How to Make Homemade Cleaning Spray
If you like to keep a clean kitchen, having a trustworthy general-purpose cleaning spray on hand is a must. That’s why we’re obsessed with this diy cleaning spray.
I first discovered the simplicity of homemade cleaning spray working as a barista at a local coffeehouse. We kept a bottle on hand at all times—half vinegar, half water. It was so simple. In fact, this coffeehouse specialized in simple and wonderful things—like homemade biscotti and small-batch coffee roasting. *chef’s kiss*
This diy cleaning spray worked great for quick cleanups of spilled milk or crumbly muffin messes. I have since developed my own recipe—with a bit more fragrance. By the way, here’s our recipe for natural laundry detergent.
I mix it up by adding in a splash of lavender essential oil and fresh lemon juice—this leaves a satisfying aroma in the room once applied to messy surfaces. In this guide I’ll give a few tips on fragrance and how to come up with your own signature scent.
Why vinegar?
Vinegar is a natural ingredient used in many cleaning products. White cleaning vinegar, which can be found at most grocery stores, is a natural acidic byproduct of plants. Its acidic nature can dissolve grease, grime, and dirt. It can even kill some bacteria and germs.
Why essential oils?
Essential oils are our go-to for DIY home and beauty fragrance, and for good reason. Essential oils are byproducts of plants. So, lavender essential oil, for example, is an oil extracted from the lavender herb and contains its essential properties and fragrance. Not only do these oils smell delicious, but they have wellness properties found in the plants they are extracted from. Rose oil, for example, reduces anxiety and alleviates pain.
Creating a Custom Scent
The general ratio most people follow when it comes to essential oil blends is: 20:30:50. You’ll want to use a base note that makes up about twenty percent of your blend. A top note will take up about 30% of your blend. A middle note will make up about 50% of your blend.
Base notes are the foundation of your blend—these are the fragrances that will be built upon and enriched by other scents. Good base notes are jasmine, sandalwood, peppermint, and frankincense.
Middle notes make up the majority of your blend, so picking a good middle note will determine how your fragrance comes across. Popular middle notes are: rose, lavender, tea tree, and juniper.
Top note essential oils are quick to evaporate and are used more subtly. Some popular choices are: grapefruit, sweet orange, and wintergreen.
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup vinegar
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 5-10 drops lavendar essential oil
- a spray bottle
How to Make Homemade General-Purpose Cleaning Spray
- Fill a spray jar with distilled water.
- Add vinegar, lemon juice, and essential oils.
- Seal the jar and shake it thoroughly.
- Spray generously on messes and cleanup with a towel or rag.
DIY Cleaning Spray
Ready to start making homemade diy cleaning spray? This easy tutorial will tell you everything you need to know.
Instructions
- Fill jar with one cup distilled water. Use a funnel if needed.
- Fill jar with one cup cleaning vinegar. Add to jar.
- Juice one lemon and add the juice to the cleaning solution.
- Add essential oils do cleaning jar.
- Shake cleaning spray jar thoroughly until all elements combine.
- Spray directly on countertops and wipe. Avoid use on stainless steel.
Tips for Making Homemade Cleaning Spray
What other combinations of fragrance can I try?
Other fragrance options for diy cleaning spray are: juice from citrus, rosewater (as featured above), or other fragrance oils.
What surfaces can I use this on?
This spray is great for your kitchen sink, stovetop, microwave, dishwashers, refrigerators and freezers, garbage cans, and many other surfaces within the home. The surfaces to avoid contact with include: marble, granite, stainless steel, and cast iron.
Does this recipe work as a disinfectant?
It is important to acknowledge that this spray is not intended as a disinfectant or sanitizer. While the acetic acid within this recipe (from vinegar) will destroy some bacteria and germs, it is primarily a cleaning spray.
