The Healthy Home Collection: Natural Cleaning Spray

This is my go-to all-purpose cleaning spray that I make every couple of months because it lasts a surprisingly long time. It’s simple, effective, and easy to customize depending on the scent or level of cleaning power I need.

- 1/2 cup rubbing alcohol (I use 70% isopropyl alcohol)

- 1 1/2 cups water

- 2 teaspoons liquid soap (I use Seventh Generation Free And Clear Dish Soap, have used Dawn in the past)

- 10–20 drops essential oil (I rotate between lemon, peppermint, eucalyptus, or blends depending on the mood and purpose)

Add everything to a spray bottle, gently shake to combine, and it’s ready to use on most household surfaces.

A few personal notes that matter in my routine: I avoid Castile soap in this mixture because alcohol can interfere with its stability if the ratios aren’t just right, and I’ve found plant-based dish soap to be more reliable here. I also prefer 70% rubbing alcohol for general disinfecting since it already contains enough water to help it work effectively on surfaces, while 91% alcohol is better suited for breaking down greasy or sticky residue when needed.

While vinegar is often recommended in natural cleaning routines and absolutely has its uses, I personally don’t use it in this spray. I don’t love the smell, and more importantly, its acidity can etch and permanently damage natural stone like marble, granite, or soapstone, and it can also dull hardwood finishes over time. For me, this alcohol-based blend feels like a safer, more versatile everyday option for keeping things clean without worrying about surface damage.