½ cup shampoo
Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. If you’re adding lemon juice or essential oils, stir them in at this stage.
Step 3: Transfer to Spray Bottle
Use the funnel to pour the solution into your spray bottle. Be careful not to overfill — leave a little room at the top for shaking.
Step 4: Apply to Problem Areas
This spray works well on:
Windowsills
Door frames
Trash cans (inside and out)
Baseboards
Outdoor patio furniture
Kitchen and bathroom corners
Avoid using it directly on delicate fabrics or wood furniture without doing a small test first.
Best Practices for Maximum Effectiveness
Reapply regularly: Early morning and dusk are peak bug hours. Daily application in high-traffic areas keeps pests away consistently.
Shake before each use: The oil and vinegar will naturally separate over time.
Spot-test first: Especially on wood, painted surfaces, or upholstery.
Wear gloves if needed: While it’s gentle for most, those with sensitive skin may prefer wearing gloves when handling the solution.
Why This Spray Works
Vinegar’s acidity is a known natural insect deterrent — most bugs simply hate the smell and the environment it creates. The oil suffocates small bugs and forms a slippery barrier that ants and roaches avoid. Shampoo helps all the ingredients bond together while adding mild cleaning power for any surface it touches.
When used together, this trio forms a powerful yet non-toxic repellent that can protect your home from infestations without compromising your health or safety.
A Solution Rooted in Simplicity
Long before store shelves were filled with high-priced chemical repellents, households relied on simple remedies like this one. And they worked — not because they were complicated, but because they used nature’s own ingredients in smart, effective ways.
Today, as more families look to reduce their chemical exposure and protect both their homes and the planet, returning to those time-honored solutions makes perfect sense.
So the next time you see a line of ants or hear a mosquito buzzing around your ear, skip the aerosol can. Reach for your homemade spray instead
