--- title: "How to Make Homemade All-Purpose Cleaner" description: "Commercial non-toxic cleaners tend to be pricey, so why not make your own? This low-cost recipe here for homemade all-purpose cleaner is just 3 ingredients." date: "2017-06-05" modified: "2026-01-07" authors: - name: "Ayn Monique Klahre" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/ayn-monique-klahre.md" url: "https://www.bobvila.com/articles/homemade-all-purpose-cleaner/" categories: - "Cleaning" - "Cleaning & Organizing" - "DIY" - "Interior" tags: - "How To" - "News" --- # How to Make Homemade All-Purpose Cleaner ![Person wearing yellow rubber gloves points a spray bottle labeled 'all-purpose cleaner' at a mess on the countertop.]() *How to Clean Countertops | Photo: Tom Fenenga for BobVila.com* While more and more households are going chemical-free, but one wants to do so at the cost of cleanliness. This is particularly true in the kitchen and bath areas, where banishing bacteria is a must. Commercial non-toxic cleaners tend to be pricey, so why not make your own? The low-cost, super-simple recipe here for homemade all-purpose cleaner is a blend of just three ingredients that you may already have at home, and the mixture is safe to use around food, kids, and pets. The key ingredient is good old-fashioned [white vinegar](), which is acidic enough to cut through stains and build-up but also kills bacteria, viruses, and mold. What's more, this formula addresses the complaint most folks have about vinegar-based cleaners: the strong, lingering smell. See the recipe below to blend up a custom-scented cleanser with a subtly pleasant aroma that will get your whole house sparkling. ### Tools & Materials Bobvila.com may earn a commission from purchases made through these links. - [Measuring cup]() - [32-ounce spray bottle]() - [Marker]() - [Microfiber cloth]() - [2 cups vinegar]() - [2 cups water]() - [10 to 12 drops essential oils (like lime, lavender, or eucalyptus)]() - [Masking or duck tape]() ![Materials needed to make homemade all-purpose cleaner, including vinegar, essential oil, and other items.]() *Photo: Tom Fenenga for BobVila.com* ### Step 1: Combine vinegar and water in a spray bottle. ![Woman pours vinegar from large jug into a measuring cup.]() *Photo: Tom Fenenga for BobVila.com* Use the measuring cup to pour vinegar and water into the spray bottle. Close the top and shake to combine. The solution is now ready to tackle loads of household cleaning jobs, but if you find the smell of vinegar off-putting, move on to Step 2. ### Step 2: Add essential oil (optional). ![Woman adds essential oil to a spray bottle filled with water and vinegar; bottle of vinegar and other accessories are on the table.]() *Photo: Tom Fenenga for BobVila.com* Select up to three essential oils to add to the cleaner. While you’ll make your choice based on scents you favor, keep in mind that some [essential oils](), including lime, eucalyptus, tea tree, lavender, and peppermint, have antibacterial and antifungal properties that bring extra oomph to your cleaning solution. Add 10 to 12 total drops to your solution, close your spray bottle, and shake again to blend. ### Step 3: Label the spray bottle. ![Woman labels a spray bottle "all-purpose cleaner" written in marker on duck tape.]() *Photo: Tom Fenenga for BobVila.com* Label the spray bottle with a piece of tape so you remember what’s in the bottle. ### Step 4: Use the spray to clean household surfaces. ![Person wearing yellow rubber gloves sprays a dishwasher with homemade cleaner, holding microfiber cloth in right hand.]() *Photo: Tom Fenenga for BobVila.com* Put your cleaner to work! Spritz a small amount onto household surfaces, and then wipe with a microfiber cloth, which works hard yet gently to lift grime without leaving lint behind. Repeat as necessary. ### Step 5: Store the cleaner in a cool place. ![Woman stores bottle of homemade all-purpose cleaner in a pull-out drawer under the sink.]() *Photo: Tom Fenenga for BobVila.com* Store the cleaner in a cool, dry place. A 32-ounce bottle should last you quite a while. #### Uses for Homemade All-Purpose Cleaner Since vinegar is edible, it’s a food-safe and kid-friendly option. Try using it on: • **Fridge and freezer:** Wipe down the interior of your refrigerator and freezer, but avoid the rubber gaskets around the edges, which vinegar can corrode. • **Laminate countertops:** Swipe up most common spills, even those that have hardened. • **Windows and mirrors:** It’ll cut through grime, grease, and fingerprints. • **Toilet, tub, and bathroom sink:** It [cleans and disinfects porcelain]() nicely. • **Small appliances:** It can descale a coffee pot or freshen up a toaster. • **Glassware:** Cut through hard water stains and leave them sparkling. ![A person cleaning house windows from outside using a homemade window cleaner recipe.]() *Photo: Tom Fenenga for BobVila.com* #### Do Not Use Homemade All-Purpose Cleaner on These Surfaces Because vinegar is acidic, it can be too strong for porous surfaces. Avoid using it on: • **Wood floors and wood furniture:** It can strip the finish on these surfaces. (Use [this homemade wood floor cleaner]() instead.) • **Stone countertops and tiles:** Surfaces made of marble and granite can be finicky. • **Grout:** Vinegar can break down the sealant on grout, leaving it vulnerable. • **Electronics:** Acid can eat away at the protective coatings on touchscreens. In general it's best to use just water on screens of any kind. • **Cast iron and aluminum pots:** Vinegar can corrode these metals. • **Plants:** Vinegar is a [natural weed killer](), but it doesn’t discriminate between the plants you like and the ones you don’t. Dust leaves with a damp cloth instead. ## Author Ayn-Monique Klahre is a writer, editor, and content director. She spent 12 years as a magazine editor at titles including [Woman's Day](), [FamilyFun](), and [Good Housekeeping]() working on stories about all things home, DIY, and lifestyle—from decorating and entertaining to home improvement and organization. In 2017, Ayn-Monique said goodbye to NYC and moved with her husband and two daughters to North Carolina. Now based in Raleigh, she advises brands and businesses on creative strategy and corporate content. She also continues to create editorial, e-commerce, and branded content for media outlets, such as [Real Simple](), [Business Insider](), [The Kitchn](), and [The New York Times](). ### Author social links [LinkedIn]()