (an acid and a base) cancel eachother out. If vinegar were added, the whole recipe would not be as effective.

Do you want to use vinegar for natural cleaning? Save the fresh peels of oranges and lemons. Pour white vinegar over these and let them sit for a week. Citrus-infused vinegar is a wonderful way to clean windows and other smooth surfaces.

This recipe is also affected by vinegar, which dissaponifies soap and leaves a stringy mess. Use vinegar if you want to, just don’t use it in this recipe!

Is Borax Dangerous?

There’s a lot of debate about this. I’m going to talk aboutHere is my opinionI feel comfortable using it for non-food surfaces. If you aren’t comfortable using it, just omit or use witch hazel or food-grade alcohol in its place.

If you still aren’t a fan of borax and want a completely natural alternative that works at least as well as this recipe, I recommend Branch Basics Concentrate.

Does this Really Work?

Yep. It’s really good. But don’t take my word for it… a reader Anne commented:

Ok, I’m a little slow, just found this. Good news – the gunk on the bathroom floor that no other cleaner in the world could get rid of (I have tried at least a dozen over the years) is now gone. I sprayed it, let it sit for about 5 minutes, and then wiped it with a microfiber towel. I’m amazed! I am so grateful!

I Don’t Like Lemon/Lavender/Orange Oil. Can I use a different one?

Just kidding! Just kidding!

You can use any scent that you prefer in this recipe. You can also use peppermint and geranium, which has mild bug repelling properties if there are flies in your kitchen. Cleaning solutions containing tea tree are also popular. You can even make a version without scent by omitting the essential oils.

How long does this last?

I haven’t had this last longer than 3 months because I use it up in less time than that. It’s shelf life is at least three month.

Do I need to store this in glass?

I’m not a fan of plastic and don’t feel it’s good for the environment (or the body). I avoid buying it, even for cleaning. Plus, if you use essential oils, it’s important to store them in glass as they can break down certain plastics over time. It’s always best to use glass!

How to Make Your Own Natural Cleaning Products

These are some more simple and healthy cleaning recipes.

Do you have any DIY cleaners that you use? Share your favorite cleaners below!