How to Make Homemade All Purpose Cleaner That Really Works!

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Embrace natural ingredients and bid farewell to commercial cleaners with this Homemade All Purpose Cleaner! This simple recipe offers a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to store-bought cleaners. So say hello to a cleaner, and greener home with this effective homemade all purpose cleaner, crafted from simple ingredients.

bottles of vinegar, castile soap, and essential oils

Check out some of our other DIY recipes, like this Easy Homemade Granite Cleaner, Homemade Tallow Balm, or Homemade Raw Honey Face Wash.

Ingredients

amber glass spray bottle next to a bottle of vinegar, and small essential oil bottles, and a microfiber cloth

white vinegar
water (filtered, or distilled)
essential oils
castile soap

See recipe card for quantities.

Equipment

2 cup measuring cup
16 oz glass spray bottle
funnel
label maker (optional)

Instructions

vinegar being poured into a glass measuring cup

In a 2 cup measuring cup, combine white vinegar and water. Add 2-3 drops of liquid castile soap.

lemon essential oil drops added into vinegar in a measuring cup

Add your favorite cleansing essential oils. Stir gently to combine ingredients. Check out the list of essential oil blends below for inspiration.

liquid being poured from measuring cup through a funnel to a bottle

Using a funnel, transfer your all purpose cleaner to a clean spray bottle.

hands wearing cleaning gloves over a sink with a spray bottle in one hand and a cloth in the other

Screw the lid on and shake well. Spray onto surfaces and wipe clean with a microfiber cloth.

Please Note: Vinegar based all purpose cleaners are not suitable for stone surfaces, such as marble, quartz, or granite. The acetic acid in vinegar can etch the surface of these stones, leading to dullness, discoloration, or even pitting over time. Similarly, on hardwood floors, the acidic nature of vinegar could potentially damage the finish, leading to dullness or streaking. For stone surfaces, try our Easy Homemade Granite Cleaner. And on hardwood floors, I simply use a gentle solution of diluted liquid castile soap (such as Dr Bronner).

Essential Oil Benefits

While lemon essential oil and tea tree oil are my top choices for keeping my home clean, there are a few additional oils to consider when preparing this all-purpose cleaner.

Lemon Essential Oil: Lemon essential oil makes a fantastic addition to homemade cleaners thanks to its antimicrobial properties. The fresh citrus scent also helps to mask the vinegar smell!
Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil is a potent antimicrobial and antifungal, providing a natural alternative to commercial cleaning products.
Lavender essential oil: Lavender oil possesses natural antimicrobial and deodorizing properties, which can help neutralize odors.
Thyme essential oil: Thyme oil is a potent antimicrobial and antifungal, making it an excellent addition to any natural cleaning recipes.
Orange essential oil: Orange essential oil would make an excellent addition to any DIY all purpose cleaner thanks to its cleansing properties and uplifting citrus scent. Orange essential oil is naturally effective at cutting through grease, grime, and soap scum leaving household surfaces sparkling clean.

Essential Oil Blends

Uplifting Lemon Tea Tree Blend

20 drops of lemon essential oil
10 drops tea tree oil
Clean & Fresh Blend

10 drops Tea Tree oil
10 drops Lemon essential oil
10 drops Lavender essential oil
Citrus Spice Blend

10 drops Orange essential oil
10 drops Thyme essential oil
10 drops Lemon essential oil
Herbal Cleanse Blend

10 drops Thyme essential oil
10 drops Tea Tree oil
10 drops Lavender essential oil
Zesty & Refreshing Blend

10 drops Lemon essential oil
10 drops Orange essential oil
5 drops Tea Tree oil
5 drops Thyme essential oil

Storage

The shelf life of any homemade vinegar-based cleaner can vary depending on several factors, including the type of vinegar used, the presence of other ingredients, and how it’s stored. Generally, vinegar-based cleaners can last for several months to a year if stored properly. However, I find I run out of all purpose cleaner and need to whip up a new batch about once a week. Here are some tips to maximize the shelf life of your homemade cleaner:

Use distilled white vinegar: White vinegar tends to have a longer shelf life compared to other types of vinegar. It’s also effective for cleaning purposes.
Store in a cool, dark place: Exposure to light and heat can degrade the effectiveness of the cleaner over time. Store your homemade cleaner in a cool, dark place like a cupboard or pantry.
Use clean containers: Make sure the bottles you use to store the cleaner are clean and dry before pouring in the mixture. This helps prevent contamination and extends the shelf life.
Avoid using metal containers: Vinegar can react with certain metals, such as aluminum or iron, which may affect the quality of the cleaner. Opt for glass bottles instead.
Check for signs of spoilage: If your homemade cleaner develops an unusual odor, changes color significantly, or shows signs of mold growth, it’s best to discard it and make a fresh batch.

Top tip

Be sure to shake the bottle well before use! Essential oils will rise to the top when the bottle is still.

FAQ

Can I use this cleaner on natural stone surfaces like granite or quartz?

No, this cleaner is not suitable for any stone surfaces. The acetic acid in vinegar can etch the surface of these stones, leading to dullness, discoloration, or even pitting over time.

Will my home smell like vinegar after using this all purpose cleaner?

While vinegar is a key ingredient in this cleaner, the addition of essential oils helps to mask its strong scent. I find the combination of vinegar, lemon essential oil and tea tree oil leaves my home smelling fresh and clean without the distinct, overpowering vinegar smell.

Why do you recommend filtered or distilled water instead of tap water?

Tap water may contain minerals or additives such as chlorine, which can leave residues or streaks on surfaces when used in a cleaner. I have found that filtered water left a cleaner end result.

What does castile soap add to the cleaner?

Castile soap is a natural, vegetable-based soap that can enhance the cleaning power of any homemade cleaner. It helps to lift dirt and grime from surfaces, providing a deeper clean.