Making your own all-purpose cleaner is easy, affordable, and better for the environment. With just a few simple ingredients likely already in your pantry, you can whip up a homemade cleaner that can be used on most surfaces throughout your home.
An effective all-purpose cleaner lifts dirt, grease, and grime while also disinfecting surfaces. Store-bought cleaners often contain harsh chemicals and emit strong fumes. Making your own allows you to control the ingredients and avoid the chemicals that can aggravate allergies and asthma.
Below we detail how to make simple DIY all-purpose cleaner recipes for almost every surface in your home. With proper ingredients and best practices, you’ll have sparkling clean countertops, appliances, windows, floors, and more in no time!
Benefits of a Homemade All-Purpose Cleaner
There are many advantages to making your own all-purpose cleaner rather than relying on store-bought options:
1. Cost Savings
Commercial cleaners can be expensive, especially if you have to use separate products for different surfaces. Homemade cleaners are significantly cheaper by using common household ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, lemon, and castile soap.
2. Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Many conventional cleaners contain chemicals linked to health issues and pollution. These can cause eye, throat and skin irritation and exacerbate breathing issues. Homemade cleaners let you control what goes into the recipe.
3. Customizable for Different Surfaces
Store-bought cleaners are often specialized for certain surfaces like glass, countertops, floors, etc. Homemade cleaners can be tweaked with different ingredients to make them safe and effective on multiple surfaces.
4. Safer for Kids and Pets
Commercial cleaners often require special handling to keep kids and pets safe. Milder homemade cleaners reduce the risks of accidental exposure. Always keep cleaners out of reach of children regardless.
5. Better for the Environment
Making your own cleaner reduces plastic waste from single-use bottles. The ingredients are also biodegradable and safer for waterways as opposed to harsh chemical cleaners if small amounts go down the drain.
Supplies Needed
Making an effective all-purpose cleaner is easy with basic supplies:
- Empty spray bottle – Save and reuse containers from commercial cleaners or purchase empty bottles. Look for durable plastic with a leak-proof top.
- Funnel – For an easier time transferring your homemade cleaner into the spray bottle. Look for a small plastic funnel or make your own by rolling paper.
- Clean rags or reusable cloths – For washing and drying surfaces after applying cleaner. Opt for soft cotton cloths or reusable rags over disposable paper towels.
- Measuring cups – Allows you to accurately measure out ingredients. Any basic liquid measuring cups will do.
- Distilled white vinegar – Acts as a degreaser, disinfectant and glass cleaner all in one. Choose standard distilled white vinegar without added fragrances or flavor.
- Water – For diluting concentrated ingredients like vinegar. Warm water can help dissolve and activate ingredients.
- Essential oils (optional) – For a fresh, natural scent. Citrus oils work well for an energizing aroma. Always spot test oils on surfaces first.
- Castile soap (optional) – Boosts grease cutting ability. Look for unscented liquid soap made from plant oils.
- Baking soda (optional) – A gentle abrasive that cleans and deodorizes. Activate by adding water to form a paste.
- Lemon juice (optional) – Cuts through grease and leaves a streak-free shine on hard surfaces. Freshly squeeze juice from lemons or use bottled.
All-Purpose Cleaner Recipes for Different Surfaces
With your basic homemade cleaning supplies gathered, it’s time to mix up all-purpose cleaner recipes optimized for different areas in your home:
All-Purpose Countertop Cleaner
This simple recipe is safe for cleaning and disinfecting most countertops throughout the kitchen and bathrooms:
Ingredients:
- 1 part vinegar
- 1 part water
Optional ingredients for countertops:
- 5-10 drops lemon essential oil – enhances cleaning power
- 5-10 drops eucalyptus oil – disinfectant properties
Directions:
- Fill spray bottle 1/2 full with distilled white vinegar.
- Top off with equal parts warm water.
- Add essential oils if desired and shake well to mix.
- Spray directly onto countertops and wipe clean with a dry cloth.
- For granite surfaces, avoid vinegar and lemon juice. Use a mild dish soap and water solution instead.
The simple vinegar cleaning solution in this recipe disinfects while removing most dirt and stains from countertops. The acid in the vinegar also makes it effective as a mild abrasive on soap scum. Lemon oil boosts grease-cutting power. Limit vinegar use on marble, granite, and stone surfaces.
All-Purpose Bathroom Cleaner
This homemade bathroom cleaner tackles soap scum, mildew, and grime in the shower, tub, sink, mirrors, and toilet:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup vinegar
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 1/2 gallon (2 quarts) warm water
Optional ingredients for bathroom surfaces:
- 5 drops peppermint or eucalyptus essential oil
- 2 tablespoons liquid castile soap
Directions:
- Fill spray bottle 1/2 full with distilled white vinegar.
- Add baking soda and stir until fully dissolved. Baking soda acts as a gentle abrasive.
- Add warm water nearly to the top.
- Add essential oil and castile soap if desired. Shake well before each use.
- Spray bathroom surfaces liberally and let sit for several minutes before wiping clean with a damp cloth.
The acid in the vinegar breaks down soap scum, minerals from water deposits, and grime. Baking soda provides just enough grit to scrub surfaces clean. Castile soap boosts grease cutting power while essential oils give a fresh scent and disinfectant properties.
All-Purpose Glass and Window Cleaner
Streak-free windows and mirrors are easy with this homemade glass cleaner recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1/4-1/2 cup vinegar
- 2 cups warm water
- Dish soap (few drops)
Optional:
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice for more shine
- Essential oil for scent
Directions:
- Fill spray bottle 1/4 full with vinegar. Adjust vinegar amount based on desired cleaning strength.
- Add 2 cups warm water.
- Add several drops of mild, scent-free dish soap.
- Shake bottle to mix ingredients.
- Spray glass surface and wipe clean with newspaper, microfiber cloth or other lint-free cloth.
The vinegar in this solution helps cut through oily fingerprints and film. Dish soap further boosts grease cleaning action but use sparingly to avoid streaks. Lemon juice augments the formula for extra sparkle. For easy homemade window cleaner wipes, soak lint-free cloths in the solution and store in a resealable bag.
All-Purpose Wood Surface Cleaner
Keep wood furniture, cabinets, floors and more glowing with this gentle homemade wood cleaning solution:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 1-2 teaspoons olive or other vegetable oil
Optional:
- 5 drops lemon essential oil
- Few drops castile soap
Directions:
- Fill spray bottle 1/4 full with vinegar.
- Add water and oil. Oils help condition and protect wood.
- Add lemon oil for fresh scent and cleaning boost.
- Add a couple drops castile soap if needed for extra grease cleaning.
- Lightly spray wood surface and wipe clean with a dry, soft cloth.
The vinegar and oil in this recipe gently clean while also conditioning and protecting wood surfaces. Limit vinegar use on unsealed and unfinished wood. Omit vinegar or test first if unsure. Lemon oil lends a fresh citrus scent as you clean.
All-Purpose Stainless Steel Cleaner
Prevent streaks and water spots on stainless steel appliances with this DIY cleaner formula:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- Dish soap (few drops)
Optional:
- 10 drops lemon essential oil
Directions:
- Fill spray bottle 1/4 full with vinegar.
- Add water.
- Add several drops mild, unscented dish soap.
- Add lemon oil for shine and scent if desired.
- Spray stainless steel surface and wipe down with a clean, dry cloth.
The mix of vinegar, dish soap, and water in this recipe cuts through dirt, smudges, and fingerprints on stainless steel. A few drops of lemon oil lends a clean citrus scent and prevents streaks and water spots as it dries. Avoid bleach and abrasive cleaners which can mar steel’s protective surface.
All-Purpose Tile and Stone Cleaner
This homemade tile cleaner removes soap scum, hard water deposits, and grime from stone, ceramic, porcelain, and grout:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup vinegar
- 1 gallon warm water
Optional:
- 1-2 drops dawn dish soap
- Lemon essential oil for scent
Directions:
- Fill spray bottle 1/4 full with vinegar.
- Top off bottle with 1 gallon warm water.
- Add 1-2 drops dish soap if needed for extra cleaning power.
- Add 5-10 drops lemon essential oil for fresh scent if desired.
- Spray tiles liberally and let sit 5 minutes. Scrub with brush and rinse.
The vinegar in this simple solution dissolves soap scum, hard water deposits, and grime. Use sparingly on natural stone tiles. Dish soap boosts grease cleaning action. Lemon oil adds a clean scent as you work. For grout, allow solution to sit for 10 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing.
All-Purpose Carpet Cleaner
Freshen up carpets and rugs with this fume-free DIY carpet cleaner:
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon liquid dish soap
- 1 gallon warm water
Directions:
- Fill bucket with 1 gallon warm water.
- Add vinegar and dish soap.
- Mix well until sudsy. The soap in this solution lifts dirt from carpets.
- Dip a soft scrub brush into the solution and work into carpet using circular motions.
- Rinse brush frequently as you work. Scrub any heavily stained areas.
- Allow carpet to fully dry before vacuuming up the dried cleaner residue.
The vinegar in this cleaner deodorizes and disinfects carpet fibers while the sudsy dish soap solution gently lifts away grime. Test homemade carpet cleaner in an inconspicuous area first and avoid using on delicate, handmade or antique rugs.
Tips for Using Homemade All-Purpose Cleaner
Follow these best practices when making and using homemade all-purpose cleaner for optimal results:
- Clearly label each spray bottle with its purpose and ingredients. Use permanent marker on a painter’s tape label or printable label sticker.
- Shake or stir homemade cleaners before each use to fully mix ingredients.
- To avoid streaks, always wipe surfaces clean with a dry cloth after applying cleaner.
- Use microfiber cloths on glass and electronic screens to avoid scratches and damage.
- For heavily soiled surfaces, let cleaner sit for 5 minutes before wiping to allow ingredients to penetrate grime.
- Limit vinegar use on marble and natural stone surfaces which can etch over time with acid.
- Don’t mix vinegar or lemon juice with hydrogen peroxide – this creates a corrosive acid that damages surfaces.
- Always spot test cleaners in an inconspicuous area first to check for staining or damage.
- Keep spray bottles out of reach of children and pets and properly labeled.
- Wear gloves when handling concentrated vinegar and lemon juice to avoid skin irritation.
- Open windows or turn on fans when possible as vinegar and citrus oils can irritate airways for some.
Common Questions
How long does homemade all-purpose cleaner last?
Most simple homemade cleaners using pantry ingredients will last 1-2 months. Those with added essential oils for fragrance and cleaning power may last 4-6 weeks before losing efficacy. Always make cleaners in small batches and discard if you notice any changes in smell, appearance, or performance.
Can I use homemade cleaner on all surfaces?
It’s best to test homemade cleaners first on an inconspicuous area to check for damage or discoloration. Avoid vinegar and lemon juice on marble, granite and other acid-sensitive stone. Use caution on wood furniture and floors as well. Cleaners with oils can leave streaks on shiny surfaces. Always start with gentler formulas containing water, Castile soap and essential oils diluted in water.
Is homemade all-purpose cleaner as effective as commercial brands?
Homemade cleaners are just as effective as store-bought for most dirt, grease, and grime when formulated properly. Ingredients like vinegar, Castile soap and essential oils can disinfect and cut through messes. For heavy duty cleaning needs, commercial cleaners may contain more powerful chemical agents than basic homemade recipes. But homemade cleaners avoid the harsh fumes and residues of most conventional cleaners.
How can I thicken my all-purpose cleaner?
To make an all-purpose cleaner into more of a thick paste or gel formula, you can add a “thickener” agent. Good options are salt, cornstarch, baking soda or hydroxyethyl cellulose powder. Start with 1-2 tablespoons and mix thoroughly until desired thickness is reached. Thicker homemade cleaners cling better to vertical surfaces.
What is the best vinegar to water ratio for cleaning?
A good rule of thumb is a 1:1 vinegar to water dilution for most all-purpose cleaning needs. But you can adjust the vinegar amount based on the cleaning strength needed:
- More diluted 3:1 water to vinegar for gentle everyday cleaning.
- 1:1 equal parts vinegar to water for most messes.
- 2:1 vinegar to water solution for heavy duty scrubbing power on tough buildup.
Always test different vinegar dilutions to see what works best for your needs. Increase water for milder cleaning and add more vinegar for heavy duty grime.
Ready to Clean Greener?
Whipping up homemade all-purpose cleaners takes just a few simple ingredients and products likely already in your pantry and under your sink. With proper combinations and best practices, these DIY cleaner recipes can tackle most surfaces throughout your home safely and economically. Give them a try to enjoy non-toxic cleaning that saves money and keeps the environment in mind. Your fresh, sparkling home will reap the benefits.