Pure by Nature – Part I: The Essential Oils in Our All Purpose Cleaner

While many household cleaners contain harsh chemicals, Cleaning Mama’s non-toxic cleaning solutions are crafted from natural ingredients, delivering a gentle yet powerful clean. This blog is the first in a series about what goes into our bottles. 

What is in Cleaning Mama’s All-Purpose Cleaner?

Lavender Oil

Lavender is one of my favorite essential oils, and it is a key ingredient in Cleaning Mama’s natural All Purpose Cleaner. It has a long history of being used for cleaning and care. Its name comes from the Latin word lavare, meaning “to wash.” Ancient Romans scented their baths with lavender, while their Greek counterparts used it to treat headaches and insomnia.

Lavender contains linalool and linalyl acetate, which are linked with calming effects. Multiple clinical studies suggest that its use in aroma therapy can support short-term improvements in sleep quality and help reduce anxiety. Laboratory testing has also shown that the plant has mild antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Grapefruit Oil

The earliest known record of grapefruit dates back to 1750, when a Reverend in Barbados dubbed it a “forbidden fruit.” Nearly a century later, the citrus hybrid arrived in the United States, where it was grown ornamentally until 1870, when the first commercial nursery was established in Florida. This laid the groundwork for large‑scale cultivation, which in turn created the peel by‑product needed for grapefruit essential oil to become a viable ingredient.

Extracted from the peel via cold pressing, grapefruit essential oil has become valued for its fresh, uplifting scent and mood-boosting properties, which help combat stress and fatigue. Its natural antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and astringent properties make it versatile and well-suited to aromatherapy, cleaning, skincare, and wellness routines.

Cedarwood Oil 

Cedarwood Oil can be traced back approximately 6,000 years. Ancient Egyptians used it for embalming as a preservative to repel insects and inhibit microbes, while indigenous North American peoples used it for respiratory healing and spiritual cleansing. Celts and Scythians used it in purification rites for the dead and Nordic cultures associated it with wisdom and strength

Cedarwood oil neutralizes odors rather than masking them, leaving a dry, woody scent, while its antibacterial and antifungal properties reduce household bacteria and molds on surfaces. Its terpenes dissolve organic grime, its aroma repels insects and its anti-fungal action curbs mold in damp spots with proper ventilation.

Other natural ingredients

In addition to essential oils, our All Purpose formula contains these natural ingredients: Aloe Vera Extract, Glycerin Citric Acid, Sodium Coco-Sulfate, Alkyl Polyglucoside and Sodium Carbonate.

Can plant-based formulas really deliver a powerful clean?

Absolutely. Find out more here.