What Is the Best Natural All-Purpose Cleaner—And How to Make It at Home

It’s the question I hear most: “What’s the single best natural cleaner I can make at home?”

With so much conflicting advice online, it’s no wonder we’re overwhelmed. But here’s the reality: the “best” cleaner is one that’s practical, non-toxic, cost-effective—and fits into your life effortlessly. No weird ingredients, no Pinterest pressure.

Common Mistakes in Going Natural

1. Buying pricey "green" cleaners that underperform.
   Many store-brand eco cleaners label themselves with buzzwords but are often no better (and significantly more expensive) than homemade options.

2. Overcomplicating recipes.
   Adding ten strange ingredients (like Borax, tea glass crystals, or hydrogen peroxide) thinking they’ll make it more effective—it just adds confusion and clutter.

3. Combining acids and bases.
   Mixing vinegar and baking soda or using vinegar on marble/granite can damage surfaces or eliminate cleaning value entirely.

All these missteps come from false beliefs:

• “Natural cleaners have to be fancy to work.”
  Nope. Simple is often best.

• “If it can’t disinfect like bleach, it's useless.”
  It might not disinfect, but for everyday cleaning, it's more than enough.

• “Vinegar and baking soda are a magic duo.”
  Actually, they neutralize each other—leaving you with mostly water or salt!

A Better Framework: “Simple, Safe, Effective” Cleaner

Here’s the easy method I use—and teach my community:

Use three basic, safe ingredients: water, a mild non-toxic detergent, and optionally, essential oils—and skip the acid-base combos.

This cleaner fits your life because it’s:

• Gentle on surfaces (stone-friendly)

• Non-toxic for kids and pets

• Cheap and quick to make

• Customizable for scent and function

Why This Method Works (And What Happens Without It)

With the “Simple, Safe, Effective” method, you get a reliable cleaner that works on most surfaces: kitchen counters, bathroom sinks, stainless steel—even wood floors.

Without it, you risk:

• Wasting money on ineffective “natural” products

• Using damaging combos on delicate surfaces

• Feeling frustrated and quitting natural cleaning altogether

A Relatable Kitchen Story

A few years ago, I spent $25 on eco-friendly cleaners and household products—and ended up with two half-used bottles I hated. They didn't clean well, and I hated the artificial “tea-tree citrus” scent.

Frustrated, I went back to basics: water + non-toxic Dawn + a few drops of lavender oil. I mixed it in my favorite glass spray bottle—and it cleaned better, smelled fresh, cost pennies, and I felt good using it around my kids.

The Method in Detail

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 2 cups warm water

• 1 tsp non-toxic dish soap (like Dawn Ultra)

• Optional: 10 drops essential oils (lemon for degreasing, lavender for calming, tea tree for mild antibacterial scent)

Why These Work:

• Water dilutes ingredients for gentle cleaning

• Dish soap breaks down grease and dirt

• Essential oils add scent and mild natural benefits
  – Don’t rely on them as disinfectants, but they boost clean vibes

How to Make It:

1. Fill a 16 oz glass spray bottle with warm water

2. Add 1 tsp non-toxic dish soap

3. Add 5–10 drops essential oil

4. Gently swirl (don’t shake) to mix

5. Store and use within 3 months

Where to Use It:

• Kitchen counters, stovetops

• Bathroom surfaces

• Stainless steel (wipe with microfiber)

• Wood floors (damp mop and dry immediately)

Actionable Steps to Get Started

1. Add materials to your shopping list:

   • Non-toxic dish soap

   • Glass spray bottle

   • Essential oils you like

2. Make one spray bottle today (takes under 5 minutes)

3. Do a quick “before & after” test on a surface

4. Swap your commercial cleaner for your DIY version

5. Track your results—did it clean well, smell good, and feel easy?

Final Thoughts

The best natural all-purpose cleaner isn’t a fantasy—it’s practical, safe, inexpensive, and kind to your home. It’s right in your hands.

If you’ve been craving simplicity, I invite you to try this method. I promise you’ll feel better about the products you use—and how they make your home shine.

✨ Grab my Simple Cleaner Swap Sheet — a printable checklist to help you get started today with clarity

Here’s to living simply, growing wildly, and vibing fully.

Until next time,

Nicole