I’ve Used This House Cleaner’s DIY Cleaning Spray for Years, and It’s So Effective

In my household of two adults and two kids, three-fourths of us have issues with eczema and sensitivities to artificial fragrances and dyes. For years, I (the one who doesn’t) kept trying to find store-bought solutions for cleaning products that would effectively get the job done without lighting up my family’s eczema. Some products were useful but expensive, while others were a total waste of money. It was a frustrating journey.

But a few years ago, a kind professional house cleaner divulged her “recipe” for a DIY all-purpose cleaner to me, and I haven’t gone back to the store-bought version since then.

There are dozens of reasons why someone might want to make their own all-purpose cleaner. For my family, eliminating scents and dyes was the primary concern. For others, it’s about using a cleaning solution that has ingredients you can actually pronounce, rather than potentially harsh chemicals.

You may also prefer to use a DIY all-purpose cleaner to reduce the proliferation of plastic waste that comes from bringing home bottle after bottle of store-bought cleaner. And, at the end of the day, making your own cleaning solution is also typically more cost-effective and better for the environment. 

It’s easier than you might think to make your own all-purpose cleaning solution to use all over your home. Here’s how the pro house cleaner told me to make hers.

• Distilled water (or boiled water)
• Distilled white vinegar 
• Spray bottle
• Optional: Essential oils, citrus peels, hearty herbs like rosemary

1. Fill a clean, empty spray bottle with equal amounts of distilled water and distilled white vinegar. (Using distilled water avoids any trace minerals that can leave a residue, but if you don’t have distilled water on hand, you can make your own by boiling it and essentially trapping the steam.)
2. Optional: Add about 10 drops of essential oil or other scent enhancers. 
3. Replace the lid and sprayer and gently shake to combine.

You can use this simple DIY all-purpose cleaner on just about every surface in your home, from windows to appliances to faucets and even minor carpet stains. Spritz it like you would a normal all-purpose cleaning spray and wipe with a microfiber cloth. Avoid on any surfaces that may etch or erode from the vinegar’s acidity, like wood and natural stone.

An all-purpose cleaning solution made with just water and vinegar will last indefinitely, but if you’ve added natural ingredients to create a scented cleaner, you should plan to get rid of it after about a month and make a fresh batch. Label your DIY cleaning solution in a reusable glass spray bottle if you’re keen on using less plastic (or reuse an old plastic bottle), and store it with the rest of your cleaning supplies in a dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.