I don’t mind dusting when there’s a light layer of loose dust involved, but as we all know, it’s rarely that simple. Dust has a way of mixing with anything greasy or moist in the vicinity and then clinging to surfaces in way that a dry cloth alone couldn’t hope to clean up.
In these situations, my trusty microfiber cloth needs some backup, and that’s where my favorite DIY dusting spray comes in. Featuring vinegar and citrus oil to cut through grease and a bit of olive oil for shine, this simple spray to make even the grimiest surfaces look clean as a whistle. (The way the fresh citrus smell lingers after I use it doesn’t hurt either!)
How To Make A DIY Dusting Spray
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 10-15 drops of lemon essential oil (or sweet orange essential oil)
- Spray bottle
Directions:
Combine all ingredients in your spray bottle, replace the top, and shake well to mix. Because the oil and water will separate over time, be sure to shake the bottle again before each use to remix the ingredients.
To use it, spray directly onto furniture and buff with a clean, dry cloth.
Get The Spray Bottle Label And Never Forget The Recipe
You’ll never forget how to make this dusting spray once you have these cleaning recipe labels for spray bottles! This set of seven adhesive labels are pre-printed with recipes for my favorite homemade cleaning products, including not only this dusting spray, but also my favorite all-purpose cleaning spray, my go-to window and mirror cleaner, and more. The labels are clear with white lettering so they pair perfectly with my favorite amber glass spray bottles.
Are you one of the many people who dreads dusting your home?
Good idea unless furniture has a polyurethane finish – it doesn’t need the oil and may even be damaged by it over time.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I am beyond thrilled to find this super recipe for dusting. I live on a river bank in a rural area and have a lot of dust in my home continually. I have tried so many different products and have not been happy with any of them for long. BUT – I made up and tried Jillee’s Dusting Spray. I am so incredibly happy with the results! It’s so easy to make, smells awesome, is inexpensive and works like a charm! Thank you for a wonderful product!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Hi, two things, your link to the spray bottle is defunct, so what would you recommend instead? I’m worried most sprayers might clog with the spray. Also is this a typo or does it mean “disinfectants”? I would think it should say “disinfects” above:
Please log in or create a free account to comment.1 cup water
1/4 cup vinegar (cuts through grease and grime & disinfectants)
2 tsp olive oil (shines and protects wood)
I’m anxious to try this on the baseball bats I collect!
Yes, on the usual household dusting I do too… :( …
I assume this is WHITE vinegar you are using NOT Apple Cider?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Hey, just wanted to know why you used a dark colored bottle. Is it because of the essential oil in the mixture?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Yes, essential oils last longer if they are kept away from light :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.A few months – as long as it’s stored in a cool, dark place :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Hello Jillee, Thank you so much for your ideas. I have just tried this Dusting Spray, and it is really lovely. I used Orange Essential Oil as it was the only one I have at home at the moment. But for the future will use Bergamot, or Lemon, as they will be a bit stronger. But even with the orange essential oil, it left the room smelling so nice. Thank you again!!! :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’m so glad! :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Hi Jillee,
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I love so many of your ideas, but please reconsider using Olive Oil in this dusting spray. Walnut Oil, Fractionated Coconut Oil, and Jojoba Oil, all have a much longer shelf life when exposed to light and oxygen. Olive oil smells horrible when it goes rancid, even in tiny amounts. Also, if the Olive Oil does go rancid, it tends to leave a sticky/tacky residue on surfaces over time because of this. Essential Oils don’t go rancid. They just lose their efficacy over time. Otherwise it sounds fabulous!
Cheers!
Where do you buy essential oils for your sprays?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I buy my oils from Spark Naturals: http://sparknaturals.com/?id=5 They have great oils at affordable prices – and you can get a discount with the code “JILLEE” :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Where did you get the dust cloth? Looks very well made and love the vibrant color, it’s easy to see.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.They are from World Market :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I do love this idea. I am all wood over here, floors, walls, furniture and many antique pieces. I do have a question, could I substitute the olive oil for another oil? I’m highly allergic to olives and olive oil, would hate to go into anaphylactic shock from dusting.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Sure! Avocado oil for sunflower oil would work well :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.How do you get a spray and not a jet stream from SPRAY bottles?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.There should be a nozzle that you can turn on the front of the sprayer :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I know there is a nozzle that turns but I have not had any luck getting a spray. Tried several different bottles.
Usually, turning the nozzle as close to closed as you can produces the finest mist – I don’t know what else the problem would be!
Is this dusting spray antistatic? I think I remember Jillee doing a post on a specific spray to repel dust,but can’t seem to find it on her website.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Yes, this is the one! :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Wouldn’t one of those metal spray bottles from the Dollar Tree work better for holding stuff with EO’s? They have them at my DT with the hair/body product area. If you were super concerned about the sprayer part you could always just cap it with an old soda bottle top when not in use.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.This is great! My co-author friend wrote a post dedicated to how much she hates dusting! I can’t wait to share this with her!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.http://www.dailymomtivity.com/2014/06/seeing-vacuum-as-half-full.html
I almost never leave a response, however i did some searching
Please log in or create a free account to comment.and wound up here All-Natural DIY Dusting Spray | One Good
Thing by Jillee. And I do have 2 questions for you if you tend not
to mind. Is it just me or does it seem like some of these responses look as
if they are coming from brain dead folks? :-P And, if
you are writing at other sites, I’d like to follow everything
fresh you have to post. Could you list of the complete
urls of all your public pages like your twitter feed, Facebook page or linkedin profile?
It’s remarkable in favor of me to have a website, which is beneficial designed for my
Please log in or create a free account to comment.knowledge. thanks admin
Could you use warming oil instead of essential oil since it wouldn’t be ingested? Found warming oil at Wal-Mart which was a good deal cheaper. Love your website! Recommend it to so many people.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I always love to make things myself when I can. Where can I find essential oil?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Hi Cara! I get mine from sparknaturals.com – you can use code JILLEE for 10% off your purchase.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.We bought an older house and have never had any luck with anything getting the kitchen cupboards & hardware “clean”. They feel sticky , like greasy dirt. I have tried most everything. You have some great ideas and am new to your site and loving it already. Any information on how I can get my cupboards & the hardware from feeling stick to clean & smooth would be much appreciated. Thanks to anyone replying to this in advance.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Hi Cindi! Here is a post I’ve done on cleaning kitchen cabinets: https://onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2013/03/2-ingredient-homemade-kitchen-cabinet-gunk-remover.html
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Old woodworkers recommend using 1/2 olive oil and 1/2 vinegar.. rub on then polish to a high shine. I used this on my kitchen cabinets that were horrid condition and now they all look brand new.. and they’re almost 30 years old. Works great!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I love this! However, I’m wondering about EO’s and cats since some are toxic to them. Guess I’ll do some research and may have to leave that ingredient out. Bummer. lol I <3 the smell of lemon/citrus!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Great post Jill! Gonna have to give this a try!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thank you, Jillee! I’ve been hoping you would come up with something simple for a dusting spray and I’ll try it out this weekend.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.On a side note, I wonder what browser people are using to view your emails? On my iPad, I don’t see the links at the bottom of my (favorite!) daily email from OGTBJ, but I see it in my Yahoo email thru Internet Explorer. The IPad email app must cut off the links.
Thank you for laundry detergent, window washing formulas, dishwasher detergent, armpit stain remover, make up remover wipes and whiter whites! I use them all daily!
Yay – DIY ! ! Years ago (suffering from environmental sensitivities — no: bleach, ammonia, commercial cleaners etc) I started making a vinegar dusting/cleaning solution – that I put in a spray bottle. It didn’t have oil though. I would put some vinegar in a pan w/whatever aromatics I could find (sage @ my mother’s on the WY prairies or pine.needles/rosemary somewhere else) and simmer it for a while – then strain and put in a bottle — adding a bit of that to water and (yes!) spraying my dust cloth – I could clean everything (glass too). My mom was horrified at the thought of the vinegar – but it never hurt anything and the smell dissipated right away – – – she loved it and ended up making her own when she ran out of what i’d started :-).
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Love your daily information and super home made cleaning recipes. Where do you get the cool spray bottles with the cute labels on them.
Thanks for being so awesome.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Hi Patricia! I got the spray bottle at Walmart. Unfortunately the label is something I added to the picture in Photoshop.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Water and wood? hmmmm Water dries out wood. I would NEVER use oil and spray directly on furniture or floors. Not only leave spots on the wood, but on the fabric also. Oils also attract dust. Any overspray on the floors makes them slippery. I have alot of elderly and disabled friends and that spells danger. Some of the essential oils are not good for pets either. I use dawn dish soap to wash my floors, windows and vinyl, dry dusting with microfiber cloth for wood, baking soda, a little dawn and vinegar for the bathroom, and bleach for the toilet. I shampoo carpets with tide and fabric softener (prevents static electricity when you walk across the floor, no shock); pretreat stains with peroxide, dawn, or whatever the stain requires. Less chemicals the better. Dawn dish soap directly on grease and other food stains on clothing works too. Peroxide for coffee, chocolate and juice stains.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’ve said it before and it’s still true….Jillee, you totally ROCK. Love your posts and tips :)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I have ordered from sparks and got a 4 pk. bottles of essential oil for less than 20.00 using the 10 percent off (code: JILLEE) that’s less than 5.00 a bottle !! CHECK IT OUT…………………………..
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Just yesterday I made my own dusting spray, after thinking about it for several months. What I used has a tablespoon of castile soap in it. Though I found it worked great, the idea of putting soap on my wood just doesn’t appeal to me. Only using it once, I can’t say if it will have a buildup, but I think I will dump it out and try this instead. I also despise dusting! I’d rather clean toilets. I don’t know what it is. But I found that by using my own homemade product, it made it more enjoyable (though only slightly!). To the person that doesn’t want to use essential oils because they are expensive, I take it you don’t use them for anything else. I wouldn’t buy a bottle just to make this either probably, but once you get into making your own products, they are a must. The most expensive bottle I bought was around $7. Love your website, Jillee! I have tried so many of your homemade cleaners and toiletries. It’s a joy to get ready for work in the morning using my own soap, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, makeup, hair gel and hairspray! It kind of becomes a goal to see what I can quit buying from the store next!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I wonder if this would work on wood floors.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Essential oils are an investment. However, they last a really long time. Orange oil is around five dollars a bi tle here. It is about,the same price as a bottlr of cleaner. However, you can make 10 or 12 bottles of cleaner with it that isn’t toxic or caustic and cleans way better. It is more economical in the long run.
I wonder if you can spritz this mix on a duster and use it that way…..
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’m wondering how this could be modified, or if it would even need to be, in order to turn into a “Wood Floor” cleaner? I’ve tried everything under the sun to get my wood floor back to it’s original shine. I can get it clean, but there’s always a slight milky film on top. I’m wondering if olive oil could help……….any ideas???
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I think this would probably work, but I also have a post on wood floors: https://onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2012/04/3-simple-steps-to-keep-your-hardwood-floors-looking-good.html
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Jillee is right. Only use vinegar and water on your hardwood floors. We just built a new house and installed hardwood floors. We live near a hardwood floor manufacturer (eliminated middleman and saved lots of $$) and were told that is the only thing to use as cleaners will cause floors to have a milky film and ruin your pre finished floor. Never wax a pre finished floor!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thanks, Jillee. The price of furniture polish has gone through the roof the last couple of years. I’ve resorted to damp microfiber cloths, but this will smell better!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.This looks great! It has been so dry this winter I think I’ll end by rubbing in a little extra olive oil. I have a few picture frames that can use this too.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thank you!
Good morning, Jillee and my OGTBJ friends!
I’ve been using a very similar MIY formula since last summer and I really like it. It’s funny, because I had the same results with a couple of IKEA pieces. I thought I’d mixed it incorrectly but, like you, it works great on regular wood. Thanks for letting us all in on thisl. As always, I love the things you share.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.No1tWin – yeah the essential oils are expensive, but Spark Naturals are fairly inexpensive and if you use the code, you can save an additional 10%. I just purchased a few oils the first time and I’ve found a TON of uses for them. Everything from the No.2 spray, to adding them in my humidifier, cleaning products and even body wash! Once you have them, you’ll be surprised at how many things you can “make” with them! There is one small kit that comes with a few that are really commonly used, it’s a great deal and you’ll find yourself using them all the time!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Michelle. ..you mentioned that you have made the No. 2 spray. I have also and like it. But wondered if you have had the same problem as I do with the sprayer sticking. I’ve tried different spray bottles but they all stick and I have to manually pull it up to spray each time.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Maybe I’ll have to use the trigger type but they’re so big. Any suggestions?
I’ve had the same problem with many sprayer bottles.. They dont stand up to a lot of the stuff we put in them. The best thing to do is to either use an old spray bottle from a commercial product or clean out the spray bottle sprayer each time you use it which is a pita.
Try looking at the travel size area in the beauty section of Walmart. They carry small 2 oz. trigger spray bottles for under $1. It makes small batches that usually last us almost a month (family of 2.) Have had mine for almost 6 months with no problems with sticking. At this low cost you could easily replace as needed.
Ooops typed wrong size ~ they are actually closer to 8- 10 oz. and are great for a multitude of uses. I just measured mine it holds 8oz with plenty of room for E.O. and sprayer.
I think all these DIY sprays etc. sound great but the essential oils are WAY expensive.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Just a .25 oz. bottle is $10.00 or more. You make several batches from that bottle I realize…but not that often and you would have it sitting around til the next batch would be needed. Can it really be that economical? I am not just talking about this spray recipe…but several other DIY items I have read on the posts. They are tempting to try…but I cannot get myself to spend that much on a tiny bottle of oil that will be used one time a year or less.
You can buy cheap essential oil at Walmart for this type of thing but I wouldn’t use them for ingesting.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.You can use the oil with lemon juice instead of vinegar and just leave the essential oil out.
I get my essential oils on swansonvitamins.com and depending on the type of oil they run from $2-$10 a bottle. There are always coupon codes on retailmenot.com for swan sons that are great savings.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.A couple of other people already addressed this but you can definitely get cheaper EO’s to use for cleaning products but I would not recommend ingesting them.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.You can buy EO’s inexpensively at www. sfherb.com. I’ve been buying from them for 32 years and I love their products. 1oz if $3.45… not too expensive.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.You can put citrus peels (zest only is best) in vinegar for several days, then use that infused vinegar without the EOs for similar results
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Belinda – thanks for the tip! How much zest should I use to equal 10-15 drops of essential oil?
I think for someone like me, who has a ridiculously strict budget, these essential oils are more than worth it…not only do they last for a looong time, but I can’t put a price on the benefits of cutting out chemicals :)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I have a strong aversion to the smell of vinegar. Can I leave it out and get the same results? I noticed someone mentioned using lemon juice, but I’d have to store the mixture in the fridge, right? (Not an option–fridge space is prime real estate here!)
Suggestions?
Thanks so much!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.You probably would not get the same results without vinegar. Without vinegar it’s just oil and lemon EO. But that might be a good conditioner for wood furniture. And yes, if you use lemon juice you would have to put it in the fridge.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.You could use witch hazel in place of the vinegar. Old time recipie for furniture polish when mixed with lemon oil.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Would this also be okay to use to wipe down my leather furniture? I was thinking that the olive oil would be good for the leather and the other ingredients don’t seem like they would be harmful…????
Please log in or create a free account to comment.You know Casey, I’m not sure. I would recommend doing some research on the products you can use on leather. I’m not sure how the vinegar and lemon EO would affect the leather.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I like this idea. It’s amazing how expensive these products are.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I also love that I don’t have to buy anything to make this
Because I already have all the ingredients at home.
I love reading all your posts. They’re great.
Can this be placed in plastic spray bottle? I cant find/dont have glass.Thanks!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Amy, normally I wouldn’t recommend putting EO’s in a plastic bottle but I actually used plastic for this. I figured it wasn’t a huge batch so it wouldn’t end up sitting long enough for the EO’s to eat through the plastic.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.If you buy your vinegar in the glass bottles, most sprayers from larger bottles will fit it. Or if you only want to mix a small amount, you can find glass bottles (blue or brown) with spray tops at health food/vitamin stores. These often give a finer mist than sprayers from cleaning bottles, but no adjustments of mist to stream. Or use the pump from perfume or liquid deodorant.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I made an all purpose cleaning spray with vinegar, water and lemon essential oil. I was reluctant to use it on our wood but now with the idea of olive oil, I’m going to try this out today! Thank you :)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Please unsubscribe me from your posts.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Why not unsubscribe yourself?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Jillee, is this only for furniture and things of wood?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I would say yes. When I tried it on my glossy Ikea furniture it just pushed the dust around. But it worked great on wood furniture!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I have a lil different recipe but requires a shake before use
1 cup olive oil
Please log in or create a free account to comment.1/2 cup lemon juice
Mix & spray on cloth &turn cloth to dry side to pollish !!!
Hi first I want to say I love your posts!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Now, I have been told to spray your cloth not the item you want to dust. As it can cause spots. When I was young and had to dust I sprayed the furniture, but the furniture already had a high glossy finish. Now I have a lot of natural wood ( no high gloss ) and but mistake sprayed the furniture and it left spots. Had to really work at getting rid of them. So now I use a bottle and put the cloth over the opening and tip it over and then use the wet part of the rag to dust with. Find that it works really good , that way. So I guess what I am saying is if you have high gloss it probable is of to spray the furniture, but maybe not so much for the other.
Thanks again!!
I agree, spray the cloth not the furniture!
But I wanted to comment on the spots on your furniture. My husband read somewhere to try putting Mayonaise on water spots on wooden furniture and the spots will disapear. We tried this after hot coffee was spilled on our antique buffet at Christmas, and it worked like a charm! The spots went away! I have no idea why the Mayo works, but it does! :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.The overspray can also get on the floor. My kids and I were slipping around like crazy until we figured out why! I found it best to use it straight on the rag.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thanks for the tip Lori!! :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I use baby oil to get rid of water spots! Works amazingly well. Even if the stain is years old. (Inherited antiques). For stubborn water spots, leave baby oil on for a few hours, or over night, & wipe away! And the smell is nice too!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thank you Kelly C. I will have to try that.