DIY Surface Cleaner: Safe, Non-Toxic, Effective and Eco-Friendly
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You can make your own DIY surface cleaner that’s natural, non-toxic, and just as effective as commercial products—without the harmful ingredients! It’s the perfect formula for a chemical-free clean and so simple to make!
Keeping your home clean shouldn’t come at the cost of exposing your family to harsh chemicals. Many store-bought cleaners contain toxins that can irritate your skin, lungs, and even disrupt hormones. But the good news?
I share my best homemade surface cleaner recipe that’s safe for your family, budget-friendly, and leaves every surface in your home fresh and spotless. Let’s ditch the toxins and start cleaning the natural way!
Why Make Your Own Non-Toxic Surface Cleaner?
- Non-Toxic and Safe – No harsh chemicals, artificial fragrances, or harmful residues.
- Budget-Friendly – Made with ingredients you probably already have at home.
- Multi-Surface Power – Works on countertops, glass, stainless steel, tile, and more!
- Eco-Friendly – No more plastic waste from store-bought cleaning bottles.
- Smells Amazing – Customize with pure essential oils for a fresh, natural scent.
When it comes to making natural cleaning products, using 100% pure essential oils is a game-changer. Unlike synthetic fragrances found in commercial cleaners, pure essential oils are free from artificial chemicals and toxins, making them a safer and healthier choice for your home.
Not only do they provide a fresh, natural scent, but they also have powerful antibacterial, antifungal, and deodorizing properties that help sanitize surfaces without exposing your family to harsh chemicals. Essential oils like tea tree, lemon, peppermint, and lavender naturally fight germs, cut through grease, and leave your home smelling clean and refreshed—all while being eco-friendly and non-toxic.
By choosing 100% pure essential oils, you’re ensuring that your cleaning products are truly natural, effective, and safe for you, your family, and even your pets! I’m currently using Nature Packaged Essential Oils for my diy surface cleaner, which is made of 100% Pure Essential Oil! Visit them here and use code DELIGHTFUL15 for a discount.
Where to Use This Natural Surface Cleaner
Kitchen: Counters, stovetops, stainless steel, and sinks.
Bathroom: Sinks, tile, mirrors, and shower doors.
Glass & Windows: Streak-free cleaning for mirrors & glass surfaces.
Living Areas: Dusting tables, doorknobs, and light switches.
Where NOT to Use It: Important Surface Precautions
While vinegar is a powerful natural cleaner, it’s not safe for every surface. Avoid using vinegar-based cleaners on granite, marble, and other natural stone countertops, as its acidic nature can break down the sealant and cause dullness or etching over time. Instead, for stone surfaces, swap out the vinegar for rubbing alcohol or just water to create a gentler, yet still effective, cleaning solution.
If you’re looking for a more versatile DIY surface cleaner that’s safe for all surfaces, consider adjusting the recipe based on your cleaning needs. Two great additions are baking soda and Castile soap, which work wonders for different types of messes. I’ve included details on adding this to a basic recipe.
DIY Surface Cleaner Recipe
What you need:
- Lemon Essential Oil – (use discount code DELIGHTFUL15)
- Tea Tree Essential Oil – (use discount code DELIGHTFUL15)
- Distilled Water
- Vinegar (or Alcohol for granate, marble, and stone surfaces)
- Glass Spray Bottle (you want glass for essential oil)
- Optional to add baking soda and Castile soap. See below for details and glass spray bottles.
Directions
Add 26 drops of Lemon Essential Oil, 14 drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil, 4 tablespoons of vinegar (or alcohol), and 4 tablespoons of distilled water to the bottle.
Shake for 30 seconds to mix. It makes a small amount and you can double or triple the recipe.
To use, shake Surface Cleanere, spray surfaces and wipe with a towel. This spray will disinfect surfaces and lossen grime.
For a deeper clean add baking soda and if using Castile soap too, use alcohol and not vinegar. Here are details to using both.
Adding Baking Soda for Extra Cleaning Power
Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and gentle abrasive, making it a great addition when tackling tough grime, grease, and stains. It’s particularly helpful for cleaning sinks, stovetops, and bathtubs, where extra scrubbing power is needed. However, it’s best used in a paste or sprinkled separately, rather than mixed directly into a liquid spray, as it can clog spray bottles over time.
How to use it:
- Sprinkle baking soda directly on the surface before spraying your cleaner, then scrub.
- Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with the cleaner and shake well before using.
Using Castile Soap for a Gentler, Soapy Clean
If you prefer a soap-based cleaner that cuts through grease without vinegar’s acidity, Castile soap is a fantastic swap. Unlike vinegar, which disinfects and breaks down residue, Castile soap works by lifting dirt and grime from surfaces. It’s perfect for wood, sealed stone, and delicate surfaces where vinegar might be too harsh.
- Replace vinegar with 1-2 teaspoons of liquid Castile soap for a mild, sudsy cleaner.
- Shake before each use and wipe with a damp cloth to remove any residue.
Important Tip: Never mix vinegar and Castile soap together—they neutralize each other, making the cleaner less effective. If using Castile soap, skip the vinegar and opt for water or alcohol instead.
Glass Spray Bottles
Here are a few stylish and functional glass spray bottles I found on Amazon that not only work great but also look beautiful on your countertop! The one featured in the picture is from Target, so I’ve included a similar option for you to check out.
Amber Glass Spray Bottle:
Decorative Glass Spray Bottle, in four colors:
Clear Glass Spray Bottle:
Waterproof Labels:
Customizing Your Cleaner for Every Surface
By adjusting your ingredients, you can create a versatile, non-toxic cleaner that works on any surface in your home. Whether you’re dealing with grease, odors, or delicate surfaces, choosing the right combination of vinegar, baking soda, or Castile soap ensures you get the best clean without damage. Try different versions and find what works best for your space!
In addition to a DIY surface cleaner, are you also looking for a non-toxic all-purpose cleaner that you order that is already made? Check out my article with a list of non-toxic all-purpose cleaners!
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