When it comes to maintaining a clean home, many of us reach for conventional cleaning products that promise to eliminate dirt and germs. However, these products often contain harsh chemicals that can leave behind harmful residues, negatively affecting your indoor air quality and contributing to potential health risks.
A safer and more cost-effective alternative? A DIY all purpose cleaner made with natural ingredients.
Not only is a DIY all purpose cleaner better for your health and the environment, but it’s also incredibly easy to make with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. In this post, we’ll walk through a simple recipe for an all-purpose cleaner and explore the benefits of using natural cleaners in your home.
Why switch to a DIY all purpose cleaner
Conventional cleaning products often contain chemicals like ammonia, bleach, and synthetic fragrances. These can contribute to respiratory problems, skin irritation, and even long-term health issues, especially if you’re exposed to them regularly. For families with children or pets, reducing toxic exposure is even more important.
By making your own DIY all purpose cleaner, you have control over what goes into your products. This not only reduces your household’s exposure to toxins but also saves money and cuts down on plastic waste from single-use cleaning bottles.
What you need to make a DIY all purpose cleaner
The great thing about DIY all purpose cleaners is their simplicity. With just a few household staples, you can create a powerful cleaner that’s safe for everyday use on most surfaces, including countertops, sinks, and appliances.
What you’ll need
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup distilled water
- 10-15 drops essential oil (like lemon, tea tree, or lavender)
- 1 tablespoon baking soda (optional for extra scrubbing power)
- Spray bottle (preferably glass for a more eco-friendly option)
- Funnel (optional, to prevent spills)
Instructions
- Combine the vinegar and water. In a spray bottle, mix equal parts white vinegar and distilled water. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant that can break down grease and grime, while distilled water helps prevent mineral buildup on surfaces.
- Add essential oils. For a fresh scent and additional cleaning power, add 10-15 drops of your favorite essential oils. Lemon essential oil is a popular choice because it’s antibacterial and has a refreshing scent. Tea tree oil is another great option due to its antimicrobial properties, while lavender adds a soothing fragrance.
- Optional: Add baking soda. If you need extra scrubbing power for tougher spots, add a tablespoon of baking soda to the mix. Baking soda is mildly abrasive and works well for stubborn grime on surfaces like stovetops and sinks.
- Shake well. Secure the spray nozzle and shake the bottle to mix everything together.
Your DIY all purpose cleaner is ready to use! Simply spray it onto the surface you want to clean and wipe it down with a cloth or sponge. For tougher stains, let it sit for a few minutes before wiping.
Surfaces you can clean with your DIY all purpose cleaner
This natural cleaner is versatile and safe for many surfaces in your home, but it’s always good to test a small area first. Here are some surfaces where your DIY all purpose cleaner should work well:
- Kitchen countertops: It’s perfect for wiping down countertops, especially those made of materials like laminate or tile. Be cautious when using on natural stone like granite or marble, as vinegar can damage these surfaces over time.
- Sinks: Spray your kitchen and bathroom sinks to wipe away grime, soap scum, and toothpaste residue.
- Appliances: From microwaves to refrigerators, your DIY all purpose cleaner can handle food splatters and spills.
- Floors: Dilute the solution with more water and use it on tile or linoleum floors. Avoid using vinegar on hardwood floors, as it can wear away the finish.
Benefits of using essential oils in your cleaner
Essential oils can enhance the cleaning power of your DIY all purpose cleaner—not to mention smell great. Here are a few oils that are commonly used in natural cleaning products and why they’re beneficial:
- Lemon essential oil: Known for its refreshing, citrus scent, lemon oil is naturally antibacterial and can cut through grease effectively.
- Tea tree essential oil: Tea tree oil is prized for its antimicrobial properties, making it an excellent addition to a cleaner designed to disinfect surfaces.
- Lavender essential oil: Lavender has a calming scent and is also mildly antibacterial, making it perfect for cleaning and leaving behind a relaxing aroma.
- Peppermint essential oil: Peppermint’s minty scent is invigorating, and it offers antifungal and antibacterial benefits, which makes it a strong choice for cleaning surfaces in kitchens and bathrooms.
Customizing your DIY all purpose cleaner
One of the best things about making your own cleaner is that it’s easy to customize based on your preferences.
Want a different scent? Switch out the essential oils.
Prefer a milder cleaner? Use less vinegar or add more water.
You can also experiment with other natural cleaning agents like castile soap or hydrogen peroxide for specific tasks. Feel free to tweak the recipe to meet your household’s unique cleaning needs while keeping it non-toxic and budget-friendly.
Tips for a long-lasting DIY cleaner
- Use distilled water. This helps prevent mineral deposits, which can lead to streaks or residue on surfaces.
- Store in a cool, dark place. Essential oils can degrade when exposed to sunlight, so store your cleaner in a cool area, preferably in a glass spray bottle, to preserve its potency.
- Label your bottles. If you make multiple cleaners, be sure to label your spray bottles with the ingredients and the date made.
Make your own all purpose cleaner today
A DIY all purpose cleaner is a simple yet powerful way to reduce toxins in your home, save money, and embrace more eco-friendly cleaning habits. With just a few natural ingredients, you can create a versatile cleaner that’s safe for you, your family, and the planet.
Plus, the added bonus of being able to customize the scent and strength makes it a perfect solution for any low tox household.
