How to Make Homemade All-Purpose Cleaner
Cleaning solutions don’t have to be complicated, especially when there are so many DIY options out there. Making a DIY all-purpose cleaner for your everyday needs is a safe, cost-effective, and eco-friendly option to cleaning every room in your home.
Why Go DIY with Your All-Purpose Cleaner?
Making a DIY all-purpose cleaner offers many perks that store-bought versions often can’t compete with. Firstly, when you make your own, you have complete control over the ingredients, so you can ensure they’re safe and non-toxic. This is crucial for homes with kids or pets.
Plus, they are customizable, allowing you to tweak everything so you can create a DIY all-purpose cleaner that smells good and has the ideal level of cleaning power. You can also adjust the recipe to target specific needs, making it more effective for your unique home environment.
And beyond the personal touch, making your own cleaner is a budget-friendly way to reduce waste and limit your exposure to harsh chemicals. It’s a win-win for your health, your wallet, and the planet!
Important Safety Tips When Making a Homemade Cleaner
When making and using homemade all-purpose cleaners, safety is a must! Even though these cleaners are made from natural ingredients, they can still cause irritation if not handled properly. Always wear gloves when mixing or applying your cleaner, especially with vinegar or essential oils, which can be tough on your skin if undiluted.
Never mix vinegar with bleach – it creates harmful fumes that you want to avoid!
If you’re adding essential oils, ensure they’re well diluted and keep them safely out of reach of kids and pets. Some oils can be toxic if ingested. Store your cleaner in a clearly labeled spray bottle far away from direct sunlight which can reduce its potency.
Lastly, always test your cleaner on a small, hidden spot to prevent potential damage to any surface. Following these precautions will help you enjoy a safe and effective cleaning experience!
What You’ll Need to Get Started
Are you ready to dive in and make your DIY multi-purpose cleaner? Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
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White Vinegar: A natural disinfectant, perfect for cutting through grime and neutralizing odors.
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Baking Soda: The secret weapon for a gentle and effective scrub on tough stains.
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Water: To dilute the vinegar and blend everything together seamlessly.
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Cloth-Like Paper Towel : Viva® Signature Cloth™ to effectively wipe down surfaces.
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Clean Spray Bottle: Essential for storing your homemade cleaning spray and misting it onto surfaces when required.
Optional ingredients for a customized twist include:
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Funnel: A handy tool to make pouring your ingredients mess-free.
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Essential Oils: Add a splash of lavender, lemon, or tea tree oil for extra cleaning oomph and a delightful fragrance.
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Epsom Salt: Improves the scrubbing action and adds a fresh scent.
How to Make a Homemade Cleaning Spray
Creating a simple DIY all-purpose cleaner is straightforward and quick. Here’s a step-by-step guide to make your own effective cleaner with items from your kitchen cupboard:
1. Ingredients:
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1 cup of white vinegar
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1 cup of water
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2 tablespoons of baking soda
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10-15 drops of essential oil (optional)
2. Prepare the Mixture:
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Start by pouring 1 cup of water into a clean spray bottle. If you want to use a funnel, now is the time!
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Add 1 cup of white vinegar. This duo works wonders as a natural disinfectant and deodorizer.
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Carefully sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of baking soda. It’s your secret weapon for taking on stains and scrubbing away residue.
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If you’re using essential oils, now is the time to drop in 10-15 drops. They not only make your cleaner smell amazing but also add extra antimicrobial power.
3. Mix It Up:
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Secure the spray bottle top and give it a gentle shake. Be careful not to shake too hard – baking soda can fizz up and foam!
4. Label and Store:
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Label your spray bottle with its contents and the date. Store it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.

How to Use Your DIY All-Purpose Cleaner Effectively
Using your DIY all-purpose cleaner couldn’t be easier, and it’s perfect for a variety of surfaces! Start off by shaking the bottle before each use to ensure the ingredients are well mixed.
For general cleaning, spray the solution directly onto your countertops, sinks, tiles, or appliances. Let it sit for a minute or two to loosen up dirt, grime, and stains. Then, wipe it away the grime with some Viva® Signature Cloth™ for a finish that has an exceptional cloth-like clean.
For tougher messes, like grease or stubborn stains, spray the DIY cleaner. Let it settle for 5-10 minutes before scrubbing gently with a sponge. Wipe it away with some Viva® Signature Cloth™ paper towels.
You can even take on high-touch spots like doorknobs, light switches, or cabinet handles, keeping them fresh and sanitized with just a quick spray and wipe. For new surfaces – especially wood or delicate finishes – always test a small patch first to be safe.
Customizing Your Cleaner for Different Surfaces
Customizing your homemade cleaner to suit different surfaces is easy and ensures you get the best results without damaging anything. While water and vinegar are excellent base ingredients, some surfaces may require something gentler and/or with more cleaning power. Here’s a quick guide to help you:
Surface | Water | Vinegar | Baking Soda |
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Glass/Mirrors | Yes | Yes | No |
Wood Surfaces | Yes | No | No |
Stainless Steel | Yes | Yes | No |
Bathroom Tiles | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Marble or Granite | Yes | No | No |
Achieve Streak-Free Brilliance with Viva®
Viva® paper towels are built for durability and deep cleaning. Viva® Signature Cloth™ has a unique cloth-like texture that can be rinsed and reused for multiple cleaning jobs. This makes them perfect for handling stubborn and stuck-on messes. Choose Viva® Signature Cloth™ paper towels!