DIY All Purpose Cleaner: Homemade, Natural, Non-toxic

If you’re like most mums, you’ve probably tried your fair share of cleaning products. Some don’t do anything to dirt, others are super effective but come with long lists of harsh chemicals that can make you wonder if they’re safe for your home and family. After all, our little ones spend a lot of time crawling around, touching (or licking) surfaces, and putting their hands in their mouths. That’s why so many of us are turning to a DIY all purpose cleaner. Not only are our own household cleaners easy to make, safe, they’re just as effective as store-bought cleaners.

The beauty of making your own DIY all-purpose cleaner is that you know exactly what’s in it. No harmful chemicals, no harsh fumes, and best of all, incredibly budget-friendly. You can clean kitchen counters, bathrooms, wood surfaces, door handles, and even toys without worrying about harmful residues lingering on the surfaces your kids touch. It’s a win-win! Best of all, you get to choose your favorite scents. Just add a few drops of your favorite essential oil and you’re good to go. 

Initially, the idea of making DIY products seemed a bit intimidating to me. But trust me, it’s simpler than it sounds! All you need are a couple of simple ingredients you probably already have at home, and a few minutes to mix them up. Whether you’re trying to avoid toxic chemicals or just want some natural cleaning products in your home, this DIY all purpose cleaner is a total game changer.

So, let’s dive into how to make your own DIY all purpose cleaner. We’ll look at what you’ll need to mix it up, and why it’s such a great option for your home. I promise it’s easy! And once you try your own cleaner you won’t look back!

What Is the Best Homemade All Purpose Cleaner Recipe?

The best part about making a DIY all purpose cleaner is that it’s completely customizable and only requires a few common household ingredients. The simplest recipe I recommend uses just two main ingredients: vinegar and water. These two powerhouses are not only natural but also work wonders in cutting through grease, grime, and food-related messes. Vinegar has natural antibacterial and disinfectant properties, making it great for your general cleaning routine around the home. When mixed with water, it becomes a gentle yet effective all-purpose cleaning spray.

I prefer to add in a few drops of my favorite essential oils to bring in a fresh scent and even enhance the cleaning power. Lavender, peppermint, or citrus oils are all fantastic options. But really, you can mix and match based on your preferences! 

Vinegar is hands down the most common ingredient in DIY cleaners. Why? Because it’s effective, affordable, and safe to use around kids and pets. It doesn’t leave any nasty residue behind like chemical cleaners often do, which is a big win in my eyes! Vinegar works on most surfaces (counter tops, glass, and tiles) and it helps to dissolve soap scum, hard water deposits, and even kill some bacteria. When mixed with water, it’s the simplest DIY all purpose cleaner you could make and perfect for day to day cleaning chores.

What You’ll Need to Make DIY All-Purpose Cleaner

To get started, you don’t need much. Here’s what you’ll need to create your DIY all purpose cleaner:

1 cup of vinegar. This is your base ingredient. Aim for white vinegar over apple cider vinegar or another coloured vinegar. We want a clear solution that won’t leave streaks.

1 cup of water. You’ll dilute the vinegar cleaning solution with equal parts water to make it gentler for daily use.

A few drops of essential oil (optional). Choose your favorite scent. Some great options are lemon for a fresh, citrusy smell, or tea tree for an extra antibacterial boost. Peppermint is my personal preference.

You’ll also need a clean spray bottle to store your DIY all-purpose cleaner in. You can repurpose any glass spray bottles you have lying around, or buy a cheap one for this specific purpose.

What are the Best Essential Oils for DIY Natural Cleaners and Why

Essential oils are a great addition to your non toxic cleaning products, and they bring much more than just a pleasant fragrance. Here are some essential oils that work well:

Lemon. This oil is known for its fresh, clean scent and is also a natural antibacterial. It helps cut through grease and grime, making it a perfect addition to kitchen surfaces.

Tea Tree. If you want to boost your cleaner’s germ-fighting powers, tea tree oil is amazing. It has powerful antimicrobial properties, so it’s a great choice for sanitizing surfaces.

Lavender. If you’re looking for something calming, lavender oil is a top choice. It’s gentle, antimicrobial, and smells amazing.

Peppermint. This oil gives a refreshing, invigorating scent and also has antibacterial properties, perfect for creating a refreshing atmosphere and making your house smell amazing.

What to Avoid When Making Your Own DIY All Purpose Cleaner

While all purpose cleaner recipes are super simple to make, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, avoid using essential oils that are too harsh on certain surfaces. Cinnamon or clove oil can be irritating to skin or surfaces when used in high concentrations. It’s also best not to use vinegar on marble, granite, or stone surfaces, as the acidity can damage these materials over time. Use natural stone cleaners for those instead.

The biggest thing to remember, do not mix vinegar with chlorine bleach, or any bleach for that matter. This mixture creates toxic fumes that can be dangerous to inhale. So if you’re using bleach for another purpose, don’t combine it with your homemade cleaner.

Simple DIY All Purpose Cleaner Recipe

Now, let’s get to the fun part – making the cleaner! Here’s how you can whip up your own go-to cleaners in minutes:

Ingredients

1 cup distilled white vinegar

1 cup water

10-15 drops essential oil of your choice (lemon, tea tree, or lavender are all great options)

Instructions

1. Pour one part water and one part vinegar into a clean spray glass bottle.

2. Add 10-15 drops of your chosen essential oil.

3. Put the cap on and shake gently to mix.

4. Use this spray as glass cleaner, bathroom cleaner or to replace any other commercial cleaning products in your home. 

How Long Does Homemade All Purpose Cleaner Last?

A DIY all-purpose cleaner will typically last about two to four weeks when using unfiltered tap water. Using distilled water will extend the shelf life quite significantly, to up to half a year. Since these homemade cleaners don’t contain any preservatives like the grocery store equivalents, it’s best to make small batches so you can use them up before they lose their freshness. If you notice the scent fading, it’s probably time to mix up a new batch.

This cleaner can be used on almost any surface in your home, except for stone or marble. It’s effective, natural, and you can feel good about using it around your little ones. Give it a try, and let me know what you think!