Homemade Natural All Purpose Cleaner DIY Recipe

Making your own homemade natural all purpose cleaner is so easy! All you need are a few simple ingredients and a spray bottle. That’s it! Yes, it’s really that simple.

Homemade DIY cleaners can be as effective as commercial cleaners, only without all the artificial ingredients and toxic chemicals.

Homemade Natural All Purpose Cleaner DIY Recipe

Years ago, before becoming a mom, I didn’t give a lot of thought to how cleaning products might affect our health.

I just went to the cleaning supplies aisle at the store and bought popular cleaners like Lysol and Mr. Clean.

I didn’t know there were other options and natural products I could use to clean household surfaces and remove the soap scum in my bathtub.

It wasn’t until I was pregnant with my first child that I started hearing and learning about all the toxic ingredients commonly found in household cleaning products.

My husband and I had chosen to use a midwife to guide us through pregnancy and birth as we wanted a more natural approach to childbirth.

In reading about natural approaches to pregnancy and childbirth, I also started reading books (this was before the Internet had really taken off) to learn about holistic approaches to healthy living.

It wasn’t long until I was exposed to a whole new world of more natural, less toxic living! I knew this was the way to go to help protect the health of my family.

Why Make Your Own Natural All Purpose Cleaner?

One organization that has helped a lot of people learn more about the dangers of common household products is the Environmental Working Group (EWG).

The EWG analyzes all kinds of things like cleaning products and cosmetics. They then provide a rating from A to F to indicate how safe or harmful a product is.

I looked up some commonly used household cleaners and was shocked to see how bad they really are!

One popular multi-surface cleaner gets an F rating from EGW. Several of the ingredients in this product are listed as being of “high concern” for potentially harmful developmental, endocrine, and reproductive effects.

That’s definitely not something I want to have around my family!

Another popular cleaner also gets an F rating. This cleaner uses an artificial color that may be linked to causing cancer in lab rats.

After finding out about the potential dangers associated with common cleaners, I decided to start making my own green cleaners. I started with these simple cleaning recipes, and then branched out to making my own air freshener, lavender linen spray, DIY toilet spray, and foaming hand soap.

(Buying ready-to-use natural cleaning products is also a great option).

After all, who wants to expose their family to hormone disrupting chemicals in their house, or to substances known to be carcinogens?

I knew that using natural cleaners around my home and growing family was definitely the right choice.

Why You’ll Love This DIY Natural Cleaner

This homemade all purpose cleaner recipe uses only all-natural ingredients. No hard-to-pronounce or mysterious chemicals here!

The only things you need to make this all purpose cleaning spray are literally just four very simple ingredients and a glass spray bottle.

I’m not kidding when I say this may be the simplest natural cleaning recipe ever!

And all you have to do is pour the ingredients into your bottle, shake, and use. It’s so easy to make!

But not only is this recipe very simple to do. I also love that it’s an effective cleaner that really works.

Homemade All-Purpose Cleaner Notes

• This cleaner can be used on all kinds of surfaces. It can clean stainless steel, hardwood floors, kitchen sinks, bathroom surfaces, kitchen counters and more!
• I don’t recommend using this cleaner on granite or natural stone surfaces. The vinegar in the cleaner might potentially damage these surfaces.
• Feel free to use any essential oil combination you like.

Affiliate links included below, which means I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read my disclosure here.

​Supplies Needed to Make Natural Cleaner

• 16 ounce glass spray bottle
• Label maker (not required, but fun to use!)
• Funnel (optional, but makes it easier to fill the bottle)

​DIY Cleaner Ingredients

You can find the full recipe and instructions in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Here are the simple ingredients needed to make this all natural cleaning solution:

• White vinegar 5% acidity
• Lemon essential oil
• Distilled water

How to Make Homemade Natural All Purpose Cleaner

​1. Add the vinegar and essential oil to the glass spray bottle.

​2. Use distilled water to fill the bottle up to near the top.

3. Shake well.

Frequently Asked Questions About Homemade Natural Cleaner

Can I use essential oils other than lemon?

Yes, essential oils other than lemon can be used. Orange, peppermint or tea tree oil would be other good choices. But use whatever you like!

Does this natural cleaner kill germs?

Vinegar has mild germ-killing properties but is not as potent as bleach or hydrogen peroxide. It contains acetic acid, which can break down some bacteria. Using essential oils such as lavender or tea tree oil can add more antibacterial action. Thyme oil is one of the most powerful natural antimicrobials.

Can I use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar?

You can use apple cider vinegar in place of white vinegar, but only the refined kind. Raw apple cider vinegar contains “mother,” a type of live bacteria culture that can leave smears when used in a cleaner.

Can vinegar be mixed with hydrogen peroxide?

No, toxic fumes can be released when vinegar is mixed with hydrogen peroxide.

Will vinegar remove grease from surfaces?

No, vinegar isn’t very effective in cutting through grease. You’ll need to use a soap-based cleanser for that.

Can this cleaner remove carpet stains?

Vinegar may help with carpet stains, although it may not be powerful enough to remove deeply set stains. Apply equal parts cleaner and baking soda to stains and rub in using a soft cloth or paper towel.

More Cleaning Inspiration

• Spring Cleaning Checklist (Free Printable)
• How to Deep Clean Your House | Deep Cleaning Checklist
• Cleaning Hacks to Make Your Life Easier
• Fall Cleaning Checklist Printable
• 15 Surprising Uses for Baking Soda
• How to Create a Cleaning Routine

Give this easy recipe a try and I think you’ll agree this is a super-simple and effective natural cleaning spray.