How to Make Non-Toxic, DIY Simple Homemade Cleaning Spray

Homemade Cleaning Spray Solution

I must admit, I never did think about the dangerous chemicals in my household cleaning spray until having children. Seeing my toddler in their high chair, I realized that the only thing I had to use to clean up their food tray was a bleach bottle (or something similar). A quick internet search can show you the dirty truth about using a toxic cleaning spray.

Not feeling comfortable with the ingredients listed in my household cleaning sprays, I began searching for a healthier, non-toxic alternative. Because of this, I found out that you can clean by using simple, household items with no harsh adverse effects.

Why You Should Ditch Toxic Cleaning Sprays

We’re all aware of pollution outside our homes, but sometimes we forget to be vigilant with eliminating toxins inside our home. Using household cleaners with dangerous chemicals in them – for example ammonia – can induce physical symptoms such as:

• Shortness of breath
• Nausea
• Wheezing
• Itchy eyes
• Sore throat
• Coughing
• Skin issues (contact dermatitis)
• Dizziness
• Allergic reaction
• Headaches/Migraines

Some people can be more at risk for severe symptoms than others. If you have asthma, you may notice your symptoms being triggered more after using something harmful. So instead of using these things, how about using something healthier? Even better, you can make your own!

All you need is a secret ingredient:

What’s the Secret Ingredient for Homemade Cleaning Spray? Vinegar!

Vinegar is the super star when it comes to cleaning sprays. White vinegar is mildly acidic, with a pH of 2.5. You can use white vinegar to clean, deodorize, and disinfect. Vinegar can even kill mold. This vinegar cleaning spray will clean just about anything.

However, something you do NOT want to use it on would be granite countertops. Frequent use of vinegar on your granite can dull the shine of your precious stone. Regular soap and warm water works best for these kinds of countertops.

For everything else, check out this cleaning spray recipe to do the trick.

Cleaning Spray Ingredients

You only need four simple ingredients for this recipe, with two of them being completely optional!

• White vinegar
• Water
• Dish Soap (optional)
• Essential Oils (optional)

How to Mix Them Together

The ratio for water and white vinegar varies. I have seen 1:3 ratio of 1 part white vinegar to 3 parts water. I’ve also read that the more white vinegar you have, the stronger and more potent your spray can be.

I personally prefer 1:2 ratio of 1 part vinegar to 2 part water because this is what works for me. I counteract the vinegar smell with essential oils. Vinegar does have a smell to it, I’m not going to lie, but if you add a citrus scent such as lemon or orange, it can smell very fresh and clean.

Here is my recommendation:

• 1/2 cup of white vinegar (4 oz)
• 1.5 cups of Warm water (12 oz)
• A tiny squirt of washing up soap (optional)
• 30 drops of essential oils (optional)

A nice mix of essential oils to try is grapefruit (15), lemon (5), and lavender (10). Mix and match your favorite scents and see what you like!

The Takeaway

In conclusion, making small changes – such as swapping out your toxic spray for a healthier version – might not seem like much in the moment, but in the long run it helps keep toxins out of your house. It’s cost effective, too! P.s. If you like creating your own cleaning recipes, check out this non-toxic, silver cleaner recipe. This is a quick and chemical-free way of polishing your gold and silver.

Let me know in the comments if you use your own homemade cleaning spray, I’d love to hear about it. Follow me on instagram at @bearfruitbasics for more DIY tips!