Natural All-Purpose Cleaner (That Works!)

Katie Wells Avatar

Reading Time: 5 minutes

This post contains affiliate links.

Read my affiliate policy.

all purpose cleaner
Wellness Mama » Blog » Natural Home » Natural All-Purpose Cleaner (That Works!)

Once upon a time, I was a single college student in a one-room dorm and it didn’t take much to keep it clean. Fast forward a few years and I had a few kids who weren’t so neat and orderly! I needed an all-purpose cleaner that worked, STAT!

A Natural Way to Clean

As a mom, I soon learned that child is a synonym for “maker of messes while being absolutely adorable.” It’s amazing how fast toddlers can make messes.

I also realized kids put everything in their mouths. So I looked for natural cleaning options that could stand up to toddler messes but wouldn’t accidentally poison them if (when) they licked the floor.

I learned about all the harsh chemicals in most commercial household cleaning products and found I could make healthier ones at home. One of the hardest ones to create was a natural all-purpose cleaner. I finally found one that works well (and my kids have tested it hard!). I’ve calculated that over the years I’ve saved over $200 making this myself!

It has the cleaning power of plant-based essential oils to help with grime, soap scum, and everyday dirt. It also helps to deodorize surfaces without bleach or other harsh cleaners.

Why Make Your Own Natural Cleaner?

Short answer: It takes less than a minute, saves money, and works better!

This all-purpose cleaner is so simple to make that my kids are now old enough to make it on their own!  It’s eco-friendly and free of the toxins found in many conventional household cleaners. Plus you can customize this surface cleaner to your taste by adding your favorite essential oils.

Important note: There is some debate about borax and if it is safe in homemade cleaners. I personally feel it’s safe to use and much safer than most cleaning products. This article has a good breakdown of the information and my thoughts on it.

Don’t agree? Just leave it out or use a natural concentrated cleaner like Branch Basics in place of this recipe.

all purpose cleaner
Print
5 from 6 votes

Natural All-Purpose Cleaner (That Works!)

This natural cleaner is easy to put together and great for hard surfaces around the house.
Prep Time4 minutes
Total Time4 minutes
Yield: 16 ounces
Author: Katie Wells

Materials

Instructions

  • Place borax, washing soda, essential oils, and soap in a spray bottle (preferably glass).
  • Add distilled water until the bottle is almost full. Be sure to leave room for the sprayer. Distilled water is best, but any water that has been boiled will work.
  • Screw on the lid and shake well. Use as needed. I use it as a bathroom cleaner, floor pre-treater, kitchen cleaner, and on toys.

Notes

Store your cleaner away from direct light and heat. It should last for about 3 months when stored properly. 

All-Purpose Cleaner FAQs:

Worried about the chemistry of making your own cleaners? Want to make a substitution? These are the most commonly asked questions about my homemade all-purpose cleaner:

Is Washing Soda the Same as Baking Soda?

No, they’re similar but with some important differences. Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate and washing soda is just sodium carbonate. Washing soda is stronger and more effective in this recipe (but still non-toxic). Don’t have it? Make your own with washing soda using this tutorial.

Is This a Disinfectant?

Technically no, but most home messes don’t need a disinfectant. And using too many disinfectants can cause problems as well. I wouldn’t use this cleaning agent on food-related messes, especially raw meat. However, it’s a great multi-surface cleaner for hard household surfaces like countertops, floors, and cabinets. The essential oils do have mild disinfectant properties in some studies. I’d stick to hydrogen peroxide or food-grade or rubbing alcohol and soap/water to disinfect raw meat messes.

Why Isn’t There Vinegar in this Recipe?

Vinegar isn’t the cleaning powerhouse it’s made out to be. It does have its uses, like for streak-free windows, but isn’t an effective degreaser or disinfectant. Also, vinegar and washing soda (acid and base) will cancel each other out. This whole recipe would be less effective if vinegar was added.

Want to use vinegar in natural cleaning? Save your fresh lemon and orange peels, pour white vinegar over them, and leave for a few weeks. This makes a great citrus-infused vinegar that cleans windows and most smooth surfaces.

Vinegar also un-saponifies the soap in this recipe, leaving a nasty stringy mess. Use vinegar if you want to, just don’t use it in this recipe!

Is Borax Dangerous?

There’s a lot of debate about this. I talk about my opinion here, but I generally feel safe using it on nonfood surfaces. If you aren’t comfortable using it, just omit or use witch hazel or food-grade alcohol in its place.

If you still aren’t a fan of borax and want a completely natural alternative that works at least as well as this recipe, I recommend Branch Basics concentrate.

Does This Actually Work?

Yep. It works really well. But don’t take my word for it… a reader Anne commented:

Ok, I’m a little slow, just found this. Good news – the gunk on the bathroom floor that no other cleaner in the world could get rid of (I have tried at least a dozen over the years) is now gone. I sprayed this, let it soak about 5 minutes and wiped it up with a microfiber cloth. I am astounded! Thanks so much for this!

I Don’t Like Lemon/Lavender/Orange Oil. Can I Use a Different One?

No way. Just kidding!

Use whatever scent you like in this recipe. Peppermint is lovely too and geranium has a mild bug-repelling property if you have flies in the kitchen. Tea tree is another green cleaning favorite for cleaning solutions. You can even omit the oils entirely for an unscented version.

How Long Does This Last?

I haven’t had this last longer than 3 months because I use it up in less time than that. I can vouch for its shelf life for at least three months though.

Does This Need to Be Stored in Glass?

I’m not a fan of plastic and don’t feel it’s good for the environment (or the body). I try not to buy it even for cleaning. Plus, if you use essential oils, it’s important to store them in glass as they can break down certain plastics over time. Glass is always a good idea!

More DIY Natural Cleaning Products

Here are more healthy cleaning recipes with simple ingredients.

Do you make any DIY cleaners? Share your favorite below!

This homemade all-purpose cleaner is natural and much less expensive than conventional cleaners. All natural and it works!
Katie Wells Avatar

About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder of Wellness Mama and Co-founder of Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

Comments

281 responses to “Natural All-Purpose Cleaner (That Works!)”

  1. Mary Beth C Avatar
    Mary Beth C

    I’m looking for something that I can use on wood furniture in place of Pledge. Does this damage wood surfaces?

    1. Sheila Avatar

      I found a recipe somewhere that was basically vinegar, olive oil and lemon oil, they used it to polish the wood and then wipe it down with a microfiber cloth. I am sure there are actual recipes out there that are similar, but this one looked very easy.

  2. sandy Avatar

    I take lot of receipes from your site. I want to know whether this multipurpose cleaner can be used for toilets, showers and tubs also?

  3. Nicole Avatar

    Hi, love your site! Just wondering why distiller water is important? I could only find demineralised water in our supermarket. Will that do?

  4. Heather Avatar

    Lavender oil is a natural disinfectant–you could leave out the castille soap in this recipe if you wanted to.

  5. Heather Avatar

    I’ve used this cleaner before and love it but we recently moved and found out we have mice. My husbands first reaction was bleach spray. Will this cleaner be enough to disinfect the counters or what do you recommend to clean my countertops?

      1. Gail Avatar

        Yes, peppermint EO put on cotton balls works quite well at repelling mice. I place them in various spots in my RV and the mouse problem disappears quickly. RVs seem to be natural attractants for mice.

  6. sharon Avatar

    Hi, I have old formica countertops that are off white. House was built in the 80’s. Today, I cleaned them with hot water and baking soda. Had to wipe them down 3-4 Times then dry and they really look good. Getting tired of so many products that really don’t do a good job. Am going to try this and will this bring any shine to them. If not can u give me any suggestions if there is something that can bring the shine back. Thank you.

  7. Christine Canny Avatar
    Christine Canny

    Could you also add some Vinegar of the Four Thieves to this, and if so, how much would you recommend?

  8. Sarah Avatar

    A friend of mine directed me to your site because of the homemade baby wipes and I was looking for a natural cleaner as well. I just made this one today and loved it on my counters but when I used it on my wood table it left a slight haze. Any thoughts on how I should modify it? I would love your feedback because I am really trying to go natural with all my cleaners and things but I want to make sure I am still getting things clean! Thanks!

  9. Beth Russell Avatar
    Beth Russell

    Can you make without the oils? Does that have any benefit other than scent?

  10. Kelly Lethin Avatar
    Kelly Lethin

    Hi Wellness Mama,
    I LOVE the powdered laundry detergent, and find that it cleans as well as Rock in Green, my formerly favorite detergent. I realize I’d love to have a natural stain pre-treatment too, when I saw your cute little bottle up in the photo. I thought I saw the recipe earlier, but I can’t find it now. Do you mind directing me to the recipe? THANKS!

  11. Cathy Avatar

    Hi Katie,
    I was wondering how long the shelf life is for the All purpose cleaner once it has been mixed? I have a home daycare and am looking for more natural ways to disinfect/clean toys and surfaces. Thanks

  12. andrea Avatar
    andrea

    You mentioned you dont use borax where you prepare food. So is this not safe to use on my granite in my kitchen?

  13. Lori Avatar

    I am extremely sensitive to scents. Can I leave the essential oils out or will it compromise with it’s effectiveness?

  14. Vonda Rochelle Avatar
    Vonda Rochelle

    I love all of your recipes….so happy I’ve found you

  15. ginger Avatar

    whats the shelf life on this cleaner?
    Also we dont have a dishwasher…what is the best thing to use to disinfect our dishes other than bleach?

    Thanks so much I love this blog and have created my House Playbook today!

    1. Wellness Mama Avatar
      Wellness Mama

      several months… we use vinegar for most disinfecting or hydrogen peroxide…

  16. Carmen Gonzalez Avatar
    Carmen Gonzalez

    Does this work on glass and mirrors, as well? What about wood?

  17. Carrie Saint Avatar
    Carrie Saint

    Hi! I love this cleaner! I use it for everything and it works great! I’m expecting my first child in May and am looking for a natural toy cleaner/disinfectant? Would this recipe work if I added some Tea Tree oil?

    Thanks

    1. Wellness Mama Avatar
      Wellness Mama

      It would… you can also use hydrogen peroxide in a spray bottle…

  18. Michelle Partington Avatar
    Michelle Partington

    I’m wondering if this is the best option to clean my granite countertops. I’ve been looking for a natural granite cleaner. What do you use?

    1. Tonya Avatar

      I use HOT water for simple wipe downs and add a little castile soap for tougher stuff (spaghetti sauce, natural bug spray spill, etc). Anything else seems to strip the coating or leave a residue.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating