Back in my college days, keeping my one-room dorm clean was a breeze. Fast forward a few years, and with a few kids who aren’t exactly tidy, I needed an all-purpose cleaner that worked fast!
Being a mom taught me that kids, while adorable, are also experts at making messes. Plus, everything seems to end up in their mouths. I wanted to find a natural cleaner that could tackle the tough messes but wouldn’t be harmful if they decided to lick the floor.
I discovered the harsh chemicals in most commercial cleaning products and realized I could make healthier alternatives at home. Creating a natural all-purpose cleaner turned out to be a challenge, but I finally found a formula that worked well (my kids have certainly put it to the test!). Over the years, I’ve saved more than $200 by making it myself.
This cleaner harnesses the power of plant-based essential oils to tackle grime, soap scum, and everyday dirt while deodorizing without bleach or harsh chemicals. The best part? It takes under a minute to make, saves money, and works better than store-bought ones!
It’s so straightforward that now my kids are old enough, they can mix it themselves! It’s eco-friendly and free from harmful toxins found in conventional cleaners. You can even customize the scent with your favorite essential oils.
There’s some debate about using borax in homemade cleaners. I personally find it safe and much better than most commercial products. But if you’re not convinced, you can leave it out or use a natural concentrate like Branch Basics.
If you’re wary about making your own cleaner or want to tweak it, here are some common questions.
– Baking soda and washing soda are similar, but washing soda is a bit stronger and more effective here. If you don’t have it, you can make some using a simple tutorial.
– While this cleaner isn’t exactly a disinfectant, most home messes don’t require one. However, I wouldn’t recommend using it for raw meat messes. Essential oils do have mild disinfectant properties, so it’s suitable for hard surfaces like counters and cabinets. For serious disinfecting, use hydrogen peroxide, food-grade alcohol, or soap and water.
– Vinegar has its uses, like making windows streak-free, but it isn’t a strong degreaser or disinfectant, and it would reduce this recipe’s effectiveness. Want to use vinegar? Steep lemon or orange peels in white vinegar for a few weeks for a great cleaner for windows and smooth surfaces.
– Concerns about borax? Feel free to swap it out with witch hazel or food-grade alcohol. Or, try a completely natural option like Branch Basics.
This cleaner works wonders, a reader even shared how it tackled a stubborn bathroom floor mess when nothing else could!
Select any scent you fancy for this recipe. Peppermint and geranium (with its bug-repelling properties) are nice choices. Tea tree is another green cleaning favorite. You can skip the essential oils altogether if you prefer an unscented version.
While mine has never lasted more than three months because I use it up pretty quickly, it should be good for at least that long.
I’m not a fan of plastic and try to avoid it for both environmental and health reasons. Glass is a better choice, especially when using essential oils, as they can degrade some plastics.
If you’re interested in more healthy cleaning recipes with simple ingredients or have a favorite DIY cleaner, feel free to share!
