Thieves Cleaner Copycat Recipe: Easy DIY Guide to a Powerful, Affordable Cleaner

I’ve always been fascinated by the powerful scents that make cleaning feel like a refreshing ritual. When I first tried Thieves Cleaner, its blend of clove, lemon, and eucalyptus instantly lifted my spirits and left my home smelling divine. But finding a more affordable, homemade version seemed like a dream.

Ingredients

• 1 cup distilled water
• 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol (70% or higher)
• 20 drops clove essential oil
• 20 drops lemon essential oil
• 20 drops eucalyptus essential oil

Tools And Equipment

Creating my own Thieves Cleaner copycat is straightforward when you have the right tools and equipment. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

• Measuring Cups and Spoons

Accurate measurements ensure the perfect balance of ingredients. I use stainless steel measuring cups and spoons for durability and precision.

• Mixing Bowl

A medium-sized mixing bowl is ideal for combining the distilled water, rubbing alcohol, and essential oils. Glass or BPA-free plastic bowls work best.

• Funnel

A funnel helps transfer the mixture into your spray bottle without spills. I prefer a small, wide-mouth funnel for ease of use.

• Spray Bottle

Choose an amber or dark-colored spray bottle to protect the essential oils from light, preserving their potency. A 16-ounce bottle is perfect for most cleaning tasks.

• Essential Oil Droppers

Droppers allow for precise addition of essential oils. I keep separate droppers for clove, lemon, and eucalyptus to avoid cross-contamination.

• Permanent Marker

Labeling your spray bottle is essential. A permanent marker ensures your cleaner is easily identifiable and prevents confusion.

• Gloves

Wearing gloves keeps your hands clean and protects your skin from essential oils, especially if you have sensitive skin. I recommend reusable rubber gloves.

Having these tools on hand makes the process of crafting your own Thieves Cleaner both efficient and enjoyable. Plus, it allows you to personalize your cleaning solution to perfectly suit your home’s needs.

Instructions

Creating your own Thieves Cleaner is easy and rewarding. Follow these steps to make a powerful and aromatic cleaning solution.

Prepare Ingredients

1. Measure Distilled Water: Pour 1 cup of distilled water into a large mixing bowl.
2. Add Rubbing Alcohol: Measure and add 1/4 cup of rubbing alcohol (70% or higher) to the bowl.
3. Essential Oils:

• Add 20 drops of clove essential oil.
• Add 20 drops of lemon essential oil.
• Add 20 drops of eucalyptus essential oil.

Mix Ingredients

1. Combine Thoroughly: Use a spoon or whisk to stir the mixture vigorously.
2. Ensure Uniformity: Continue mixing until all the essential oils are fully dissolved and the solution is consistent.

Bottle And Store

1. Prepare the Spray Bottle: Place a funnel into the neck of your amber or dark-colored spray bottle to prevent spills.
2. Transfer the Mixture: Carefully pour the blended solution into the spray bottle using the funnel.
3. Seal and Label: Remove the funnel, securely screw on the spray top, and label the bottle with a permanent marker indicating the contents and date.
4. Store Properly: Keep the spray bottle in a cool, dark place to maintain the effectiveness of the essential oils.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Preparing my Thieves Cleaner in advance ensures I always have this powerful cleaner on hand. Here’s how I make it ahead of time:

1. Batch Preparation

I like to make a larger batch to save time. Multiply the ingredients based on how much you need. For example, to make four times the recipe, use:

1. Preparing Storage Containers

I use dark-colored spray bottles to protect the essential oils from light. Using a funnel, I transfer the mixture into each bottle to prevent spills. Label each bottle with the date and contents using a permanent marker.

1. Initial Storage

After bottling, I store the cleaner in a cool, dark place. This helps maintain the effectiveness of the essential oils and extends the shelf life of the cleaner.

1. Shelf Life Management

My homemade Thieves Cleaner stays potent for up to six months when stored properly. I always check for any changes in scent or appearance before each use to ensure it’s still effective.

1. Convenient Ready-to-Use Bottles

For daily use, I prepare individual spray bottles and keep them in easily accessible locations like under the sink or in a cleaning caddy. This way, I can grab a bottle whenever I need to clean without having to mix a fresh batch each time.

By following these make-ahead instructions, I can efficiently manage my cleaning supplies and enjoy the invigorating scents of my homemade Thieves Cleaner whenever I need it.

Tips And Tricks

As a chef who loves reverse engineering recipes, I’ve found a few tricks to elevate your homemade Thieves Cleaner. Here’s how you can perfect your cleaner and make the most out of its invigorating scents:

Choose High-Quality Essential Oils

Selecting premium essential oils ensures a potent and long-lasting fragrance.

• Purity Matters: Opt for 100% pure essential oils without synthetic additives.
• Reputable Brands: Purchase from trusted brands to guarantee quality and consistency.

Customize Your Scent Blend

Feel free to adjust the essential oil ratios to suit your preference.

• Strong Clove Aroma: Increase clove oil by 5-10 drops for a spicier scent.
• Citrus Freshness: Add extra lemon oil for a brighter, citrusy fragrance.
• Herbal Touch: Incorporate a few drops of rosemary or lavender for added complexity.

Proper Storage is Key

Maintaining the integrity of your cleaner starts with how you store it.

• Dark-Colored Bottles: Use amber or dark-colored spray bottles to protect the essential oils from light exposure.
• Cool, Dark Place: Keep your cleaner in a pantry or cabinet away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
• Seal Tightly: Ensure the spray bottle is securely closed to prevent evaporation of the alcohol and essential oils.

Batch Preparation for Convenience

Making larger batches can save you time and ensure you always have cleaner on hand.

• Scaling Up: Multiply the ingredients proportionally. For example, double the recipe for two batches.
• Label Clearly: Use a permanent marker to label each bottle with the date of preparation and the contents.
• Dispensing Ease: Install a funnel in your storage container to streamline the transfer process.

Safety First

Handling cleaning solutions safely ensures a pleasant experience.

• Wear Gloves: Protect your skin by wearing gloves during preparation.
• Ventilation: Mix your ingredients in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling strong fumes.
• Proper Disposal: Dispose of any unused cleaner responsibly, following local regulations.

Enhance Cleaning Power

Maximize the effectiveness of your Thieves Cleaner with these additional tips.

• Pre-Clean Surfaces: Wipe down surfaces with water or a basic cleaner before applying your Thieves solution for better results.
• Let It Sit: Allow the cleaner to sit for a few minutes on surfaces to penetrate and kill germs effectively.
• Regular Use: Incorporate the cleaner into your daily routine to maintain a fresh and hygienic home environment.

Maintain Longevity of Your Cleaner

Ensure your homemade cleaner stays effective for as long as possible.

• Shake Before Use: Essential oils can settle over time. Shake the bottle gently before each use to redistribute the oils.
• Check Expiry: While homemade cleaners can last up to six months, always check for any changes in scent or appearance and make a fresh batch if needed.

By following these tips and tricks, you can create a Thieves Cleaner that not only replicates the store-bought version but also offers a personalized touch tailored to your cleaning needs.

Conclusion

Creating my own Thieves Cleaner has been a rewarding experience. I love knowing exactly what goes into my cleaning products and enjoying those uplifting scents every day. It’s satisfying to have a cost-effective solution that works just as well as store-bought options. Plus I appreciate the flexibility to tweak the recipe to suit my preferences. If you give this copycat recipe a try you’ll likely find it becomes a staple in your home too. Happy cleaning!