Multi-Purpose Cleaning Spray

Multi-Purpose Cleaning Spray

🌱 A soap-based spray for everyday cleaning, grease and general household mess

 

This is the one I reach for most. If you only make one DIY cleaner, make this one.

Most supermarket “multi-purpose sprays” are mostly water, with a tiny amount of active ingredient, plus fragrance, preservatives and foaming agents to make it feel like it’s working. This version skips all of that and sticks to what actually cleans.

This spray is built on pure soap, not detergent. Soap works by loosening dirt and oils so they can be wiped or rinsed away. It’s gentle, effective, and adaptable — which is why this single solution can replace a whole shelf of cleaners.

You can keep it plain or customise it with essential oils. It’s quick to make, inexpensive, and incredibly versatile.

 

What this spray is

This is a soap-based cleaning spray.

It’s designed to:

  • Lift grease and everyday residue
  • Clean without heavy fragrance or foaming
  • Be used as a first-step cleaner before acid-based sprays

It’s thin by design, so it sprays easily and wipes clean without leaving build-up.

 

What this spray replaces

One bottle can replace:

  • Multi-purpose spray
  • Kitchen bench spray
  • Bathroom surface spray
  • General household cleaner
  • Light-duty floor spot cleaner

One bottle. Many jobs.

 

Where to use it

This spray works well on:

  • Kitchen benches and cupboards
  • Bathroom surfaces (vanity, sink, tiles)
  • Walls and doors
  • Light switches and door handles
  • Spot cleaning carpets and rugs
  • Skirting boards
  • Kids’ muddy feet (yes, really)

Always wipe with a clean cloth and rinse where needed.

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Recipe & Instructions

Ingredients

  • 25 ml liquid Castile soap
  • 475 ml water
  • 10–15 drops essential oils (optional)

Makes

Approx. 500 ml
Perfect for a standard 500 ml spray bottle

Method

  1. Add the liquid Castile soap to your spray bottle.
  2. Top up with water.
  3. Add essential oils if using.
  4. Gently swirl or tip the bottle to mix.

Avoid shaking hard — this reduces unnecessary bubbles.

Important making notes

  • Tap water is fine for everyday use
  • For longer shelf life, use distilled or boiled (then cooled) water
  • Do not add vinegar or citric acid — soap is alkaline and acids neutralise it

Is Castile soap the same as detergent?
No. Castile soap is real soap, made from plant oils and lye. Detergents are synthetic surfactants designed for heavy grease and high foaming. Soap is biodegradable and much gentler on surfaces and skin.

Can I add vinegar to make it stronger?
No. Vinegar is acidic and soap is alkaline. When combined, they neutralise each other and form a curdled residue that doesn’t clean effectively. Use them in separate steps, not together.

Does this disinfect surfaces?
This spray cleans surfaces by lifting dirt and microbes so they can be wiped away. If disinfection is required — for example after handling raw meat - follow up with a separate disinfecting step such as hydrogen peroxide or an alcohol-based spray.
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