So by now you’re probably thinking this is going to be a food blog and considering the number of recipes I’ve collected over the years it easily could be. But I have way too many interests to limit myself to one, and besides, with all that cooking you’re gonna have to clean up eventually, right? So today we’re gonna make my favorite all purpose cleaner. Since I noticed yesterday that my bottle was almost empty this is very convenient timing, I must say.
The last few years I have been trying to get rid of the potentially harmful chemicals in my house. The ones disguised as household cleaners are some of the worst. I guess that since we aren’t actually ingesting these products, the government has decided it’s fine for companies to sell them to us for a lot of money. Of course if you’ve ever sprayed one of these products on your counter you’ve noticed how much of it vaporizes into the air which you then inadvertently breathe in. And heaven forbid one of your kids accidentally does ingest some of it! Now you get to frantically call Poison Control and possibly make a run to the Emergency Room. No thanks!
So what’s in it you ask? Not much…
Isopropyl Alcohol—also called rubbing alcohol, make sure you buy it in the 70% solution. It kills germs and bacteria as well as cutting through dirt and grime. It evaporates immediately leaving surfaces streak-free.
White Vinegar—effective at killing most bacteria, germs and mold due to it’s acidity level. On the internet you can find hundreds of household uses for white vinegar.
Castille Soap–a true soap made with 100% plant oils (no animal oils like tallow) and no chemical detergents so it is biodegradable. I use Dr. Bronner’s brand.
Melaleuca Oil—also known as “tea tree oil”, cleanses and purifies the air and surfaces, protects against environmental and seasonal threats
Lemon Oil—cleanses and purifies the air and surfaces, promotes a positive mood and cognitive ability
White Fir—not only does white fir smell wonderful but it also supports clear breathing and respiratory function. Its aroma energizes the body and mind and who doesn’t need that when they’re stuck cleaning.
1 c. water
1/2 c. 70% isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol
1/2 c. distilled white vinegar
1 tsp. pure castile soap
10 drops lemon essential oil
10 drops white fir essential oil
10 drops melaleuca essential oil
Note: I recommend using glass spray bottles when making recipes contain essential oils. That is because essential oils, especially the citrus oils, are not very friendly to plastic. Glass spray bottles will last forever and are a great investment.
Janine says
We are also working hard to cut chemical cleaners from our home. I love how essential oils have helped us. Thanks so much for linking up at Oil me up Wednesdays. I hope you will share again this week!
fabulous Farm Girl says
Hi Janine–it really does feel good to walk past the cleaning aisle at the grocery store knowing I’ve got better stuff at home. I’ll see Wednesday and come back soon!
–Leah
kristin o. says
Great post. This week over on Wildcrafting Wednesdays we’re hosting a special Hygiene Edition and this post would be perfect in the carnival. I’d love it if you would pop over and share this post with our readers.
http://www.herbanmomma.com
Fabulous Farm Girl says
Hi Kristin–I’m always happy to share with people ways they can rid their homes of toxic chemicals. It’s great that your website has the same goal and I’m happy to stop by. Have a great say!
–Leah
Sarah Day says
This is great, I am always looking for natural cleaning methods. Last week I made my own glass cleaner with vodka (because I had it already to make natural bug repellent) and essential oils. Works great.
Fabulous Farm Girl says
Hi Sarah–thanks for stopping by. I don’t use vodka because it costs a lot more. But if you already have it on hand you can use in in this recipe instead of the rubbing alcohol and it will works great. Have a fabulous week!
–Leah
JoDale says
Does it have to be in a dark glass bottle? Or can I just buy a plastic one from anywhere?
Fabulous Farm Girl says
Hi JoDale–thanks for your question. The spray bottle does not have to be dark but I do recommend that it be glass. Lemon (and all citrus oils) will eat plastic. That said, the lemon essential oil is very diluted so it will take quite a long time. You could use plastic if you want but be aware that the bottle won’t last forever and will need to be replaced eventually.
–Leah
Laura Rhodes says
Hello. I love your blog. Just wondering…Another post of yours said that vinegar cancels out the castile soap benefits…I see you have them together in this recipe..Do you still stand by it? Thanks. Laura
Pearl says
Laura, I have found the same thing. I actually tried the recipe and the castile soap curdles and makes a rancid smell…
Lauren says
Thank you thank you thank you!! I’ve wanted to get away from the chemical type cleaners, but I have to admit, using the all-natural ones always makes me think that they’re not actually killing any germs. Knowing what’s in your formula and that it’s stuff that will actually clean and disinfect is exciting. I’m pinning this! #SITSBlogging
Leah says
That’s awesome Lauren! I can’t encourage you enough to make your own cleaners. It’s one of the best ways to decrease your family’s toxic load. They are fast, inexpensive and so effective. Be aware that a lot of the “all-natural” cleaners on the market are not all-natural at all. It’s just marketing. Once you make your own you’ll never go back. Go for it!
–Leah
Caryn Sullivan says
This is great. I just started making my own cleaners, largely white distilled vinegar/water concessions. But the essential oils will obviously make this smell better.
Leah says
Hello Caryn–thanks for stopping by! So impressed that you’re already making your own cleaners. It’s such an important way to lower your family’s toxic load. Essential oils will not only make your cleaners and your house smell fantastic, they also bring powerful anti-bacterial, antiviral and antiseptic properties. They will really take your cleaners to the next level. Have a great week!
–Leah
Mary Ann Whitely says
where did you get your labels, they look great,
thanks,
Mary Ann
Leah says
Hi Mary Ann- the label came in a set I got from a company called Aroma Tools. Here’s the link: https://www.aromatools.com/DIY_Green_Cleaning_Sprays_p/1581.htm
–Leah
domonique says
Can you substitute the alcohol for anything else? I dont like to use that in my home, my daughter has had some weird reactions.
Leah says
Hello Domonique–thanks for your question. If you don’t want to use the rubbing alcohol you have a couple of options. You could use an equal amount of hydrogen peroxide (although I don’t love the smell of it), you could replace the rubbing alcohol with extra water and vinegar (so 1/4 cup of each) or you could just leave it out altogether. Any of those changes and you’ll still have a fantastic all-purpose cleaner. Hope that helps! 🙂
–Leah
Marianna says
Can I use lime or lemon juice instead of vinegar? I can’t get over the vinegar smell…
Thanks!
June says
Is this all purpose spray work safe on wood? I’m concerned due to the alcohol content.
cleanbubbles says
Thanks for sharing..
Lindsey says
Can you use the 91% running alcohol Or Is that real no No?
Minnie Noe says
Very awesome! I was just thinking last night of how i could make air fresheners! Do you have any suggestions or recipes for this? something that lasts when sprayed???
Thanks for the awesome articles!
Lindsey says
I’ve read somewhere you should not mix Castile soap and vinegar because it creates “gunk” any truth to this statement???
Hillary says
All purpose cleaner. Can u use it to mop floors?
Stacey D Crump says
Hello um I don’t have any essintual oils is ok not using them if u don’t have any
Kimberly says
Can you use this on wood?