Maybe my mind repressed this memory, but toddlerhood is so messy.
Fun, absolutely. But oh my Goddess, my house sometimes looks like a !@#$%^ crime scene.
While I’m all for kids making “memories,” mine are going to learn that they can also make Mama happy by learning to clean up after themselves.
I’ll occasionally use commercial cleaning products, but for the most part, I prefer to make my own. Here’s why:
- Budget-Friendly: Buying simple base ingredients in bulk saves so much money because they serve multiple household uses.
- Fewer Harsh Chemicals: It significantly reduces the amount of chemical toxins my kids are exposed to (though, of course, caution is still needed around little hands!).
- Endlessly Customizable: I can swap the essential oil scents depending on my mood, the season, or what’s sitting in my cupboard.
The Base Recipe
The magic is in how simple this is to whip up:
- 1 cup Water (plain tap water works fine)
- 1 cup White Vinegar (5% acidity. I once tried 30% and it smelled like I was pickling my entire kitchen)
- A few drops Liquid Dish Soap (around ½ a teaspoon)
- 15–20 drops Essential Oils (optional, purely for scent)
Free Printable Guide
I’ve put together a handy printable outline for your kitchen or cleaning binder, featuring some of my favorite deity-inspired essential oil blends to bring a little hearth-magic into your cleaning routine!
FAQ & Usage Tips
- How long does a bottle last?
I make 16floz at a time. It used to last around 3 weeks, but since having a toddler, it lasts around 2 weeks. - How do I use it?
Give the bottle a gentle shake so any settled oil mixes back into the solution. Spritz onto the surface and wipe clean with a lint-free or microfiber cloth.
(If I let it sit on the counter for a minute, it’s usually because I’ve had to sprint across the room to stop my toddler from doing something he considers fun and the law considers dangerous. I’m not sure if the wait time improves the clean, but it definitely prevents disaster!). - How do I store it?
I keep mine in an amber glass spray bottle right on the counter in a shady spot in my kitchen. Glass is ideal when using essential oils to prevent any breakdown over time.
Safety & Care Notes
Before you start mixing, a quick heads-up on working safely with DIY cleaners:
- Check Oil Safety: Always verify that your chosen essential oils are safe for everyone in your household—including pets and small children. Some popular oils (like tea tree or eucalyptus) require extra caution around cats.
- Skin Care: Undiluted essential oils can irritate skin, so wash your hands right after prepping your batch (or pop on a pair of gloves).
- Never Mix Cleaners: I never combine this recipe with commercial cleaners or bleach. Mixing household chemicals is unpredictable and hazardous—stick to using this as its own standalone spray!
- Keep Out of Reach: As with any cleaning solution, keep your spray bottle stored safely away from young children, pets, and vulnerable household members.
Before You Go
The next time you reach the bottom of your all-purpose cleaner, consider mixing up a bottle with what you already have in the pantry.
Play around with your favorite seasonal scent combinations and make the process a little ritual of its own.
Until the next magical mess,
Amrita
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