DIY Natural All-Purpose Cleaner
Feel good about cleaning with this natural DIY all purpose cleaner made with simple ingredients and refreshing essential oils!
So, it’s true story time.
Up until a few months ago, Nik used to work for a major consumer packaged goods company, and forced me into using only the cleaning products and household products his company made — unless I found a way to make my own cleaners.
Because ALL of the products he sold were filled with toxins — think chlorine bleach, detergents, and phthalates (a substance that has been linked to birth defects, cancers, and diabetes) — I have for the last few years tried to find other ways to clean our apartment. You know, ways that “didn’t help his competitors” and also made me feel good about cleaning my house without slowly poisoning us. LOL!
I have come to love the cleaning powers of vinegar, baking soda, and regular castile soap — as well as essential oils! They are all natural ingredients and are ALL amazing at cleaning just about everything you own.
So, for week 4 of the Essential Oil Series, I bring to you a simple DIY all purpose cleaner made with all-natural ingredients.
I’ve mentioned before that I make my own soap, but unfortunately, I haven’t ventured into making liquid soap yet. (However, I plan to experiment soon and I’ll be sure to share that recipe and how-to once I’ve mastered it!). So right now I use Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap.
Castile soap is a pure soap made from vegetable oils — usually olive oil and coconut oil — and lye (sodium OR potassium hydroxide), and just a few other simple ingredients. It’s the traditional way to make soap. There are no harsh detergents, and it’s also VERY moisturizing and nourishing with the oils it’s made of.
You can choose unscented castile soap or you can choose one that will go well with the essential oils you choose. I love using sweet orange and lemon essential oil for cleaning the kitchen because they have a fantastic ability to cut through tough grease. However, in my bathroom I love using eucalyptus and tea tree oil to help prevent mildew.
That’s right, I have two different variations of this spray to keep my apartment clean. Once you make your own you will become just as obsessed with how easy and safe this cleaner is too!

DIY Natural All-Purpose Cleaner
Ingredients
- 2 cups distilled water
- 3–4 tablespoons pure liquid castile soap (like Dr. Bronner’s)
- 20 drops essential oil (sweet orange or lemon are both great for cutting through grease)
- 1 – 16 ounce glass spray bottle
Instructions
- Measure the distilled water into a glass measuring cup, and add in remaining ingredients. Carefully pour the mixture into the glass spray bottle, and shake to mix.
Notes
- Before each use shake the solution to evenly mix in the essential oil and castile soap.
So, what are your favorite all-natural ways to clean?
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