Dust seems to be everywhere, collecting on furniture, books, and in all those hidden nooks. Dusting isn’t my favorite chore, so I switched to using homemade natural cleaners like a wood furniture cleaner and polish instead of store-bought, chemical-heavy ones. Plus, it’s easy enough for the kids to help out.
Although I now purchase cleaners more often than before, I’ve kept my DIY routine since I always have the ingredients on hand and it’s more cost-effective. The homemade wood dusting spray I use is cheap and straightforward to make.
Kids can be helpful around the house, but they also leave fingerprints and smudges everywhere. This dusting spray not only keeps the air cleaner by dealing with dust (which can contain toxins and mold) but also cuts through grime and gives wood furniture a nice shine and protection, thanks to ingredients like vinegar and oil.
Dust is more than just an eyesore; it’s unhealthy. While it’s mostly made up of shed skin, it can also contain decomposing insects, animal fur, and even harmful elements like lead, arsenic, and DDT. Chronic exposure to dust might lead to allergies, asthma, and toxin buildup, particularly in kids who are more vulnerable.
Where do arsenic and DDT in dust come from? Dust acts like a record of the house’s history, capturing residues from materials used in construction and nearby sources like cars and factories. Studies show these traces can persist indoors for years.
Thinking of dusting yet? I am! I love microfiber cloths and use them with just water for various tasks. They do a great job, but using a dusting spray helps keep dust away longer and adds extra shine. Plus, the kids enjoy using a spray bottle to clean up their mess!
I’m sticking with my microfiber cloths, but here’s what I’m using now. To find a spray that cleans, sanitizes, and nourishes wood, I only needed a few common ingredients.
Vinegar is a versatile natural cleaner, great for everything from laundry to hair care. Although it’s not my favorite due to its smell, it’s perfect in this recipe. Vinegar easily cuts through grime without harsh scrubbing and disinfects gently.
I found a clever way to mask the vinegar smell using orange peels. Here’s how: put an orange peel in a jar, cover it with vinegar, and let it sit for at least two weeks. The vinegar gains a pleasant citrus scent. If orange isn’t your thing, try lemons, grapefruits, tangerines, or Cuties©.
After vinegar, oil is the next key ingredient. I picked lemon and cedarwood essential oils for their cleaning powers and lovely scent. Cedarwood is calming for me and has antiseptic, antifungal, and antibacterial properties, making it a perfect cleaner addition. Oil enhances shine and protects the wood. My favorites are sunflower or fractionated coconut oil. Any edible oil will work.
This easy, natural dusting spray cleans and nourishes wood. Lightly mist the furniture or use a soft cloth to wipe it down. Dust and grime vanish, leaving a stunning shine. For extra shine, follow with a touch of pure coconut oil.
Keep in mind, because this recipe includes oil, avoid using the spray on stainless steel, granite, glass, or walls. I keep it near the dining table, and the kids know to use it on wood furniture.
Essential oils are strong, so it’s best to store the spray in an amber glass bottle to protect the oils. Shake before using! Avoid using on unfinished wood or fine antiques.
