Check out my updated how-to blog post on All-Purpose sprays.
Making an All-Purpose Cleaning Spray with Castile Soap for general house cleaning couldn’t be easier. Please remember to label your spray bottles, so you don’t get them mixed up! Once you get fully established with homemade cleaners, you’ll have several spray bottle solutions in your cupboard.
All-Purpose Cleaning Spray
In a spray bottle, mix 1/4 c. (60 mL) of your favorite Castile Soap and 1 quart (1L) of water. For extra antimicrobial punch, add ¼ tsp. (1.25 mL) tea tree essential oil. Spray surface then wipe with wet cloth.
What would you use instead of Tea Tree for cleaning? Pets – particular cats don’t do well with Tea Tree scent.
Also what would you use for Molds smell,. Thanks
Hi Lyne- The behavior of my two cats – who very much enjoy sleeping on freshly washed bedding, gobbling from their food dishes, and lounging on the clean tile flooring without a care in the world – leads me to believe they are not sensitive to the essential oils in either Castile Soap or Sal Suds. Cute cat habits aside though, the Castile Soap and Sal Suds in this solution – and any essential oils you add – is highly diluted and then rinsed off. If you have any concerns, use the Unscented Castile Soap as it’s free of essential oils. We recommend this exclusively for bathing cats. Mold and it’s smell are typically an indication of moisture. Keep damp areas well-ventilated and dry up wet surfaces, such as floors or shower enclosures, as needed. For moldy spots around tubs and such, I recommend cleaning with Sal Suds, a sprinkle of baking soda, and stiff brush.
Is this really ALL PURPOSE? What would you use to clean the surface of a wooden table or wood furniture?
Thank you in advance 😁
Hi Pazzo – Yes, this cleans wood furniture really well!
Hello,
Given the Covid days, Is it feasible to mix some 3% Hydrogen Peroxide into this mixture to sanitize the surface and get maximum protection?
Hi Anupam- When added to Castile Soap, hydrogen peroxide will not bring any antibacterial benefit. The alkalinity of the soap will cause the hydrogen peroxide, which is acidic, to dissociate into water and oxygen molecules. For more on what can and can’t be mixed with Castile Soap, see my blog post, “What Can You Mix with Castile Soap” (https://www.lisabronner.com/what-can-you-mix-with-castile-soap/). Dr. Bronner’s soaps are effective cleaners and work by removing germs, dirt and grime from surfaces. Disinfectants are chemicals used on hard surfaces and are registered with the EPA. For more information on cleaning and disinfecting, see the CDC’s website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/disinfecting-your-home.html
If you can’t get Castile soap; what other soap can you use to get aphids off of tomato plant’s main stem? I have read, you are to spray Dr. Bronner’s mixed with water, on the leaves to rid a hydroponic heirloom tomato plant of aphids. But, I only see evidence of aphids on the stem. Why would we use Castile soap on leaves?
Hi Leslie- If you can find a biodegradable soap, even if it’s not Castile, you should be able to make up the insecticidal spray. Use it wherever the pests are gathering: stems, leaves, fruit.
[…] tangent, but if you’re up against ants: Spray ant-infested surfaces with the Castile All-Purpose Spray, as seen in another of my very early videos! Make sure you spray the ant trails and the points […]