Make One Cleaner That Does Everything — Costs Almost Nothing
I used to have a cabinet full of expensive cleaning sprays. One for the bathroom, one for windows, one for the kitchen—each promising to do one specific job. Then a friend showed me a recipe for a single cleaner that does almost everything. This homemade all-purpose cleaner costs pennies, uses just vinegar, water, and dish soap, and works on most surfaces in your home. #AllPurposeCleaner #DIYCleaner #NaturalCleaning #HomeHacks #BudgetCleaning
What You Will Need?
This cleaner comes together with just three ingredients, all of which you probably already have in your kitchen.
| Ingredient | Purpose | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| White vinegar | Dissolves grease, grime, and hard water stains. Kills bacteria naturally. | Very cheap |
| Water (preferably distilled) | Dilutes the vinegar so it is safe for most surfaces | Free |
| Dish soap (like Dawn) | Cuts through grease and helps the cleaner stick to surfaces | Very cheap |
| Essential oil (optional) | Adds a pleasant scent and extra cleaning power | A few drops per batch |
The Simple Recipe
This is the recipe I have been using for years. It takes less than a minute to mix.
All-Purpose Cleaner
What you need:
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon dish soap
- 10-15 drops of essential oil (optional, like lemon, lavender, or tea tree)
How to make it:
- Pour the vinegar and water into a spray bottle.
- Add the dish soap and essential oil (if using).
- Put the spray top on and shake gently to combine.
That is it. You now have a cleaner that works on almost every surface in your home.
What This Cleaner Can Do
This one cleaner works on a surprising number of surfaces. Here is a quick breakdown.
| Surface | How to Use It | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Countertops | Spray and wipe with a cloth | Safe for most surfaces, but test on natural stone |
| Sinks | Spray, let sit for a minute, scrub, and rinse | Cuts through soap scum and hard water stains |
| Windows and mirrors | Spray and wipe with a microfiber cloth | For streak-free shine, use a dry cloth to buff |
| Floors | Add a few capfuls to a bucket of water | Works on tile, laminate, and linoleum |
| Bathroom surfaces | Spray and wipe | Breaks down soap scum and mineral deposits |
| Stovetop and range hood | Spray, let sit, and wipe away grease | Cuts through cooking grease effectively |
| Microwave | Spray inside, wipe with a cloth | For tough spots, heat a bowl of vinegar water first |
| Trash cans | Spray and wipe | Neutralizes odors |
| Refrigerator shelves | Spray and wipe | Safe for food contact areas (rinse after) |
What This Cleaner Will NOT Clean
This is just as important as knowing what it can do. Here are the surfaces you should never use this cleaner on.
| Surface | Why to Avoid It |
|---|---|
| Natural stone (marble, granite, travertine) | Vinegar is acidic and can etch or dull the surface |
| Hardwood floors | Vinegar can strip the finish over time |
| Cast iron | Vinegar can damage the seasoning |
| Aluminum | Vinegar can cause pitting |
| Electronics | Liquids can damage delicate components |
| Unsealed grout | Vinegar can break down the grout over time |
My advice: If you are not sure about a surface, test the cleaner on a small, hidden spot first. This is a rule I always follow.
How to Use It for Specific Cleaning Tasks
For Grease (Kitchen)
Spray the cleaner directly on the greasy spot. Let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes. Wipe with a damp cloth. The dish soap breaks down the grease, and the vinegar dissolves the residue. I use this on my stove, range hood, and kitchen backsplash. It works better than any degreaser I have bought.
For Hard Water Stains (Bathroom)
Spray the area generously. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. The vinegar dissolves the mineral deposits. Wipe with a cloth or scrub lightly with a sponge. Repeat if needed. This works on shower doors, faucets, and bathroom tiles.
For Windows and Mirrors
Spray the cleaner on a microfiber cloth (not the glass). Wipe the surface, then buff with a clean, dry cloth. Vinegar cuts through grease and leaves a streak-free shine. The dish soap helps break down fingerprints and smudges.
For Floors
Add a few capfuls of the cleaner to a bucket of warm water. Mop as usual. Vinegar cuts through dirt, and the dish soap adds cleaning power. This works on tile, laminate, and linoleum. Avoid using this on hardwood floors.
For Odor Removal
Spray the cleaner in trash cans, sinks, and around pet areas. Vinegar neutralizes odors, leaving the space smelling fresh.
For Mold and Mildew
Spray the cleaner on the affected area and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Scrub lightly and rinse. The vinegar kills most mold and mildew spores.
How to Make Different Versions
Stronger Degreaser (More Dish Soap)
If you have a tough greasy spot, increase the dish soap to 2 tablespoons. The extra soap cuts through heavy grease.
Extra Scent (Essential Oils)
Add 15-20 drops of your favorite essential oil. Lemon and orange add a fresh, clean scent. Tea tree and lavender have natural antibacterial properties. Peppermint also helps repel insects.
Heavy-Duty Cleaner (Washing Soda)
For extra cleaning power, add 1 tablespoon of washing soda (sodium carbonate) to the recipe. This is great for deep cleaning but avoid using it on delicate surfaces.
Quick Reference Table
| Surface | How to Use | Wait Time |
|---|---|---|
| Countertops | Spray and wipe | Immediate |
| Sinks | Spray, let sit, scrub, rinse | 1‑2 minutes |
| Windows and mirrors | Spray on cloth, wipe, buff | Immediate |
| Floors | Add a few capfuls to mop water | N/A |
| Bathroom | Spray, let sit, wipe | 5‑10 minutes |
| Kitchen grease | Spray, let sit, wipe | 2‑3 minutes |
| Odor removal | Spray and wipe | Immediate |
How This Compares to Store-Bought Cleaners
| Feature | Homemade Cleaner | Store-Bought Cleaner |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per batch | About 30‑50 cents | $3‑$8 per bottle |
| Toxic chemicals | None | Often contains harmful chemicals |
| Plastic waste | None (reuse one bottle) | Creates plastic waste with every purchase |
| Effectiveness | Works on most surfaces | Works well but often overpriced |
| Ingredients | Natural, simple | Long list of unpronounceable chemicals |
My Personal Cleaning Routine
Here is what I actually do with this cleaner. You can copy this.
Daily:
- I use it to wipe down kitchen counters.
- I use it on bathroom sinks after use.
Weekly:
- I clean the stovetop with it.
- I wipe down bathroom surfaces.
Monthly:
- I clean windows and mirrors.
- I add a few capfuls to my floor cleaning water.
Since I started using this cleaner, my home has been cleaner, my cabinet is less cluttered, and I have saved a lot of money. It is the only cleaner I need.
The Bottom Line
You do not need a cabinet full of different cleaners. One simple mixture of vinegar, water, and dish soap does almost everything.
It cleans kitchen grease, bathroom grime, windows, floors, and even removes odors. It costs pennies per batch, is safe for most surfaces, and avoids the harsh chemicals in store-bought cleaners.
I have been using this cleaner for years and it is the best cleaning solution I have ever found. Try it and you will wonder why you ever bought anything else.