All-Purpose Purity: Vinegar & Herb Cleanser
For me, creating a happy and healthy home for my little family not only entails the food we put into our bodies, the words we speak and the activities we engage with, but it also entails all the products we put on our skin and clean our home with. My older son started gaining an interest in cleaning his toys when grease and grime gets on them, so we’ve experimented with different types of natural cleaners and ultimately it’s so fun to make your own from scratch. This one uses apple cider vinegar, essential oils and herbs making it very customisable.
Ingredients:
125 ml apple cider vinegar
125 ml. distilled water
5-10 drops essential oil (e.g., lemon, tea tree, lavender, or eucalyptus)
1-2 tbsp fresh herbs (optional, e.g., sage, rosemary, thyme, lavender or orange or lemon zest)
A spray bottle (250 ml)
Instructions:
Prepare the Herbs (Optional): If you’re using dried herbs, you can infuse them into the vinegar. Place the dried herbs in a small jar and add 1 cup of apple cider vinegar. Seal the jar and let it sit in a cool, dark place for about 1-2 weeks, shaking it every few days. Strain the herbs out before using the vinegar. This step can be skipped if you want a quicker version.
Mix the Solution: In a clean spray bottle, add 125 ml of the apple cider vinegar (whether it's infused or plain).
Add Water: Add 125 ml. f distilled water to the bottle to dilute the vinegar. This makes the cleaner less harsh and safe for various surfaces.
Essential Oils: Add 5-10 drops of your chosen essential oils. Here are a few combinations:
Lemon or Orange (fresh scent, antibacterial properties)
Tea Tree or Eucalyptus (antifungal and disinfecting)
Lavender or Rosemary (calming, antimicrobial)
Shake Well: Secure the spray nozzle on the bottle and shake gently to combine all the ingredients.
Label Your Cleaner: For safety and identification, label the bottle with the ingredients and the date.
Herbs ‘marinating’ in the apple cider vinegar
Finished product!
Ready to spray and use <3
It’s so fun for the little ones to make their own cleaner, and for them to use it when they want to clean up and refresh their belongings.
How to Use:
Spray directly on surfaces like countertops, sinks, and bathroom tiles. Wipe with a clean cloth.
This cleaner is also effective on glass and mirrors (though it may leave streaks, so follow up with a microfiber cloth).
You can use it on floors too—just mop as usual!
This DIY cleaner is an eco-friendly alternative to harsh chemicals, and the apple cider vinegar helps cut through grease while the essential oils provide natural antibacterial, antifungal, and freshening properties.
Enjoy your all-natural, fresh and fragrant cleaner!
Beautiful photos by Rosalie Guay (@rxsephotography)