Years ago I came across a recipe for an all-purpose non-toxic cleaning spray that I have used on a daily basis ever since. I’ve even given it as gifts but only to close friends since a bottle of cleaning spray is kind of a weird gift.
It is made of common household products that I always have on hand for general cleaning and for making my laundry detergent. The most challenging part has been finding a reliable functioning spray bottle so once you have that you are ready to roll.
There are bottles of this spray handy in my kitchen and bathrooms for quick cleaning and jobs like soaking stains or cleaning walls. I use it on my glass top stove, countertops, appliances, and spot cleaning floors when I don’t have time to mop.
Unlike commercial cleaners it won’t fill your home with toxic fumes or overpowering perfumes which is so important for all of us, especially kids and anyone with allergies or asthma. I’ll add a few tips and tricks after the recipe.
All-Purpose Spray Recipe
- a 32 ounce plastic spray bottle
- 2 teaspoons borax
- 1 teaspoon washing soda
- 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar
- 3 1/2 cups warm water
- 1 teaspoon dish soap
- 20 drops of tea tree oil
Using a funnel, measure the borax, washing soda, and vinegar into the bottle. Pour in the warm water and swirl to mix. Add the dish soap and tea tree oil and swirl gently to blend. Screw on spray bottle lid and label so you don’t forget what it is (been there, done that).
Tips and Tricks
- If you have smaller bottles you can easily half the recipe.
- Try other essential oils if you prefer them to tea tree oil.
- Use castile soap if you don’t prefer Dawn dish soap, I just use what I keep on hand.
- Always add the soap after the water so you don’t end up with a bottle of bubbles.
- If you want to use it for cleaning glass reduce or eliminate the essential oil so it won’t streak. Also you could make up a separate bottle for glass and label it accordingly.
