Citrus & Basil
All Purpose Spray
Elevate your daily home care ritual with this Informed Alchemy all-purpose cleaner. Formulated with purposeful plant-based grease-cutting agents, brightening mineral actives, and pure essential oils, it leaves modern surfaces sparkling without synthetic residue or harsh fumes. Follow the step-by-step method below to formulate this versatile staple for your home.
Overview & Specs
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| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Yield | One 16 oz (500 ml) Amber Spray Bottle Bottle |
| Batch Size | 500 g |
| Aromatic Profile | Bright Botanical (Citrus & Basil) |
| Base | Distilled Water & Sal Suds |
| Shelf Life | Up to 6 Months |
| Skill Level | Beginner (Easy) |
Formulation Components
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| Phase | Ingredient | Function/Purpose | Volume Measure | Weight (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Distilled Water | Pure liquid solvent & base | 2 Cups | 470 g |
| A | Sal Suds Liquid Cleanser | Primary plant-based grease & soil cutter | 1 tbsp | 15.0 g |
| B | Hydrogen Peroxide (3%) | Natural oxygen brightener & sanitizing booster | 2 tsp | 10.0 g |
| C | Sweet Orange Essential Oil | Juicy, uplifting sweet note | 56 drops | 2.8 g |
| C | Lime Essential Oil | Bright, zesty top note | 30 drops | 1.5 g |
| C | Sweet Basil Essential Oil | Warm, sophisticated herbal anchor note | 14 drops | 0.7 g |
Note: Percentage totals represent exact laboratory scaling. Drop counts are optimized for immediate bench top compounding.
Where to Source Your Ingredients
Every botanical extract, pure essential oil, and gentle solvent in this formulation can be easily sourced online (such as Amazon or reputable soap-making suppliers) as well as at your local natural grocer. We are currently curating our official Shop the Lab resource to give you direct access to our benchtop-tested ingredients, sustainable packaging, and preferred apothecary tools. In the meantime, look for pure, fragrance-free, cosmetic- or laboratory-grade components to ensure optimal results.
The Method
1. Sterilize & Prep
- Clean and sanitize your workspace, measuring cups, spoons, containers etc. with 70% isopropyl alcohol.
- Allow all equipment to air-dry completely.
2. Phase A | Measure the Solvent Base
- Place your sanitized mixing vessel on your scale, tare to 0.0 g, and weigh out 2 cups (470.0 g) of Distilled Water.
3. Phase B & C | Incorporate Actives & Aromatics
- Gently pour in 1 tbsp (15.0 g) of Sal Suds and 2 tsp (10.0 g) of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide directly into the distilled water.
- Add the essential oils directly to the solution: 56 drops (2.8 g) of Sweet Orange, 30 drops (1.5 g) of Lime plus, 14 drops (0.7 g) of Sweet Basil.
4. Gentle Homogenization & Bottling
- Using a glass stirring rod or stainless steel spoon, blend the mixture slowly and deliberately for 2 minutes. Avoid rapid agitation to prevent excess foaming. The Sal Suds acts as a natural solubilizer, pulling the essential oils seamlessly into the water base.
- Pour the clear, aromatic solution into a sanitized 16 oz amber glass spray bottle and screw the trigger sprayer on tightly.
Application & Ritual
- The Aromatherapy Experience: Engineered to transform routine cleaning into an uplifting ritual. Sweet basil provides an elegant herbal anchor that balances the zesty orange and lime, leaving a boutique hotel-lobby aroma lingering in the air long after you wipe.
- Flash-Dry Streak-Free Method: Because this formula is concentrated and free of heavy synthetic silicates, it will not leave a cloudy film on modern finishes. For mirrors, windows, and stainless steel, mist lightly onto a clean, dry microfiber cloth and wipe in an S-pattern or with the grain for a streak-free shine.
- The Science of Amber Glass: Amber glass is essential for this formulation. Hydrogen peroxide and natural citrus oils are light-sensitive; exposure to UV rays breaks peroxide down into plain water and oxygen while oxidizing citrus aromatics. The dark amber bottle blocks UV light to keep your active cleansers potent and fresh for up to 6 months.
- Shake to Vitalize: Give your bottle a gentle shake prior to each cleaning session to fully activate the botanical emulsion.
Safety & Compliance
- Surface Compatibility: Exceptionally gentle for daily use on quartz, porcelain, tile, and sealed wood finishes. Because it contains hydrogen peroxide, avoid using on unsealed natural stone (such as raw marble or limestone) or raw, untreated wood.
- Do Not Mix: Never combine this formulation with household bleach, ammonia, or vinegar.
- First Aid: If accidental eye contact occurs, flush thoroughly with cool water for several minutes. If swallowed or if skin irritation arises, seek medical advice promptly and provide the component list.
- Storage & Freshness: Store in a cool, dark place out of reach of children and pets. Keeping it protected from heat and direct sunlight preserves the botanical actives for up to 6 months.
All Purpose Spray | Dish Soap | Laundry Powder | Dryer Ball Spray
Formulation & Safety Disclaimer
The formulations and guidance provided by Informed Alchemy are designed for personal, educational, and home-use purposes only. While our formulations are developed with care and focus on plant- and mineral-derived ingredients, individual results, surface sensitivities, and skin tolerances may vary. Always perform a patch test on a small, inconspicuous area before applying cleansers to delicate surfaces or materials. Handle raw ingredients with care, adhere to standard sanitization practices, and keep all finished products and raw materials safely out of reach of children and pets. Informed Alchemy assumes no liability for damages, injuries, or adverse outcomes resulting from the preparation, storage, or use of these formulations.
