DIY Natural All-Purpose Cleaner

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There’s something about pulling out a cleaning spray that you made yourself. Instead of grabbing a plastic bottle from the store filled with words you can’t pronounce, you shake up something simple, safe, and effective - made right in your own kitchen. And it actually works.

I’ve been slowly replacing different household products with more natural options over the past few years. Not only does it feel better to know what’s in the things I use every day, but it also fits with the kind of home I want to create - one that’s welcoming, healthy, and intentionally cared for. Cleaning doesn’t always feel glamorous, but I’ve found that when I use products I genuinely enjoy, it makes the everyday tasks feel a little lighter.

That’s where this lavender all-purpose spray comes in. It’s made with Dr. Bronner’s Lavender Castile Soap, distilled water, and just a splash of rubbing alcohol to help things dry streak-free. It’s gentle, safe, and has that calming lavender scent that makes even scrubbing down the counters a little more relaxing.

Why Make Your Own Cleaner?

There are so many good reasons to switch to a homemade spray:

• Simplicity – You only need a few ingredients, and you probably already have them on hand.

• Safety – No harsh chemicals, no synthetic fragrances, and no hidden ingredients.

• Cost-effective – A bottle of castile soap goes a long way, and you can refill your spray again and again.

• Customizable – Want a stronger scent? Add extra essential oils. Prefer citrus over lavender? Swap it out.

• Sustainability – Fewer plastic bottles, less waste, and you’re making exactly what you need.

Honestly, it also just feels satisfying. Like baking bread or planting a garden, there’s something grounding about creating something with your own hands.

What You’ll Need

Here’s the simple ingredient list for a 16 oz spray bottle:

• 2 cups distilled water – Distilled helps your spray last longer and keeps the mixture clear.

• 2 tablespoons Dr. Bronner’s Lavender Castile Soap – The star of the show: plant-based, gentle, and beautifully scented.

• 1 tablespoon rubbing alcohol – Helps your spray dry quickly and can act as a mild preservative.

• Optional essential oils – Lavender is already in the soap, but tea tree or lemon essential oil add a fresh boost.

• Glass spray bottle – I love amber glass bottles because they look pretty sitting out and hold up better over time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Add water
   Start with 2 cups of distilled water poured into your spray bottle. (A funnel makes this easier if you’re like me and tend to spill.)

2. Add castile soap
   Pour in 2 tablespoons of Dr. Bronner’s Lavender Castile Soap. If you’ve never used castile soap before, don’t be fooled by its thin texture — it’s concentrated and powerful.

3. Add rubbing alcohol (optional)
   One tablespoon is plenty. This step helps cut down on streaks and makes your cleaner a little more shelf-stable.

4. Add essential oils (optional)
   I usually leave this out since the lavender scent is already there, but if I want a fresh twist I’ll add about 5–10 drops of lemon or tea tree.

5. Shake gently
   Put the lid on your spray bottle and give it a gentle shake. That’s it! Your homemade cleaner is ready to use.
   

Where to Use It

This spray is perfect for everyday cleaning on most sealed surfaces. Here are some of my favorite ways to use it:

• Kitchen counters – Wipe down crumbs, spills, and daily messes.

• Dining table – A quick spritz after meals keeps the table clean and fresh.

• Bathroom sinks and counters – Gentle but effective for toothpaste splatters and soap residue.

• Doorknobs and light switches – High-touch areas always need a quick wipe.

• Shelves, dressers, side tables – I use it for light dusting and refreshing surfaces.

⚠️ A note about stone surfaces: If you have granite, marble, or other natural stone, always test a small area first. Castile soap is generally safe, but some stones are more sensitive and prefer just warm water with a little dish soap.

Why Lavender?

So many people associate lavender with relaxation, calm, and sleep—and while that’s true, my reason was simpler: I just love the smell of lavender.

Dr. Bronner’s Lavender Castile Soap has this fresh, floral scent that makes my whole kitchen feel peaceful and clean. Every time I spray down my counters, it feels like a mini aromatherapy moment in the middle of my day. That little bit of joy is why I stick with lavender, but if you’re more into lemon, peppermint, or eucalyptus, you can easily swap in another version of castile soap and get the same result.

A Few Extra Tips

• Label your bottle – A piece of masking tape and a marker works, or you can print a pretty label if you want it to look nice sitting out.

• Store out of direct sunlight – Especially if you added essential oils.

• Shake before each use – Natural cleaners tend to separate a little.

• Make small batches – I like to make 16 oz at a time.

If you don’t already have one, here’s the glass spray bottle set I recommend. They’re sturdy, reusable, and much prettier than plastic.

The Bigger Picture: Creating a Healthy Home

This spray is about more than just wiping down counters. It’s part of a bigger shift toward creating a home that feels intentional, healthy, and cared for.

The products we use every day have an impact - not just on our surfaces, but on our air, our skin, and even our mood. When I use a cleaner that’s gentle, effective, and naturally scented, I feel like I’m aligning even the smallest chores with the values I want woven into my life: simplicity, sustainability, and beauty.

It reminds me that home isn’t just about how things look, but how they feel. And sometimes, it’s the little things - like a lavender-scented cleaning spray - that make the difference.

Not Into DIY? Here Are My Favorite “Clean” Store-Bought Sprays

Sometimes you just don’t have the time or desire to mix up your own cleaning spray, and that’s totally fine! If you’d rather buy something pre-made, here are a few excellent “clean” all-purpose cleaners you can find on Amazon that use safe ingredients and natural scents:

• Seventh Generation All-Purpose Cleaner – A trusted brand that’s tough on messes but gentle on your home.

• Mrs. Meyer’s Multi-Surface Everyday Cleaner (Lavender) – Smells amazing and works well for daily cleaning.

These are the kinds of sprays I would buy if I didn’t want to make my own, and they’re still better choices than conventional cleaners filled with synthetic fragrances and harsh chemicals.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never made your own household cleaner before, this recipe is the perfect place to start. It’s quick, easy, and truly works. Plus, you’ll feel that little sense of pride every time you spray it, knowing you made it yourself.

Cleaning doesn’t have to feel like drudgery. With the right tools — and a lovely, calming scent — even wiping down the counters can become a small act of care for your home.

So grab that bottle of Dr. Bronner’s Lavender Castile Soap, a glass spray bottle, and a few minutes of your time. Mix, shake, and you’ll have your very own lavender all-purpose cleaner — simple, natural, and ready to bring a touch of calm to your everyday routines.

And if DIY isn’t your thing? Just click one of the clean options above, and you’ll still have a fresh-smelling, safer cleaner delivered right to your door.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for using my links — it helps me continue creating content like this!

By Leah Ann Grace