The dust monster is alive and well in my house. Just when I think I have my surfaces sparkling clean, the monster rears its ugly head again!
Dusting is in my top 3 disliked chores around the home – time consuming and unsatisfying, I put it off way too often. I’ve found a way to make the job a little easier and save a little cash at the same time.
Commercial cleaners can be expensive and loaded with chemicals. I recently discovered a phenomenal natural cleaner, which is a much safer alternative that’s just as effective as anything you grab off the supermarket shelf.
Quick Summary – Dust-Busting Spray DIY
- Mix: 1 cup water + ½ cup vinegar + 2 tbs oil (sunflower/grapeseed/olive)
- Add: 10 drops lemon essential oil + 5 drops tea tree oil
- Use: Shake before use; spray lightly + wipe—great for wood shine + dust repellent
- Tip: Store in amber bottle to protect oils; avoid antique/unfinished wood
See more home cleaning tips by reading the Electrodry blog.
Why is Removing Dust so Important
Not only does it make the house look unkept, dust can be unhealthy for you and your family. Did you know dust is full of the dead skin cells we shed throughout the day? Dust also collects things like decomposing insects and animal fur, and prolonged dust exposure can cause or exacerbate allergies and respiratory issues.
Homemade Dust Repellent Spray Recipe
What you'll need
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1 cup water
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½ cup vinegar (orange-infused for extra cleaning power and scent!)
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2 tbs oil (we recommend sunflower, grapeseed or olive oil)
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10 drops lemon essential oil
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5 drops tea tree essential oil
Instructions
Pour water and vinegar into spray bottle, followed by the oil and essential oils. Cover, shake well and voila!
Questions About Homemade Spray Repellent Spray Answered
How do you neutralise the smell of vinegar?
Vinegar is a phenomenal natural cleaner and we regularly recommend it as a cleaning alternative for tackling myriad household jobs.
One of the few downsides to vinegar however is the smell it leaves behind. Although not as strong as commercial cleaners, the vinegar scent is definitively distinctive. Marinate some citrus peels and vinegar (in a mason jar using 1:1 ratio) for about two weeks in a dark cupboard to create a great smelling all-purpose cleaner. The citrus peel contains super degreasing properties while the fresh scent will offset the vinegar smell. Just strain the vinegar using a sieve into a spray bottle and you’re all set.
What essential oils are best to use?
We’ve used lemon and tea tree oil in our recipe. They smell fantastic but both have great cleaning properties. Tea tree oil has strong ant-fungal abilities so it can kill bacteria and fungi within your home, making it a great addition to any household cleaner.
Why is oil added to the recipe?
On wood furniture, oil can provide protection and fantastic shine when used as part of your regular dusting routine. Most oils you would cook with will do the trick here!
Remember: We recommend keeping the spray in an amber spray bottle (you can pick one up at Target) to keep the essential oils from damaging the bottle. Shake before each use! Not recommended for unfinished wood or fine antiques.
