As a busy Mom, I like streamlining my life, including simplifying my cleaning cabinet. A cleaner that tackles multiple types of messes can be a lifesaver. My Homemade All-Purpose Cleaner With Essential Oils can remove stains from counters, shine sinks, and make stovetops sparkle.
The best part about this cleaner is that there are no toxins! I love the peace of mind that comes with a safe cleaning cabinet. Plus, kids can help with chores worry-free! This simple recipe is a must for any homeowner.
Table of Contents
3 Toxins in Conventional Powdered Cleaners
EWG recently did a study showing that the top powdered cleaner releases over 146 different chemicals into the air. (1) Not only that, but the most dangerous toxins weren’t even listed on the ingredient label! Manufacturers aren’t held to the proper standard of transparency, and it’s time to stop gambling with our health. Here are a few toxins you can find in these formulas.
1. Silica
Manufacturers tout the scrubbing power of powdered cleaners, and while they may get the job done, they use a dangerous toxin called silica to do so. Inhaling this dust can cause scarring in the lungs, blocking airflow. If you’re around chemicals that use this abrasive, you’re more likely to develop lung cancer. (2) There are safer ways to scrub away stains that won’t hurt your body!
2. Bleach
Bleach is an effective cleaning agent because it literally burns away dirt and grime. Unfortunately, bleach can burn your skin and eyes as well. It also smells horrible! If ingested, bleach can be deadly. (3) Bleach may have a safety cap, but other cleaners that contain bleach do not, so it’s easier for little ones to get into them. It’s dangerous to use products that contain bleach because if you mix them with the wrong chemical, you can create a toxic gas.
3. Synthetic Fragrances
Companies add synthetic fragrances to their formulas to cover up the smell of bleach and other gross toxins. Synthetic fragrances are known to affect people in various ways. Most people find at least 1 of 4000 fragrance components causes them to have skin irritations, dry eyes, or even a debilitating migraine. In my DIYs, I use essential oils to create heavenly scents. They make my home smell wonderful without any side effects.
Using All-Purpose Cleaners in Your Home
This cleaner is one of my favorites because it’s so versatile! Here are some of my favorite ways to use this powder.
- Carpet Refresher: Sprinkle on your carpet and let sit overnight. Vacuum the next day as usual. The baking soda draws the bad smells from the rug, and the lemon helps deodorize. (Be sure to test a small spot first to make sure your carpet or upholstery is color-safe and won’t fade!)
- Sink Polisher: Great for stainless steel sinks, but works on any type! Put some cleaner on a damp rag and polish away!
- Dirty Dishes: Helps eradicate stubborn food particles. I like spraying the area first with white vinegar, then pouring a little cleaner on the dish. Let sit for five minutes and scrub.
- Glass Stovetop Cleaner: Spray the top of the stove with white vinegar and sprinkle the cleaner on top. This should make a paste. Let sit for 10-15 minutes, then wipe off with a damp rag.
- Grout Cleaner: This cleaner makes grout shine! Use an old toothbrush with the cleanser to get deep into grout lines. Let it sit while you clean the rest of the bathroom. Scrub with the toothbrush and rinse well.
- Toilet Bowl Odor Eliminator: Sprinkle all around the toilet bowl. Let it sit while you disinfect the rest of the bathroom. Then, scrub with a toilet brush and watch stains disappear!
Safe & Natural Heavy Duty Cleaner Ingredients
You may be surprised to find that this cleaner contains just two elements: Baking soda and essential oils. Here’s why I chose each ingredient.
Baking Soda: I’m sure you’ve heard of people placing an open container of baking soda in their fridge or closets. This is because baking soda can neutralize odors! It’s a fantastic all-natural abrasive that gently scrubs away stains without ruining surfaces. This ingredient is highly cost-effective and is in most people’s pantries!
Lemon Essential Oil: This is a favorite for cleaning products because it’s excellent at deodorizing any space. I always love using citrus scents on cleaning days because they make the whole house smell fresh! Lemon essential oil helps sanitize surfaces, and it can even boost your immune system.
Sweet or Wild Orange Essential Oil: We call orange EO our liquid antidepressant, and once you get a whiff, you’ll see why! It’s antibacterial, making it the perfect addition to any household cleaning product. (4)
Grapefruit Essential Oil: Grapefruit essential oil adds a lovely note to our cleaner. It’s another great antibacterial option that can combat even the toughest strains of bacteria. (5) When paired with other citrus EOs, it shines!
Homemade All-Purpose Cleaner With Essential Oils
This cleaning powder recipe is excellent for cleaning sinks, pans, stovetops, and more!
- ½ cup baking soda
- 5 drops lemon essential oil
- 5 drops sweet or wild orange essential oil
- 5 drops grapefruit essential oil
- Supplies:
- Cheese shaker jar or glass jarfor storage
- Combine the baking soda and essential oils in aglass jar and shake until thoroughly mixed. The mixture will be powdery, like a conventional store-bought cleaner.
- Use as you would a typical cleaner- sprinkle a bit on the surface you want to clean, then use a damp cloth to make a bit of a paste and scrub. Wipe away with a clean wet cloth.
For a little extra cleaning power, spray the soiled area with white vinegar before sprinkling on the cleanser and add an additional drop of one of the essential oils to the surface.
Step One: Combine Ingredients
Place the baking soda and essential oils in a glass shaker jar or small glass jar. Replace the lid and shake to combine. Your mixture should be smooth, with little to no clumps.
Step Two: Clean Surfaces
Using this cleaner is simple. Sprinkle a bit on the surface you’d like to clean, then use a damp cloth to make a paste and scrub. Wipe any residue with a clean, damp cloth.
