When Josh and I went zero waste, one of the first things to go was bottled countertop cleaner. I’ve always been wary of the stuff – the chemical ingredients list is, like, 200 items long – so it wasn’t hard to let go of.
But finding a zero waste option wasn’t nearly as easy as I expected it to be. We started out with a pretty straightforward solution made from white distilled vinegar and orange essential oil; but it smelled nasty to me and, to be honest, I just don’t think it works well enough.
As a natural disinfectant, vinegar can’t be beat. But as a cleaner, I’ve found it lacking. Here’s the new recipe we’re using today!
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The Homemade Countertop Cleaner That Actually Works
The new ‘holy grail’ cleaning agent on the scene is Castile soap, a delightful, multi-use product that’s history stretches back thousands of years to the Castile region of Spain (hence the name).
The story goes that, after millennia of use in Syria, Crusaders encountered caravans of the stuff being transported along the Silk Road.
The Crusaders then promptly took some back with them to Europe, where they recreated the formula for manufacturing at home.
=> See our DIY laundry detergent using Castile soap here
There’s a reason we are still using Castile soap today: the soap – made from pure, high quality oils like olive oil and laurel oil – is as effective as it is gentle, and its uses are abundant.
Plus, where most traditional soaps are made from animal oils and fats, Castile soap is vegan.
If you haven’t used Castile soap yet, you really must! Buy it on Amazon here.
Ready to dive in? Here’s how to make it!
DIY Countertop Cleaner
A natural countertop cleaner that actually works!
Ingredients
- 2 cups distilled water
- 2 tbsp Castile soap
- 15 drops essential oil of your choice
Instructions
Pour the water into a 16oz. spray bottle and add the castile soap and essential oil.
Gently shake to foam, then use as needed!
Store at room temperature.