Natural Cleaning Made Easy: DIY Bathroom Cleaning Spray
When I realized that making my own cleaning supplies would allow me to keep my home clean safely and sustainably, save money, and use guaranteed non-toxic products, I knew it was the easiest and most affordable solution for my home.
Bathrooms need light cleaning two or three times a week, and for convenience, I keep this bathroom spray and a few cleaning rags in the bathroom cabinet to make quick clean-ups effortless. I always follow up with a deep clean once a week using this toilet bowl cleaner.
This easy-to-follow recipe not only keeps your toilet spotless but can also be used on various bathroom surfaces like tiles and grout, faucets and fixtures, glass and mirrors, sinks and tubs, and sealed surfaces. By having this multi-purpose cleaner on hand, maintaining a sparkling and hygienic bathroom becomes a breeze, all while embracing a more eco-friendly and cost-effective lifestyle.
Why You'll Love This DIY Cleaner:
Versatility: Perfect for a wide range of surfaces, reducing the need for multiple cleaning products.
Safety: Non-toxic ingredients ensure a healthy environment for your family and pets.
Cost-Effective: Save money by making your own supplies with ingredients you likely already have.
Eco-Friendly: Minimize waste and reduce your carbon footprint by avoiding plastic-heavy commercial cleaners.
How to Keep It Handy:
Store Conveniently: Keep your spray bottle and cleaning rag in an easily accessible spot like the bathroom cabinet.
Routine Maintenance: Use the spray for daily or quick clean-ups and reserve the deep clean for once a week to tackle tougher grime and maintain overall cleanliness.
Embracing DIY cleaning solutions has transformed my approach to household chores, making them more manageable and aligned with my values of simplicity, safety, and sustainability.
Ingredients:
20 drops Lemon Essential Oil
20 drops Wild Orange Essential Oil
20 drops Tea Tree Essential Oil
1 oz Castile Soap
4 oz Spray Bottle
2 oz Water
1 oz Everclear or Grain Alcohol (190 proof or 95% ethanol)
Equipment Needed:
Measuring Tools: A small measuring cup
Funnel: To easily pour liquids into the spray bottle without spills.
Stirring Utensil: A small spoon or stick for mixing.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Prepare Your Spray Bottle:
Clean the Bottle: Ensure your spray bottle is clean and dry. Remove any labels or residue to avoid mixing unwanted chemicals.
Add the Alcohol: Using a funnel, pour Everclear or other grain alcohol into the empty spray bottle. The alcohol acts as a disinfectant and helps disperse the essential oils.
Add Essential Oils:
Measure and Pour Oils: Add 20 drops of Lemon Essential Oil, 20 drops of Sweet Orange Essential Oil, and 20 drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil into the alcohol in the spray bottle.
Allow to Disperse: Let the mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the essential oils to fully disperse into the alcohol, ensuring an even scent and effective cleaning properties.
Incorporate Castile Soap and Water:
Add Castile Soap: Pour 1 oz of Castile Soap into the spray bottle. Castile soap is a natural, gentle cleaner that effectively cuts through grime without harsh chemicals.
Add Water: Add 2 oz of water to the mixture. Water dilutes the solution, making it safe for regular use on various surfaces.
Mix the Ingredients: Secure the spray cap tightly and shake the bottle gently to combine all ingredients thoroughly. This ensures the Castile soap is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Final Shake Before Use:
Consistency Check: Before each use, give the bottle a good shake to ensure all ingredients are well mixed. This is especially important as the Castile soap may settle at the bottom over time.
How to Use:
Clean the Toilet Bowl: Spray the solution generously inside and outside the toilet bowl. Let it sit for a few minutes to break down stains and disinfect the area.
Scrub and Rinse: Use a toilet brush to scrub the bowl and a cleaning rag to wipe down the outside of the bowl, focusing on any stained areas. Flush to rinse.
Sanitize the Exterior: Spray the same solution on the handle, tank, and base. Wipe clean with rag to finish.
Benefits of This DIY Toilet Cleaner:
Natural Ingredients: Free from harsh chemicals, making it safe for your family and pets.
Effective Cleaning: Combines the powerful disinfecting properties of alcohol and citrus and tea tree oils with the cleansing power of Castile soap.
Pleasant Scent: The blend of lemon, sweet orange, and tea tree oils leaves a fresh and uplifting aroma.
Eco-Friendly: Reusable spray bottle reduces plastic waste, and the natural ingredients are biodegradable.
Cost-Effective: Saves money compared to store-bought cleaners without compromising on effectiveness.
Safety and Best Practices:
Patch Test: Before using on all surfaces, perform a patch test to ensure compatibility and avoid any potential reactions.
Proper Storage: Keep the spray bottle in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight to preserve the efficacy of the essential oils.
Label Clearly: Mark the bottle with its contents and the date of creation to keep track of its freshness.
Keep Out of Reach: Store in a location inaccessible to children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion or misuse.
Optional Customization:
Adjust Castile Soap Quantity: If you prefer a stronger cleaning solution, you can increase the amount of Castile soap slightly. However, avoid adding too much to prevent excessive sudsing.
Favorite EOs: Click here to purchase the essential oils you’re missing.
Favorite Home Herbalism Store: Click here to purchase the home herbalism ingredients you’re missing.
