DIY All-Purpose Cleaner (without vinegar)
How to make a non-toxic cleaning spray for the whole house that’s safe for the whole family!
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Make this homemade all-purpose spray cleaner with just four simple ingredients and two minutes’ time. It’s simple to make and good for the environment. This cleaner eliminates toxic cleaning products and works for your whole home. It’s gentle but powerful, perfect for all your cleaning needs, from the kitchen and bathroom to the living room and more.
My DIY all purpose cleaner recipe is also safe for kids and pets, so it’s truly an all-purpose cleaning spray for your entire house. Which is great to have on hand during the cold and flu season, when you want to keep germs as far away as possible.
This spray removes germs, it does not kill them, so it’s great for a daily cleaner. When there has been someone sick in the house, you may want to follow it up with a good disinfectant spray after on high-touch areas. Check out my super easy recipe for an amazing DIY Disinfectant Spray. This will kill any bacteria that are left hanging around.
Simple homemade cleaning sprays are a better choice than store-bought options full of harsh chemicals. They are gentler on your skin and the air, help the environment and save you money.
By making your own, you control what goes in them as well (like the potency and scent). So, you can clean your home safely with easy-to-make products that are kind to nature.
Uses for All-Purpose Non-Toxic Household Cleaner
| Area | How to Use | Why It Works / Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen Counters & Sinks | Spray directly and wipe with a damp cloth, preferably a microfiber cloth. For grease, let it sit for 2 minutes before wiping. | Cuts through grease and residue with Sal Suds and baking soda while lemon oil leaves a fresh scent. |
| Bathroom Surfaces | Spray on sinks, faucets, counters, walls and doors, then rinse or wipe clean. | Tea tree oil’s antibacterial properties help keep bathroom germs at bay. |
| Stovetops & Appliances | Lightly spray and wipe with a microfiber cloth. | Removes food splatters and fingerprints without streaks or harsh chemicals. |
| Cabinet Doors & Handles | Mist onto a cloth (don’t soak wood) and wipe down. | Gently removes grime and sticky fingerprints while keeping finishes safe. |
| Doorknobs & Light Switches | Spray on a cloth, then wipe. | Great for everyday touch-point cleaning—tea tree oil helps deter germs during cold & flu season. |
| Glass & Mirrors (Leave out baking soda) | Spray lightly, then wipe with a dry microfiber cloth. | Alcohol-free formula leaves a clear, streak-free shine thanks to mild soap and lemon oil. |
| Floors (Spot Cleaning) | Add a few sprays to a damp mop or cloth and wipe problem areas. | Ideal for quick clean-ups and spills without residue. |
| Toys & Play Areas | Spray, let sit for 1–2 minutes, and wipe with a clean damp cloth. | Non-toxic and kid-safe — perfect for toy surfaces and play tables. |
| Trash Cans & Recycling Bins | Spray generously, scrub if needed, and rinse or wipe dry. | Removes dirt and grime. Neutralizes odors while lemon and tea tree oils sanitize naturally. |
| Pet Areas | Spray on hard surfaces and wipe. Avoid spraying directly on pets or bedding. | Safe for pet zones — keeps odors down and areas fresh. |
Natural Cleaning Spray Ingredients
This simple homemade cleaning spray with soap, baking soda, lemon and tea tree essential oil couldn’t be easier to whip together. Most likely you have all the ingredients you need in your home already.
Let’s go over the ingredients and the benefit each one brings to this non-toxic household cleaner recipe.
Distilled Water
Distilled water is the purest base for any homemade cleaner. Unlike tap water, it’s free from minerals and impurities that can leave streaks or residue on surfaces. It helps dilute the active ingredients evenly and extends the shelf life of your cleaner by preventing bacterial growth.
I recommend buying this at Walmart or another local store, as it’s more expensive on Amazon.
Sal Suds Soap
Sal Suds is a concentrated, plant-based cleaner made from fir and spruce essential oils. It’s stronger than traditional Castile soap and works perfectly for cutting through grease, grime, and dirt without harsh chemicals. A small amount goes a long way, leaving surfaces fresh and squeaky clean.
If you don’t have Sal Suds, you can substitute this with Castile Soap and Dish Soap.
Baking Soda
Baking soda acts as a gentle abrasive and natural deodorizer. It helps lift stuck-on messes, remove odors, and balance the pH of the cleaner for better performance. When combined with Sal Suds, it boosts cleaning power — perfect for countertops, sinks, and bathroom surfaces.
If you are using this cleaner for glass, mirrors or natural stone, you could omit the baking soda. At minimum do a small patch test first before use.
I recommend buying this at Walmart or another local store, as it’s more expensive on Amazon.
Lemon Essential Oil
Lemon essential oil is the ultimate cleaning scent — bright, fresh, and naturally energizing. It’s known for its powerful degreasing and antibacterial properties, making it ideal for kitchen messes. Lemon oil also helps cut through residue and leaves behind a crisp, clean aroma.
Although lemon is my favourite for natural cleaning products, any citrus scent works great.
Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea tree oil is one of the most effective natural ingredients for supporting a clean, healthy home. It’s well-known for its antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties — a perfect choice for cold and flu season. When paired with lemon oil, it helps freshen and purify surfaces while adding an extra layer of natural protection.
Why This Recipe Works
This simple combination of natural ingredients creates an effective everyday cleaner that’s safe for kids, pets, and the planet. The blend of Sal Suds and baking soda removes dirt and grease, while lemon and tea tree essential oils boost cleaning power and leave your home smelling naturally fresh.
I know you will love this cleaner as much as I do!
DIY All-Purpose Cleaner (without vinegar)
Difficulty: Easy, Beginner12
Ounces3
minutes3
minutesEquipment:
– 1 16oz spray bottle – Buy in CAN or in USA
– A kitchen scale (optional for fast measuring) – Buy in CAN or in USA
– Label maker (optional but I highly recommend for an easy and waterproof label) – Buy in CAN or USA
Ingredients
Directions
- For measuring, place your spray bottle on a kitchen scale and add distilled water.
- Slowly add the baking soda stir in until it is completed dissolved.
- Mix the Sal Suds and essential oils together to blend, and then add them to the water mixture.
- Give the spray bottle a gentle shake to combine the ingredients.
Notes
- Substitutions:
Any citrus essential oil can be used instead of the Lemon
Castile soap or dish soap can be substituted for the Sal Suds
You can omit the baking soda if needed for natural stone, glass and mirrors. - Make sure you label your jar! You will not remember what is in it. I LOVE my Niimbot B1 label maker and printer for this (Buy in CAN or USA). Its comes with a free and easy to use app where you can design your labels just the way you want. It quickly and seamlessly prints high quality, and waterproof labels. I haven’t found any easier way to keep my DIY products organized and identified, then this label printer. You will love it for everything in your home! Here are the links again for the exact model I use, buy in CAN or USA.
Safety Tips for Using Your All-Purpose Non-Toxic Household Cleaner
Even though this cleaner is made with gentle, non-toxic ingredients, and pretty safe to use, it’s still important to use it safely to keep your home and family protected. Here are a few helpful tips:
1. Always Label Your Bottle
Once you’ve mixed your cleaner, clearly label the spray bottle with the name and ingredients. This helps avoid confusion and reminds everyone in your home that it’s a cleaning solution.
I’m going to shamelessly put another plug in for the Niimbot B1 label printer here because I LOVE it so much and I truly believe it’s a MUST HAVE when you make your own products!
Here are the links again for the exact model I use, buy in CAN or USA.
2. Store Out of Reach of Children & Pets
Even natural cleaners should be stored safely. Keep your spray in a cool, dry cabinet or a high shelf away from curious little ones and pets.
3. Avoid Mixing with Other Cleaners
Never mix this cleaner with vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or commercial cleaning products. Combining ingredients can cause unwanted chemical reactions or reduce the cleaner’s effectiveness.
If you are wanting to use a disinfectant after, first clean the surface with this all-purpose cleaner and once it’s wiped off, apply the disinfectant.
4. Spot Test Before Use
Before using your spray on new surfaces, do a quick patch test. Avoid unsealed wood, natural stone, or delicate finishes, as the baking soda and essential oils may dull or damage the surface over time.
5. Shake Before Each Use
Because natural ingredients can separate, gently shake the bottle before spraying to evenly distribute the soap, baking soda, and essential oils.
6. Use in a Well-Ventilated Area
Essential oils have strong natural aromas. If you’re sensitive to scents, open a window or turn on a fan while cleaning for better airflow.
7. Use Within 1–2 Months
This cleaner doesn’t contain preservatives, so make small batches and use it within a month or two for the best freshness and effectiveness.
🌸 Bonus Tip:
Wipe surfaces with a clean microfiber cloth for a streak-free finish — especially on glass, mirrors, and stainless steel.
If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share it with a friend and save it to Pinterest so you’ll always have it handy. And if you want more simple, natural recipes, be sure to subscribe to my newsletter – I’ve got plenty more tips and recipes coming out on a weekly basis.
