It’s high time we make a natural house cleaner. Using natural cleaning products is a great way to save money, reduce hazardous environmental waste and is a much safer choice than using cleaners with potentially harmful chemicals. This simple 3 ingredient DIY all-purpose house cleaner uses only safe and sustainable ingredients.
This post was originally published in August 2019
It has been over nine years since I began incorporating natural products into my home and daily routine. Starting with laundry soap and moving on to making shampoo, conditioner and even body wash.
The goal was to totally rid my home of toxic products. However, it was a bit overwhelming when I would think about how many cleaning products, skincare, haircare, and beauty care products there were in one house.
But slowly, one item at a time, I finally met my goal! This homemade all-purpose cleaner recipe is one of the most simple DIYs to make and use if you’re just starting out.
Do natural cleaners work
The simple answer is yes, natural cleaners work. There may be a time or two where you’ll need to put a little extra elbow into the project you are on, but the trade-off is entirely worth it, which begs the question, “why use natural products?”
Why use natural cleaning products
Natural cleaning products are safe for the environment and do not contain any harmful chemicals. The chemicals found in many cleaners can affect the environment, leading to land and water pollution.
A homemade cleaning product is also less likely to cause harm if ingested. Most conventional cleaners contain highly toxic chemicals that can be extremely harmful if swallowed.
Homemade all-purpose cleaners can be gentle on most household surfaces, safe around children, and are very economical.
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Whats in this cleaner
Vinegar
Vinegar is an excellent cleaner. The acidity in vinegar can dissolve soap scum, hard water stains, mineral deposits, and detergent residue.
With a number of different kinds of vinegar out on the market, I would suggest sticking with white vinegar for cleaning. It doesn’t contain any coloring agents and has a slightly higher acidic level than any other vinegar.
Vinegar shouldn’t be used on every surface, such as granite and marble. It can ruin natural stone, so be careful with this. Use a cleaner specific for granite instead.
Lemon essential oil
Lemon oil is found in many cleaners, from cleaning wipes to toilet bombs. It is a natural cleansing agent that wipes away stains and cleanses surfaces. Feel free to stick with lemon in this cleaner, or see the list below for other recommendations.
For a 16-ounce spray bottle, I use up to 25 drops of essential oils. You can adjust this according to the amount of cleaner you are making.
Water
Water is crucial for many DIY products. In fact, it is found in most conventional products as well. The water in this recipe is necessary to dilute both the vinegar and essential oils properly.
Distilled water is best for this all-purpose cleaner; it will last longer by cutting down on bacteria growth. However, be aware if you have hard water, it may leave white streaks on the surfaces being cleaned.
All-purpose cleaner recipe
Add the desired amount of lemon essential oil, or blend of choice to a 16 oz glass spray bottle.
Fill the bottle halfway with vinegar and the rest of the way with water.
Shake well and you’re ready to start cleaning!
Essential oils for cleaning
Typically, citrus oils are my go-to for cleaning because of their purifying properties and refreshing scent.
Each of the following oils makes a great DIY all-purpose house cleaner:
- Lemon
- Lime
- Wild Orange
- Grapefruit
- Thyme
- Rosemary
- Cinnamon
- Clove
- Tea Tree
- Lavender
- Peppermint
These essential oils are cleansing and purifying with excellent cleaning properties.
Essential oil blends for cleaning
I’ll be the first to tell you nine times out of ten; I’ll reach for the lemon essential oil when making this all-purpose vinegar spray. It covers up the vinegar scent quite nicely! But, occasionally, I will mix and match; below are a few of my favorite blends.
- Wild orange, lemon, lime
- Rosemary and lemon
- Thyme, lemon, lime
- Lime, lavender, clove
- Cinnamon, clove, wild orange
- Tea tree, lavender, lemon
- Thyme and lemon
- Peppermint and lemon
- Lavender and peppermint
Use equal parts of each oil in each blend.
Always give your cleaner a good shake before each use.
How to use your DIY all-purpose cleaner
Mist cleaner onto any soiled surface such as countertops, bathroom vanities, mirrors, windows and floors. DO NOT use on any natural stone such as marble or granite since the vinegar can weaken and penetrate the protective sealant.
This stuff really is all-purpose. I use it for almost all my cleaning and it even works great on vehicle windshields and mirrors, leaving no streaks.
For heavily soiled surfaces, soap scum, or hard water stains. Allow the mixture to sit for several minutes before wiping with a clean microfiber towel.
Tips for making the switch to natural cleaners
Begin by making a list of items you want to replace, then begin with one at a time. Don’t think you have to make this switch overnight or worry about all the conventional products still in the home.
Set a goal, maybe it’s just one a week, but over the course of several months, you can easily have nearly every item swapped out.
How to store your natural cleaners
Glass bottles! Any cleaner, beauty product, body scrub, you name it, if it has essential oils in it, it should be stored in a glass container. Over time, essential oils can break down plastic and pull the toxins from the plastic.
In addition to glass, store out of direct sunlight and in amber or blue-colored bottles. Essential oils can lose potency when stored in clear bottles in direct sunlight.
All-purpose cleaner
Step into a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle by making this all-natural house cleaner spray. With its natural cleansing properties, it is an all-around perfect cleaner to naturally reduce odor, cleanse and purify.
FOR MORE HOUSE CLEANING TIPS
- Anti-Mold Spray
- How to Clean Wood Stove Glass
- All-Natural Furniture Polish
- Homemade Ant Repellent.
- Furniture Dusting Spray
- Trash can Deodorizer
DIY All-Purpose House Cleaner
Reduce waste with this reusable, natural all-purpose house cleaner.
Ingredients
- 16-ounce glass spray bottle
- 20-25 drops lemon essential oil
- 8 ounces vinegar
- Water
Instructions
- Add lemon oil to the spray bottle.
- Fill halfway with vinegar and the rest of the way with water.
- Secure sprayer top and shake well.
Notes
Shake well before each use.
Jandrelly Fabian says
what is the brand of your essential oil ?
Laura says
I use doTERRA. I have a post about why I use that brand and links to buy if you want!
Katie says
I love how incredibly simple this recipe is, yet it does the trick!
Laura says
Yes it does! I use it for everything!
Gina says
I love the convenience of having wipes to clean around the toilet area (I have 3 boys in my house). Would the All-Purpose cleaner work to make wipes with paper towels and keep in an old wipe container?
Laura says
Oh boy, I totally get ya! I have 3 boys too! The bathroom is a never-ending battle.;) Yes you can use it for a wipe solution! I have a wipe recipe on my blog too!
Rosemarie says
Love this all purpose cleaner it’s the only thing I use to clean my house now.
Laura says
I am so glad! It is all I use too! Works great!!
Stacey says
I have the double strength cleaning vinegar from Natura… it’s still a white vinegar… would you suggest using less vinegar whereas this is double strength 10% or should I use the same recipe using 50/50 water/vinegar?
Laura says
I would still do 50/50.
Pamela says
Hi there,
I love these natural cleaning recipes! I am wondering where to find the very nice little cleaning caddy organizer?
Thank you so much:)
Bertha Loza says
Hi Laura
I always look up your recipes on you tube because I like your simple way of doing things and I thank you for that. But I did find myself a little confused with the way to do the diy cleaner. In one video of diy all purpose cleaner you say to mix one quarter cup vinegar with 25 drops of lemon essential oil and the rest water in the other video you said 8oz vinegar and 8oz water and the 25 drops of essential oil which one is the correct mix.
Thank you
Laura says
I do 8 ounces of water and 8 ounces of vinegar. I like the half and half mixture the best!
Yuvette says
Hi Laura,
I really enjoy your videos and they are so informative. I’m looking into natural products as more than a hobby but to eventually start my own home business. I want to always make sure what I’m doing is safe for myself and others. I find myself experiencing with others peoples DIY recipes but I want to create my own. How did you get started and any tips?
Thank you
Laura says
Thank you! Lots of research and then I just started experimenting!
Karla says
Hi Laura!
We live in the Midwest in the country and it’s Harvest season and it’s extra dusty. I’m having a hard time with keeping my wood shelves clean. Do you recommend the all purpose cleaner for dusting as well?
Thank you!
Laura says
I have a dusting solution in a different post! I use olive oil and wild orange essential oil, works great!
Carly says
Hey there! I’m wondering if I can use this on my wood dining table. Anything else I’ve used started to eat away at the sheen and make my table a sticky, gray discolored mess! Struggling to figure out what’s best for after meals with two kids under five. How is vinegar on finished wood? Thanks!
Laura says
I have a wood polish recipe! I would try that.
Raquel says
Tengo dudas con la cantidad de vinagre que usas, cuando te refieres a onzas! Como cálculo eso?
Gracias!!
Bridget Larson says
So I have mainly hardwood floors as well as some vinyl floors. I am confused as far as how I would use this as a floor cleaner or should I use something else? So far I have loved everything I have used of yours.
Diane says
Love the All-Purpose Cleane.r..but can it be used on Formica? Granite? and other counter surfaces???
Thanks for all the motivation you provide so many of us!!!
Laura says
Vinegar is not recommended for natural stone, I have a recipe for granite on the blog!
Lucy says
I love this spray!! It works so well, even on my shower doors!
But my spray nozzle keeps getting clogged and then leaks. I have to keep replacing it. I think the vinegar is maybe breaking down the mechanism inside since it’s an acid? Have you ever had this problem? Is there a certain type of spray nozzle that works better with a vinegar mix?
Laura says
I am so glad you like it! I have had the same spray bottles for 10 years with no issues. They are linked in the post!
Sharon says
I’d love to know if you’ve had problems with vinegar cleaner trusting things? My stainless steel extractor hood rusted after I’d used a vinegar cleaner, I assume I hadn’t rinsed it off thoroughly enough?
Laura says
I have never had any issues and use it daily!
Salma says
Easy and affordable
Naomi says
Hi Laura, I just listened to your podcast last night with your sister and heard this recipe. I am wondering if you have indoor cats? We just got a cat and I am wanting to keep him off my kitchen bench and thought this might be a good cleaner and also deterrent for my benches but also don’t want to hurt him with the Lemon E Oil. Thanks for your time! Naomi
Laura says
We do not have any indoor pets. I have a blog post all about using essential oils with animals that you can check out!
Cathy says
Hi Laura, I want to make my own all purpose cleaner and have looked at several. Some sites suggest using Castile soap also in their all purpose cleaner and some use baking soda instead of vinegar. Can you please share your thoughts on this? I can get so overwhelmed with choices that I end up doing nothing. Please help!
Laura says
I find this recipe to work so well for a true all-purpose cleaner! It works well for everything. I find that the added castile soap doesn’t work for windows, glass, or mirrors.
Lucie says
Hi Laura,
Have you ever considered writing a book with your all natural cleaning tips? I often pick a book over online, but you have great content
MYRTO says
Hello and congratulations on your work!
I tried the recipe and I am very satisfied with the result. However, I want to ask you this: although I used 25 drops of orange essential oil in a 450ml container (filled with the water/ white vinegar mix), the cleaner still smells like vinegar. Is it supposed to be this way, or is there maybe something wrong with the ingredients? I added the oil last, instead of first in the glass container.
Thank you
Laura says
I am so glad you like it! Yes, that is normal. You can add more essential oils if you prefer.
Tiffany says
Is this a disinfectant?
Laura says
The oils used in this do have cleansing and purifying properties, making it great for cleaning!
Samantha says
Hello Laura,
I am slowly trying to switch my cleaners over to natural ones, so I’m excited to try this recipe! Currently, I’m pregnant with our fifth child, and I want to make up little cleaning kits for our older kids to help with chores. My question to you, since you have more knowledge than I do in this area is, do your kids use these cleaners (are they safe for them), and what EOs should I stay clear of since I am pregnant? I truly appreciate your response!