This recipe is an effective {and cheaper} alternative to store-bought natural or “green” all-purpose cleaning sprays.
I have been using green/environmentally friendly cleaners for a long time. I don’t do much with my Environmental Science degree, but man, I can credit it to helping me become an early adopter to all things green and natural living.
I have used several different brands over the years and I love Seventh Generation, and still use it, but its pretty expensive. I also really love using Shaklee. You can buy little vials of the ingredients and then you just add water and put it all in a spray bottle. And the bottles are pretty and all match, so there’s that too.
But another great option is making your own All-Purpose Spray. It is so easy! The recipe I use is actually really similar to the diaper wipe spray I make, except this has vinegar in it. And it works just as good, if not better, than Seventh Generation!
These are the things you will need to make your own:
-Spray Bottle (You can get these anywhere, The Dollar Store, Target, Amazon, etc.)
-Distilled White Vinegar
-Dish Soap
–Lavender and Tea Tree essential oil
Once you have gathered up all your ingredients, fill up your spray bottle with water. I use a 1 to 4 ratio of water and vinegar. That means if you have 4 cups of water, you put in 1 cup of vinegar. Then add the dish soap (make sure you add water first then soap or it will be a sudsy mess). I just eye balled it, it was probably a half a tablespoon worth, but I don’t like mine very sudsy. Then I added the essential oils, 10 drops of Tea Tree oil and 5 of Lavender. Gently mix it up and voila you have Homemade All Purpose Spray!
Looking for more natural cleaning recipes check out:
–Mama and Baby Love blog post recipe roundup {free online}
–Homemade Cleaners: Quick-and-Easy, Toxin-Free Recipes {Print Book}
-DIY Non-Toxic Cleaning Supplies {eBook}
eidolons
September 23, 2010 at 6:36 PMBe careful with the laundry soap if you're washing any cloth diapers that have synthetic fabrics like the BumGenium/FuzzyBunz kind. I had repelling issues using the grated soap.
The recipe I use (tweaked a bit) is here: http://talk.sheknows.com/f1002/cloth-diaper-detergent-711212/
Crunchy Diva
September 23, 2010 at 8:13 PMwow that's to funny my homemade all purpose cleaner is almost identical to yours. i do 1/2 & 1/2 of water & vinegar, about 3 squirts of dish soap & tea tree oil like you about 10 drops. i love this stuff.
those that wonder vinegar smell doesn't stick around it evaporates into the air.
Stephanie
September 23, 2010 at 10:40 PMThat is a good point, eidolons! Our diapers are ogranic cotton on the inside, so they should be ok right?
I hadn't thought of adding more vinegar, Crunchy Diva, but that is a good idea! And I actually love the smell of vinegar now. It means a job well done! But you are right, it disappears very quickly.
Maureen
September 24, 2010 at 1:54 AMI used to HATE the smell of vinegar!! But, I have come to love the smell, because I know it means a naturally clean home. I plug vinegar into most of my home cleaning… I use it in my toilets, floors, kitchen… I also love to throw a half of a lemon in my garbage disposal. Baking soda + vinegar is great for clearing out drains, too!
Stephanie
September 24, 2010 at 3:39 AMWhat great ideas, Maureen!
eidolons
September 24, 2010 at 11:58 AMHonestly I'm not sure. In addition to repelling (we only have a few of those annoying AIO things – the rest are bamboo) we also had stink issues (which can be caused by soap build up as well). With the recipe I linked I've never had any issues, though. I've found that washing diapers is a trial and error thing and that once you find something that works for you it's best to stick with it. (:
mamapoekie
September 24, 2010 at 2:02 PMYou should try eco wash balls, they last for about three years and you don't need to add anything else, maybe except some vinegar for the softness in the rinsewater.
Stephanie
September 24, 2010 at 4:59 PMI have never heard of eco wash balls, I will have to go google it! Thanks, mamapaoekie!
Yeah, we have had pretty good luck with Seventh Generation on her diapers (which are AIO and we love them!), so I am hesitant to try something new, but we will give it a try, I will look at that other recipe. Thanks!
Rita
February 7, 2012 at 2:10 PMHave you had any luck with a home made hand sanitizer? I love the all purpose cleaner, by the way!
Stephanie
February 7, 2012 at 8:21 PMI have not tried any recipes, but would love to find one. Have you come across any?
Rita
February 8, 2012 at 3:17 PMI have seen quite a few. They usually contain aloe, tea tree oil, and some rubbing alcohol. I know alcohol kills germs, but as a nurse I get enough of the drying effects of alcohol at work so I was hoping for a less harsh alternative to use at home!
Ginny
August 17, 2015 at 7:59 PMYour all purpose cleaner sounds like a winner. But I don’t have any lavender. Gotta order some asap. Is there another oil I can use in place of the lavender? Thanx for your response.