If you are looking for a natural, simple and effective recipe to make your own all purpose cleaning spray, I have just the thing for you! This homemade cleaner using vinegar and essential oils is the best cleaning spray I have ever used. It works well on sticky work surfaces, greasy stove tops, limescale on sinks… It not only smells amazing, but is kind on the environment, kind on your health and kind on your wallet. What is not to love? Read on and you will see just how easy it is to make!
Why choose a homemade cleaner using vinegar and essential oils?
As time goes on, I find myself desiring more and more to live naturally, to use the resources already present in nature. I am increasingly aware of the chemicals present in our everyday life and the effect those may have on our family’s health. For this reason, I am always looking for natural alternatives to the products I use everyday at home. For example, I have been making my own laundry detergent and fabric softener for some time now. Check out this article for the recipe.
So, when I discovered that I could use vinegar as an effective cleaner, I was very happy. Not only is it natural, non toxic and eco-friendly, but it is also VERY cheap. See below for a full break-down of how much you could save by making your own homemade cleaner.
Benefits of using vinegar in a homemade cleaner
Because vinegar contains acetic acid, it is known to be antimicrobial, deodorizing and grease cutting, making it a perfect agent for an all-purpose cleaner. It is also exceptionally good at cutting through limescale so it can be used effectively on sinks and in the bathroom. This is especially interesting if you live in an area that has hard water.
Vinegar is extremely versatile. I have used this homemade cleaner on wooden surfaces, metal sinks and stoves, enamel bath and sink (although it is probably best to test it on enamel surfaces first) as well as on my laminate work surface.
I love the fact that it is completely safe, so I don’t have to worry about my children using it. There are no toxic particles in the air after using it, which is so important, especially as I use it several times a day!
Recipe for Homemade Cleaner with Vinegar and Essential Oils
Equipment
- 1 x 500 ml spray bottle
- 1 small funnel
You can use an old spray bottle from a shop bought cleaner, but if you would like a glass one, these are my favourite:
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Ingredients
- 200 ml white vinegar
- 300 ml water
- 20 drops lemon essential oil
- 10 drops mint essential oil
Instructions
This recipe could not be easier. Simply pour the vinegar and the water into your spray bottle, using a funnel to make sure that it does not spill everywhere. Then add the drops of essential oils directly into the bottle, screw on the spray and shake for a few seconds. Done! How quick and easy was that?!
How to use Homemade Cleaner with Vinegar and Essential Oils
This really is an all purpose cleaner. I use it everywhere in the kitchen – from the sink, to the stove, to the worksurface, our wooden table, even the floor!
In the bathroom, it works very well on sinks, baths, showers and toilets.
Just spray the cleaner onto any surface, and wipe down with a cloth or sponge.
Variations on Homemade Cleaner with Vinegar and Essential Oils
The basis for this recipe stays the same: 200 ml white vinegar and 300 ml of water. However, you can customise the essential oils in the cleaner in different ways according to your needs and preferences.
Bathroom cleaner
Add some extra antibacterial power by using Tea Tree oil: 15 drops lemon, 10 drops mint, 5 drops Tea Tree.
Floor cleaner
Add some lavender to the mixture for a calming smell throughout the house: 10 drops lemon, 10 drops mint, 10 drops lavendar.
Simply spray directly onto the floor (tiles or laminate flooring, not wooden floors) and wipe with a microfibre flat mop.
Customise the smell
If you don’t like the smell of mint, you can replace it with more lemon essential oil, or maybe orange.
For Christmas time, you might like to replace the mint with clove (5 drops) and cinnamon (5 drops).
Do you have any other essential oil mixtures you especially enjoy cleaning with? Let me know in the comments below.
How Much money will making your own Homemade Cleaner with Vinegar and Essential Oils save?
If I haven’t convinced you yet about the health benefits, cleaning power and simplicity of this homemade cleaner, maybe these figures will!
| Price per L/drop | Price for 500 ml of cleaner | |
| White vinegar | 0.60 € | 0.12 € |
| Water | 0 € (or almost) | 0 € |
| Lemon essential oil | 0.0065 € | 0.13 € |
| Mint essential oil | 0.01 € | 0.20 € |
| TOTAL | 0.45 € |
When compared to an average brand of all-purpose cleaner (1.7 € / 500ml) you can see that 0.45 € / 500 ml is a significant saving!
So, why not give it a go? Making your own could not be simpler! You will soon see how well it cleans and you will feel good about using natural, non-toxic products in your house, both for your family and for the environment.
Let me know in the comments if you give it a go, I love to hear from you 🙂
Pin it for later!
If you like this recipe, you may also like my homemade laundry detergent and fabric softener.
Homemade Cleaner Using Vinegar and Essential Oils
Equipment
- 1 500 ml spray bottle
- 1 small funnel
Ingredients
- 200 ml white vinegar
- 300 ml water
- 20 drops lemon essential oil
- 10 drops mint essential oil
Instructions
- Pour the vinegar and the water into your spray bottle, using a funnel to make sure that it does not spill everywhere.
- Add the drops of essential oils directly into the bottle, screw on the spray and shake for a few seconds.
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