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}
Big Switch Update: Part 2
Be 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/
wow 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.
That 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.
I 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!
What great ideas, Maureen!
Honestly 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. (:
You 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.
I 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!
Have you had any luck with a home made hand sanitizer? I love the all purpose cleaner, by the way!
I have not tried any recipes, but would love to find one. Have you come across any?
I 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!
Your 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.