Here’s the free downloadable pdf of this Easy DIY Cleaner.
This is the all-purpose cleaner that I use for everything: the kitchen, bathrooms, windows, mirrors, hardwood floors, and vinyl floors. It’s safe on most surfaces, non-toxic and chemical-free, smells good, is inexpensive, and best of all, it is super quick and easy to make! It takes me less time to make than it does to drive to the store. I learned the recipe from Amanda Cullis, who owned her own natural cleaning business.
Many cleaners are made of up to 90% water. Start with a spray bottle (you can reuse a spray bottle from your previous cleaner as long as you rinse it and the spray hose out really well). Or you can invest in a glass spray bottle (avoid buying plastic bottles). I use a 32-ounce plastic spray bottle that I still have from years ago but I will be switching to a 16-ounce glass spray bottle.
Ingredients
For a 32 oz bottle:
Distilled white vinegar, 8 ounces
Citra Solv Concentrated Cleaner & Degreaser, 1-2 teaspoons
Liquid dish soap, 1 tablespoon
Tea Tree Essential Oil, 15-20 drops
Essential Oil of your choice for scent, 15-20 drops
Water
Mix
In a 32 oz bottle, pour in 8 ounces of distilled vinegar. Add Citra Solv, dish soap, and essential oils. Then fill almost to the top with tap water, close with a sprayer top, and shake lightly to mix everything together. You’re ready to clean!
If you’re using a 16 oz bottle, just halve the ingredients.
About the ingredients
Distilled white vinegar is available at most stores, but try to find it in glass bottles at a reasonable cost.
Citra Solv is a concentrated plant-based degreaser, and while this does come in plastic, the bottle will last for years because you’re only using 1-2 teaspoons at a time.
Any liquid dish soap will do. I used to use Dawn brand before Breaking Up with Dawn, then I switched to Seventh Generation. The color of the dish soap will tint the cleaner, so if you use blue or green soap your cleaner will look light blue or green. The Seventh Generation is clear so my cleaner is not tinted. I’m currently looking for a dish soap that doesn’t come in plastic at all.
The essential oils are essential! Tea tree oil has antiseptic qualities (not disinfectant) and has a unique, clean scent. The second essential oil is to provide a scent that brings you joy, but citrus notes pair best with this cleaner. I use lemongrass, but I’ve also used lemon, orange, grapefruit, and even lavender. Have fun experimenting!