3 DIY all-purpose cleaners that actually work with common household ingredients (2024)

• Making homemade all-purpose cleaner is convenient and cost-effective.
• A combination of vinegar and water is a popular all-purpose cleaner.
• Use hydrogen peroxide for disinfection.

All-purpose cleaners provide a quick and easy way to clean everything from countertops to windows. Still, you don't have to buy a special product because you can make an effective all-purpose cleaner at home, says Vera Peterson, president ofMolly meid.

Homemade cleaning products use ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, and they stand up to commercial options, says Alicia Johnson, CEO ofCleaning Green LLC.

Here's how to make an all-purpose cleaner from ingredients you probably already have on hand.

Common homemade ingredients for all-purpose cleaner

Most homemade all-purpose cleaners use vinegar. Vinegar has a low pH value, which means it is acidic. That makes it ideal for cleaning up the basic dirt we find in our homes, says Johnson. Vinegar can penetrate dirt and oil and kill some bacterianot the best disinfectant. Lemon is also popular because it is acidic enough to cut through dirt while leaving a wonderful scent.

If you want more cleaning power for areas like the bathroom or for sanitizing, use a diluted bleach solution orhydrogen peroxide, says Peterson. Both kill bacteria and most households already have the ingredients on hand.

Cleaning agent 1: Vinegar and water

The old cleaner is a mixture of vinegar and water, says Peterson.

To do this, combine half a cup of distilled white vinegar with 2 cups of water. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil or a squeeze of lemon for fragrance; because these are in low concentrations, they are safe for various surfaces. Stir the mixture gently and store it in a plastic spray bottle for as long as you need.

Instructions:Spray the mixture onto counters, windows or carpet spills. Wipe with a damp cloth and store in a bottle for next time.

Surfaces to avoid: Don't use vinegar on tile, grout, or wood, because the acidity can damage these materials, says Johnson.

Cleaner 2: Vinegar and Borax

Boraxsimilar to baking soda, but even more alkaline, giving it extra cleaning power. When combined with acidic vinegar, borax can remove stains from toilet bowls, showers and carpets.

Instructions:Make this cleaner just before you are ready to use it by mixing ¼ cup of vinegar with 1 cup of borax. If you don't have borax, you can substitute baking soda. Apply the mixture to the area you want to clean, wait five minutes and then wipe it away. For annoying stains on toilet towels, you can leave the paste on overnight.

Surfaces to avoid:Borax is generally safe for household surfaces, but can occasionally discolor carpets. Therefore, test it in an inconspicuous place before use. It is generally safe for cleaning, but avoid inhaling borax as it can cause poisoning.

Cleaner 3: Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is onestrong disinfectantthat can even work in hospital rooms.

“This all-purpose cleaner is best suited for cleaning kitchens and bathrooms because it kills bacteria at a professional level and leaves a pleasant scent,” says Johnson.

Instructions:Pour it into a spray bottle and add a few drops of essential oil or lemon to add fragrance if desired. Spray hydrogen peroxide on your surface and wipe it with a microfiber cloth. Keep the bottle for as long as necessary, but keep it away from light, which can reduce its effectiveness.

Surfaces to avoid:Hydrogen peroxide can be used on most surfaces, but should never be mixed directly with vinegar. By combining them you can createpereddikesyre, which is corrosive and can irritate the skin.

Insider takeaway

All-purpose cleaner is easy to make with ingredients you have at home, such as vinegar, borax and baking soda. Natural cleaning products such as a combination of vinegar and water are good for everyday cleaning jobs. But if you need to disinfect, you should use a cleaning agent that can kill bacteria, such as hydrogen peroxide.