You Need to Try These 5 DIY All-Purpose Cleaners

For most of us, cleaning isn’t something we look forward to. Unfortunately, it has to be done! Luckily, there are some things you can do to make cleaning more efficient. And if you’ve been looking for a safer and cheaper way to clean your home then this article is for you! Today we’re talking about homemade cleaners.

Here are 5 DIY all-purpose cleaners that are made up of ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen and are easy to make!

Lemon and Vinegar Cleaner
Baking Soda and Water Paste
Castile Soap and Water
Salt and Vinegar
Vinegar, Dish Soap, and Distilled Water

These are the most popular DIY all-purpose cleaners that anyone can make in just minutes. Let’s talk more about what makes these DIY cleaners so great and how to get the most out of your cleaning!

Why Make Your Own All-Purpose Cleaner

There are a few reasons why making your own all-purpose cleaner is a good idea.

First of all, it’s much cheaper than buying store-bought cleaners. You can buy all your ingredients one time in bulk and then have enough to last you for months!
Second of all, DIY cleaners are free of harmful chemicals. Many store-bought cleaners contain toxic chemicals that can be harmful to your health if inhaled or ingested. Often these ingredients aren’t even necessary such as artificial colors or fragrance.
Third, these cleaners work just as well (if not better) than their store-bought counterparts. And they’re so easy to make that there’s no excuse not to try them!
Lastly, making your own all-purpose cleaners can reduce waste. Store-bought cleaners often come in plastic bottles that can’t be recycled and thus end up in a landfill. By making your own cleaner, you can use a glass bottle or reuse an old spray bottle and help the environment!

As you can see, there are many benefits and little downsides to DIY all-purpose cleaners so it’s easy to see why more and more people are using them today.

5 Homemade All-Purpose Cleaners

These recipes are easy to make and use ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Not only will you be saving money, but you’ll also be avoiding harsh chemicals that can be harmful to your health. So why not give them a try?

1. Lemon and Vinegar Cleaner

This is a great all-purpose cleaner that can be used on everything from countertops to floors. Simply mix equal parts lemon juice and vinegar in a spray bottle and you’re good to go!

2. Baking Soda and Water Paste

This paste can be used to scrub away stubborn stains and grime. Simply mix baking soda and water until you’ve reached the desired consistency.

3. Castile Soap and Water

This is a great all-purpose cleaner for windows, mirrors, and countertops. Simply mix one part castile soap with ten parts water in a spray bottle.

4. Salt and Vinegar

This is a great cleaner for cutting boards, tile, and grout. Simply mix one cup of salt with one cup of vinegar in a bowl.

5. Vinegar, Dish Soap, and Distilled Water

This is a great all-purpose cleaner for kitchens, surfaces, and bathrooms. Simply mix one cup of vinegar, one cup of distilled water, and a small pump of dish soap in a spray bottle.

How to Make DIY All-Purpose Cleaners

Now that we’ve talked about why you should make your own all-purpose cleaners, let’s talk about how to make them!

As you saw at the beginning of this post, the 5 DIY all-purpose cleaners we shared are super easy to make. The most common ingredients you’ll need are vinegar, water, dish soap, and baking soda. However, depending on the recipe you may also need things like lemon juice or essential oils.

Once you have all your ingredients, simply mix them in a bowl or jar and transfer them to a spray bottle. You can also get a funnel and pour the ingredients directly into your spray bottle then give it a few light shakes to mix everything together.

What Makes These DIY Cleaners All-Purpose?

So what does “all-purpose” actually mean? All-purpose cleaners are cleaners that can be used on a variety of surfaces. This includes everything from countertops and floors to windows and mirrors. Although the surfaces in our home are so different, most don’t require a specific agent to be cleaned! That means that key ingredients like vinegar and baking soda are great all-purpose cleaners because they can safely clean almost anything!

The best part about all-purpose cleaners is that you only need one type of cleaner for your entire home! No more buying a different cleaner for each surface in your house. Of course, there are some things you’ll want to keep in mind when using them. For example, you may want to use a different cleaner on wood surfaces than you do on tile or linoleum. You’ll also want to be sure to spot-test any new cleaners in an inconspicuous area before using them all over. This is just to ensure that the cleaner won’t damage your surfaces.

Tips For Using DIY Cleaners

Now that you know how to make your own all-purpose cleaners and the great benefits, let’s talk about a few cleaning tips!

If you’re cleaning a large area, start from the top and work your way down. This will help prevent streaks and spots that can be missed when starting from the bottom.
Be sure to use a clean microfiber cloth or sponge when cleaning. A dirty one will just move dirt and grime around instead of actually cleaning!
When mopping, don’t forget to change your water frequently. You’ll want to have a bucket of hot soapy water for scrubbing and a second bucket of clean water for rinsing. This will help prevent streaks and ensure that your floors are actually clean!
To clean mirrors and windows, mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution on your mirror or window and wipe clean with a lint-free cloth.
To get out tough stains in the bathroom or kitchen, make a paste with baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing with a brush or sponge. You may have to repeat a couple of times!

Things to Avoid With DIY Cleaners

Of course, whenever we talk about a DIY project, even as simple as a cleaner, there are a few things to avoid.

First, be sure to avoid using any cleaners on surfaces that could be damaged by them. This includes things like wood or stone. If you’re not sure, spot-test in an inconspicuous area first!

You’ll also want to make sure you’re using the right ratio of ingredients. If a recipe calls for one cup of vinegar, don’t substitute it with two cups of water! This could damage your surfaces or make the cleaner less effective.

Finally, be careful about adding too many ingredients together if you don’t know what they will do. For example, adding vinegar and bleach together creates a toxic gas that can be dangerous to breathe in. So be sure to do your research before mixing any ingredients.

Also, it is never a good idea to mix several leftover store-bought cleaners together. You never know what the ingredients are and how they will react together!

Final Thoughts

Making your own all-purpose cleaners is a great way to save money and avoid toxic chemicals. It can also help you declutter your cleaning supplies and reduce environmental waste. Our 5 favorite all-purpose cleaners are:

Lemon + Vinegar
Baking Soda + Water
Castile Soap + Water
Salt + Vinegar
Vinegar + Dish Soap + Distilled Water

Getting started with DIY all-purpose cleaners is easy and only requires a few simple ingredients that you probably already have at home. Be sure to follow the cleaning tips above for the best results and avoid any potential disasters. What is your favorite all-purpose cleaner recipe? Let us know in the comments below! Thanks for reading and happy cleaning!

5 DIY All Purpose Cleaners