At The Grow, we like to keep our recipes simple and natural. And when spring rolls around and brings that familiar urge to freshen things up, we carry that same philosophy into the way we clean our homes. Rather than reaching for store-bought cleaners filled with chemicals and a hefty price tag, we keep our homes sparkling with an easy-to-make, all-natural cleaner.
Made with just a handful of everyday household ingredients, this cleaning spray comes together in just a few minutes. Our DIY all-natural cleaner is gentle on your home, but tough enough to tackle grease, grime, and the spills that come with everyday living. It works beautifully on many countertops, sinks, tile, tubs, and showers to keep your home looking fresh and feeling bright.
The best part is making it your own with essential oils. Choose a fragrance you love, or experiment with different essential oil combinations to create unique scents that suit the moment and fit your mood. Try chamomile and lavender for a calming touch, bergamot with lime and grapefruit for something light and summery, or orange and peppermint when your focus needs a little boost.
DIY All-Natural Cleaner
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup distilled white vinegar
- ¼ cup lemon juice (roughly 1 large lemon or 2 medium-sized lemons)
- 10–20 drops of your favorite essential oil (tea tree, lavender, and grapefruit are great here)
- Spray bottle, preferably glass
- Optional: funnel
Assembly:
This all-natural cleaner is as quick and simple to make as it is to use.
Start by pouring water, vinegar, and lemon juice into a spray bottle. While not strictly necessary, using a funnel makes the job a little easier and helps avoid spills.
Add your favorite essential oil. Tea tree and grapefruit contain antimicrobial properties, peppermint offers an energizing lift, and lavender adds a soft, soothing fragrance.
Shake well before each use, since essential oils tend to settle over time.
When you’re ready to clean, simply spray and wipe with a clean cloth or paper towel. For tough stains or set-in grime, let the cleaner sit for 5–10 minutes before wiping.
Store your all-natural cleaner out of direct sunlight to keep it fresh.
Variations:
- For an all-natural glass cleaner, simply skip the lemon juice. Instead, combine 2 cups of water with ½ cup of rubbing alcohol and ¼ cup of white vinegar. Shake, spray, and wipe with a microfiber cloth or newspaper for a streak-free shine.
- Make a simple glass stovetop cleaner by mixing equal parts water and white vinegar. Spray on your stovetop surface and wipe with a non-abrasive sponge to lift everyday messes.
- Keep that just-cleaned feeling going with a beautifully scented room freshener. Combine 2 cups of water, ¼ cup of vodka or rubbing alcohol, 2 tablespoons of baking soda, and 20–40 drops of essential oils. Shake until the baking soda dissolves. The baking soda will help absorb odors, while the oils add a fresh fragrance and touch of atmosphere to your space.
Extra Tips and Notes:
- Plastic spray bottles work just fine. However, essential oils can break them down over time, making glass bottles a better option.
- If you have pets at home, be sure to choose essential oils that are safe for animals.
- Both lemon and vinegar are acidic and can etch stone surfaces. Avoid using them on marble, quartz, granite, and other delicate materials. When in doubt, test in a small, inconspicuous area first.
- If you make more than one all-natural cleaner, label each bottle clearly so you always know what’s inside.
Submitted by Anna (Redington Beach, FL)
Why We Love It
This all-natural cleaner feels right at home in The Grow Community Cookbook. It’s a simple, homemade way to keep our homes fresh, bright, and naturally clean.
For a local touch, pick up just-harvested organic lemons at your neighborhood farmer’s market.
Want Your Recipe Featured?
The Grow Community Cookbook: Sharing Homegrown Goodness is a community-sourced cookbook celebrating local ingredients and the people who bring them to life. Whether you’ve got a go-to family recipe or a creative DIY using backyard herbs, we want to see it. Check out the submission guidelines, or explore a few recipe tips, and let us know what’s growing at your table.
