time to replace those chemical cleaning sprays! 

This basic homemade non-toxic cleaning spray is the perfect chemical free, environmentally friendly and all natural solution. I grew up watching my mum put together this solution and clean everything from bathroom tile floors to our kitchen countertops with this simple recipe. But first, you might be wondering, why go through the trouble?

If you’re a Veggiekins Blog reader, chances are, you’re mindful of ingredients in products that you consume and use. I’m talking packaged food, makeup and skincare products. But what about the products you use to clean the desk you work at, or the dining table you eat off of? You might be surprised to learn that products you use to keep surfaces clean can make their way into your body when you lean on them, eat off them or inhale them via spray, for example. So, just like our snacks and beauty products, it’s important to be mindful of what’s in your cleaning products.

It may seem a little silly that your CLEANing products are made with ingredients that aren’t great for your health, but the majority of cleaning products out there are made with toxic chemical ingredients. In small amounts, they may not pose too much of a threat, but exposure over time can absolutely have an impact on your health long term. Also, if you have children or pets, consider that they may be licking surfaces too!

Nowadays there are a few store-bought brands of cleaner that are made without harmful ingredients, but they are few and far between. It’s also important to be aware that many brands claim to be clean or natural and use language like “made with plant based ingredients” which doesn’t really mean anything. I’ll update this post with a few safe recommendations.

the details

Personally, I think the best thing you can do is make your own cleaner with ingredients you recognize and know are safe to use. This basic homemade non-toxic cleaning spray is made of only 2 to 3 ingredients, and is a wonderful all purpose solution. It’s also incredibly easy to make, and will save you money, and plastic packaging waste too!

The base of this recipe is apple cider vinegar, but you can use regular vinegar too. Vinegar has antibacterial and antifungal properties, and is also really effective at eliminating odors and breaking down grease. Although it has quite a strong scent, the smell disappears very quickly after use, and the addition of essential oils can also help to freshen up the smell.

Please note, this cleaner is great for countertops, bathrooms and floors but if you have a particularly delicate surface, do a patch test before using. Also, be sure to dilute 1:1 at the minimum, to make sure solution is not to acidic.

the recipe

Y O U   W I L L   N E E D :

• apple cider vinegar
• water
• essential oils (optional)
• glass bottle or spray bottle

M E T H O D :

1. Create a 1:1 solution of apple cider vinegar and water and pour into bottle. I recommend using 1 cup of both.
2. If desired, add essential oils of choice. I recommend citrus essential oils for best result. Add about 10-12 drops per 2 cups of liquid.
3. Spray and wipe with a rag!