DIY Kitchen Surface Cleaner Made With Natural Ingredients

There are plenty of wonderful natural cleaning products out there, but being able to make your own homemade cleaners is convenient, inexpensive, and effective! This DIY kitchen surface cleaner is an excellent all-purpose option that you can whip up in minutes using just a few simple ingredients. 

Why Make Your Own Cleaning Products?

When you make your own DIY cleaners, you don’t have to worry about harsh chemicals, you don’t have to make a trip to the store when you run out, and you can adjust your ingredients to use your favorite scents (and even adjust according to the time of year, if you want!).

This easy cleaning solution has natural disinfectant properties, so you can avoid toxic fumes and feel good about your surfaces being clean and fresh.

Here are some more reasons why I love this easy surface cleaner recipe!

• Cost-effective. Buying natural cleaning products can be expensive! You can make a whole spray bottle full of this recipe for less than $2, and it only takes a few minutes to whip up. (See the cost breakdown below!)
• Uses common household ingredients. All you need for this homemade cleaning spray uses is an empty spray bottle and a few household products. Nothing fancy!
• Fresh scent. Lemons have antibacterial properties and are great for cleaning. But in addition to being a natural disinfectant, lemons also leave your kitchen smelling deliciously fresh! You can also add your favorite essential oils to this recipe.
• Safe for kids. With many little hands in my kitchen, it’s way too much stress to worry about whether there are dangerous cleaning products around that they could get into. I love that this cleaner is totally safe for them.

Supplies and Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy natural cleaner:

• 1 cup white distilled vinegar. Vinegar is one of the best natural cleaning products. Its acidic nature not only removes odors, but cuts through dirt and grime to remove mineral deposits, hard water buildup, soap scum, and other stains.
• 1 cup distilled water. Distilled water doesn’t have extra minerals in it like tap water might. This prevents it from leaving streaks behind, and also keeps it from interacting with soap. (If you don’t have distilled water, though, I’ve also used regular tap water without a problem!)
• Lemon juice from 1 fresh lemon. The best part! Real lemon juice gives your countertops a clean, fresh scent. It has anti-bacterial properties and can also help to deodorize and remove stains from your surfaces. You should not, however, use lemon juice on natural stone surfaces.
• 2 tablespoons pure liquid castile soap (like Dr. Bronner’s). Castile soap is a versatile, effective ingredient that’s often used in natural cleaning products. It’s a gentle yet effective plant-based soap option that’s perfect for adding to your own cleaning spray. You can use castile soap on everything from surfaces to laundry to baby skin – it’s an excellent natural option for adding to your cleaning routine! (I have also left this ingredient out of this recipe on occasion, and it still works well! If you don’t have any on hand, don’t sweat!)
• Optional: 10 drops essential oil (lemon, tea tree, lavender, or clove work well). When you make your own cleaners, you can add whatever scents you like! Remember, a little bit goes a long way. 
• Clean spray bottle. You’ll need a spray bottle that’s about 20 oz for combining your ingredients. Amber glass spray bottles are ideal, as they help to protect the ingredients from degrading.
• Funnel, for adding your ingredients.
• Knife, for cutting your lemon.
• Measuring cups.

How Much Does It Cost to Make Your Own Surface Cleaner?

I’m sourcing my ingredients from Walmart. Here’s the cost breakdown for this recipe:

• 1 cup vinegar – $0.25
• 1 cup water (distilled) – $0.08
• 1 lemon – $0.50
• 2 Tablespoons Dr Bronner castile soap – $0.52

Total cost – $1.35 per bottle, or about $0.08 per ounce

How to Make Your DIY Kitchen Surface Cleaner

This homemade spray takes just minutes to make! Here’s how to do it:

1. Slice your lemon and squeeze the juice into the spray bottle (feel free to use the funnel if needed).
2. Add the white vinegar and water using the funnel.
3. Add your castile soap.
4. If desired, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil.
5. Secure the spray bottle cap and gently shake to combine.

How to Use This DIY Surface Cleaner

Here’s how to use your DIY household cleaner:

• Shake slightly before each use 
• Spray on your surface and use a clean cloth to wipe
• Store out of direct sunlight (unless you’re using an amber glass bottle)
• Use within 2 months

This recipe is super versatile. You can use it on all sorts of surfaces! It’s best for:

• Kitchen counters
• Kitchen sink
• Bathroom surfaces
• Glass and mirrors

Because of the mild acid contained in vinegar and lemons, here are a few areas you should avoid when using this surface cleaner. It’s best to stay away from:

• Natural stone (such as marble and granite)
• Hardwood floors and other natural wood surfaces
• Electronic screens
• Stainless steel

More DIY Natural Cleaning Products

Making your own cleaning products is a great way to save money and not have to worry about harsh chemicals in your home. And most of them can be made with just a few simple ingredients! 

Here are some supplies we like to keep on hand for making many of our cleaning products:

• Baking soda
• Washing soda
• Borax
• Citric acid
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Vinegar
• Essential oils
• Olive oil
• Dish soap

Favorite Household Cleaner Recipes

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the switch from commercial cleaners to natural cleaners, start with one thing at a time. Many of these can be made in large batches and stored for a long time (many months or more). In the end, we’ve saved hundreds of dollars by making our own products instead of using store-bought cleaners.

• Homemade Dishwasher Detergent
• Homemade Stain Remover for Clothing
• DIY Shampoo and Conditioner
• DIY Carpet Cleaner
• DIY Toilet Bowl Cleaner
• Homemade Laundry Detergent

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