Homemade All-Purpose Cleaner

Learn how to make a simple homemade all-purpose cleaner for your home. I love to use this natural DIY cleaner for just about everything in my house. You probably already have most of these ingredients on hand anyway, and I really think you’ll love the results. It’s a keeper!

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Today I wanted to share a very simple recipe with you that I’ve been using for some time. I am personally a neat freak (though I don’t particularly love cleaning). However, I do love to keep a clean home. I also value simple ingredients in my cleaning products. I try really hard to stay away from and not use traditional cleaning agents (bleach, cleaners with harsh chemicals, etc.).

Sometimes this can get tricky, though. 

There are so many DIY homemade all-purpose cleaner recipes all over the internet. Some of them have way too many ingredients to make on a regular basis. Most of us are too busy for all of that. 

If I’m going to take the time to make a homemade cleaner, it has to be simple. I don’t care about adding lots of essential oils or measuring out numerous ingredients for the perfect concoction. Probably because I know realistically I can get the same results with just two ingredients. 

So, today let me share this easy recipe with you. I really think you’ll be impressed. Here is how to make my homemade all-purpose cleaner. It’s cheap, it’s easy, and it’s completely natural… and it works!

What will this DIY all-purpose cleaner clean?

• Toilet bowls
• Countertops, sinks, and tile
• Spills on tables or floors
• Glass and mirrors 
• Stainless steel appliances
• Cooktops

Why make a homemade all-purpose cleaner?

• Real, clean ingredients you likely already have
• Very low risk to your health
• Very low risk to pets or small children 
• Affordable, easy ingredients
• Quick to make
• Lasts over several cleaning sessions (which means you won’t have to make it every single week!)

Homemade All-Purpose Cleaner

Tools You Will Need

16 oz. glass bottle (I use this one HERE)

Measuring spoons

Ingredients | Homemade All-Purpose Cleaner 

Vinegar – I use white vinegar, but apple cider vinegar or a home brewed vinegar works well too.

Water – I use hot water when I make this to up the disinfectant power a bit. 

Liquid soap of choice – I like to use Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds Biodegradable Cleaner. It cleans well, removes grease and grime, and is safe and nontoxic. Just don’t use pure castile soap in this recipe because combining castile soap and vinegar will cause a curdling effect, leaving a film on surfaces. It will also have a chemical reaction, canceling one another out. However, Sal Suds works okay with vinegar.

How to Make Homemade All-Purpose Cleaner

Begin by filling your glass cleaning bottle half full with vinegar.

Next, measure 1/2 teaspoon of liquid soap/biodegradable cleaner and pour into the container.

Fill the rest of the bottle (leave an inch of space at the top) with hot water before securing the lid.

Shake until it becomes slightly foamy.

Store in a cool, dry place after use. 

Tips for Success | Homemade All-Purpose Cleaner

Leave about an inch of space at the top of the bottle to allow room to mix well when shaken. This allows it to foam up a bit at the top and combine the ingredients well. 

When cleaning glass or stainless steel surfaces, I recommend using newspaper instead of a towel to leave the glass spotless and streak free. 

Since the vinegar in it is acidic, it is great for cutting through grease and grime. Spray the area liberally with this cleaner and let sit for 10-15 minutes before wiping away. 

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