Green Cleaning: All-Purpose Sprays

Go Green in 2014: Week 2

For my second weekly challenge, I decided to keep it simple with a post on green cleaning. After all, this is where it all began. I started making homemade cleaning products a couple years ago, and if I remember correctly, my first experiment was a natural all-purpose spray that I made using ingredients I already owned.

I've never been one to keep an arsenal of cleaning supplies - a different potion for each and every type of mess - but at one point, I had more bottles than I really needed. An all-purpose spray works for a number of different purposes (hence, the name "all-purpose"). I have been able to cut back by a few products, at least, although I still have a way to go.

I'm still learning, though.

Why are commercial sprays so bad?

The chemicals in commercial cleaners pose a variety of health hazards. Ethylene-based glycol and chlorine (sometimes labeled "hypochlorite" or "sodium hypochlorite") are two such offenders. Breathing in the fumes can irritate the lungs, among numerous long-term effects, such as respiratory problems and, potentially, cancer. Plus, they are not environmentally-friendly. You will find a long list of dangerous ingredients in household products on this Cancer Prevention Alert.

The ingredients I use in my green all-purpose spray are both safe and effective, and it costs very little to make if you already have the ingredients on hand. Vinegar is a commonly-used household cleaning product, as are Borax and dish soap. If you plan on making other green cleaning products, you might be wise to invest in a few essential oils known for their powerful anti-bacterial properties: lavender, eucalyptus, and rosemary, among others.

Ways to use a green all-purpose spray

• Wiping down countertops
• Scrubbing the stovetop
• Cleaning the bathroom vanity
• Wiping down the shower/bathtub
• Disinfecting the toilet
• Cleaning doorknobs and handrails
• Wiping down children's toys
• Disinfecting nonporous surfaces in the home

And now for the recipe...

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Homemade all-purpose spray recipe

You will need:

• empty spray bottle*
• 2 cups warm water
• 2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Borax
• 1/2 teaspoon mild liquid dish soap
• 5 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• 5 drops lavender essential oil

What to do:

1.  Dissolve the Borax with 2 cups warm water in the spray bottle, shaking to combine.
2. Add the remaining ingredients and shake well to combine. 
3. Spray onto hard surfaces and wipe clean, shaking before each use. For best results, let it soak for 10 minutes.

*You can find cheap spray bottles at the dollar store or any big box retail store. Another option is to re-purpose a glass apple cider vinegar bottle into a spray bottle, simply by attaching a spray nozzle.*

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There's nothing more to it! It's easy to make and can be used in a number of ways around the home. I have found this recipe to be just as effective as any commercial all-purpose spray, minus the toxic chemicals. When cleaning tough spots on the stove, for example, I simply let the solution sit on the surface for a few minutes, and it wipes away much more easily. It does have a somewhat strong smell, but I find it tolerable, knowing it's not harmful to breathe in.

Don't have time to make your own cleaning products?

Not everyone has the time or inclination to collect the necessary ingredients and make homemade all-purpose spray for cleaning the home. Fortunately, there are some companies that make safer, green alternatives for such people. I received Caldrea All-Purpose Cleaner once as a gift, and I love it. It contains naturally derived cleaning surfectants, essential oils, and birch bark extract. It is not tested on animals, nor does it contain animal products. The Sea Salt Neroli fragrance smells wonderful; it also comes in three other fragrances: Lavender Pine, Blue Basil Sage, and Ginger Pomelo.

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Your challenge: This week, green your cleaning routine in some small way, replacing one commercial cleaning product with a non-toxic alternative.

Check out this awesome Pinterest board for ideas: Make your own green cleaning products

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**Disclosure: Although this post may contain affiliate links, all opinions are my own.

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**This post is part of a weekly challenge {Go Green in 2014}, during which the author has challenged herself - and you - to find 52 ways to lead a greener life in 2014. You can follow the weekly posts on this page.**