A simple DIY all-purpose cleaner from four ingredients

This is the recipe Mara has been using at home since 2020. It's not complicated, it works on kitchen surfaces, bathroom tiles, and most hard surfaces, and every ingredient is available to refill at the shop. The total cost per 500ml bottle is roughly 40-50p depending on how much essential oil you use.

What you need ¶

You need bicarbonate of soda (one teaspoon), citric acid (one teaspoon), warm water (500ml), and about ten drops of essential oil if you want a scent. Lavender and tea tree are both antibacterial and smell clean without being overpowering. You also need a clean spray bottle. That's it.

How to make it ¶

Dissolve the citric acid in the warm water first, then add the bicarbonate of soda slowly. It will fizz. This is normal and not dangerous. Once the fizzing settles, add the essential oil and pour into your spray bottle. Shake gently before each use. The solution keeps well for about four weeks at room temperature.

What it works on and what it doesn't ¶

This spray works well on kitchen worktops, hob surrounds, bathroom sinks, tiles, and most hard surfaces. It's not suitable for natural stone like marble or granite because the citric acid can etch the surface over time. It's also not a disinfectant in the clinical sense, so for surfaces that need a higher level of hygiene (a chopping board after raw meat, for example) you'd want something stronger.

Why make your own instead of buying ready-made ¶

The main reason is that you control the concentration and the scent. The secondary reason is cost. A 500ml fill of our ready-made multi-surface spray is about £1.00. Making your own from the dry ingredients costs roughly half that. The trade-off is the five minutes it takes to mix it. For most people the ready-made spray is the easier option, but if you enjoy the process or want to experiment with different scents, making your own is genuinely satisfying.

Mara is running a live version of this demo in the shop on Saturday 1 August at 11am. No booking needed, just come in. All ingredients are available to refill at the dry goods section.