A Safe and Effective Solution for Daily Touch-Ups
Are you looking for a simple and effective homemade all-surface cleaner for daily use? You are in the right place. Making a non-toxic cleaner at home will save you time and money while cutting off potential health and environmental risks of commercial cleaning products. Also, having only one spray that can be used all over the house will help fight procrastination and get small cleaning tasks done on the go – a win-win.
The benefits of a Homemade All-Surface Cleaner
- Non-toxic and Safe to use.
Commercial cleaners often contain harsh chemicals like ammonia, bleach, and various synthetic fragrances, which can cause respiratory problems, skin irritation, and other health issues. Whereas, homemade cleaners contain just a few natural ingredients that most of us already have at home. We have full control of what we use: vinegar, baking soda, essential oils, etc. Therefore it is much safer for humans and pets. Read here why we should opt for non-toxic cleaning solutions.
- Cost-effective.
Unlike commercial cleaners, homemade all-surface cleaner is made with a few basic and inexpensive ingredients. That helps save a lot of money in the long run.
- Customisable.
You have full control of the proportions, quantity, ingredients, and scent. As this is your creation, you can adjust your cleaner to fit your specific cleaning needs on the go. Also, you may want to experiment with essential oils as they possess different cleaning properties and distinctive scents. You can find more information on using essential oils for cleaning here.
- Environmentally Friendly.
By choosing a homemade all-surface cleaner, you’re reducing your carbon footprint. This way you can skip completely single-use plastic bottles from commercial cleaners. On top of that, natural ingredients in homemade cleaners are biodegradable. So, less waste and less pollution.
Practical Recipe for a Homemade All-Surface Cleaner
I use two homemade all-surface cleaner recipes that are quick and easy to make. The one with vinegar is for the office, and the one with Castile soap is for the home. The reason is that the cleaner with vinegar should not be used on granite, marble and other porous surfaces to avoid damage. I wipe down large stone surfaces daily, so I cannot use a vinegar solution there. It does work great for the office’s daily touch-ups. Read here my other article about simple daily tasks to keep your home clean.
Vinegar cleaner
Ingredients:
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- 10-15 drops of essential oil (e.g., lemon, lavender, tea tree)
How to make it:
Mix white vinegar with water in a large bowl or measuring jug. Add baking soda (be cautious as it will fizz and foam). Then add 10 – 15 drops of your chosen essential oil (or a mix). Read more about how to use essential oils for cleaning here. Transfer your homemade all-surface cleaner to a spray bottle. Invest in a reusable glass spray bottle or reuse an old plastic one.
Castile soap homemade all-surface cleaner
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon liquid Castile soap, best unscented
- 10-15 drops of essential oil (e.g., lemon, lavender, tea tree)
How to make it:
Mix water and Castile soap in a mixing bowl or measuring jar, stir lightly, add essential oils and transfer to a spray bottle.
How to use your homemade all-surface cleaner
Both cleaners are incredibly versatile and can be used on different surfaces including countertops, sinks, tiles, and glass. Remember to give it a light shake before every use to combine all ingredients. Spray directly on a surface and wipe with a clean sponge or cloth. For tough stains, leave the spray for a minute or two before wiping. Rinse if necessary.
Safety precautions
- Even though a homemade all-surface cleaner is generally safe, you might still follow these simple precautions:
- Test on a small area. Just to be sure it doesn’t cause damage or discolouration.
- Avoid using vinegar cleaner on granite and marble to avoid damaging them.
- Label your spray and store it safely. Keep it in a cool, dark place and out of reach of children and pets.
Final Thoughts
Whipping up a homemade all-surface cleaner has numerous benefits, from improved health and safety of your environment to cost savings. You will have peace of mind knowing what exactly is in that spray bottle. Moreover, they work great, are powerful and can effortlessly tackle everyday cleaning challenges. Plus, they are a perfect sustainable solution for a greener future. So why not give it a try today?
