DIY All-Purpose Cleaner Without Vinegar: Easy 1-Minute Recipe

I love a clean house, but I can’t stand the smell of most cleaning sprays. Most of mine homemade cleaning recipes it includes white vinegar, but this DIY all-purpose cleaner doesn’t for some reason. So I can do quick cleanups before guests arrive without waiting for the vinegar smell to fade.

If you’ve been looking for an all-purpose homemade cleaner that you can use on almost any surface, you’ll love this easy recipe. It’s safe, cheap and smells amazing. Plus, it only takes a few minutes to make!

Why you need a DIY all-purpose cleaner without vinegar

Standard store cleaners often have questionable ingredients like harsh chemicals that can leave behind a residue you don’t want hanging around. Making your own vinegar-free all-purpose cleaner is much better for your family and your wallet. It costs just pennies per bottle.

You don’t have to use castile soap like I do. I prefer Castile because it’s a mild, plant-based soap that’s great at cutting through grease and grime. If you don’t have Castile on hand or prefer to use something else, a mild liquid dish soap works too. Either way, this spray is kid-safe, which is important if you have small children.

Ingredients you will need for this surface cleaner

You only need a few simple things for this all-purpose homemade cleaner. If you make your own natural cleaning products, you may already have them.

• 1 ½ to 2 cups of water: Use distilled or boiled water if you want it to last longer.
• 1 to 2 teaspoons liquid castile soap: I love Dr. Bronner’s, but any brand will work.
• 1 to 2 teaspoons baking soda: This helps to remove sticky dirt.
• 10-15 drops of essential oils (optional): My favorite essential oils vary with the season. In the summer, I like to use lemon and lavender, a combination with a fresh natural scent. In autumn, I go for orange and rosemary, which is a warm combination. In the winter, I’m a fan of mint or pine. All of these also have antibacterial properties! (Choose pet-safe oils if you have dogs or cats— here’s how and why.)
• One 16-ounce glass spray bottle: Glass is best so the chemicals from the plastic won’t seep into your spray.

Related: 11 more ways to use castile soap at home

How to make homemade all purpose cleaner

Follow these simple steps to mix your cleanser.

1. Start with a clean spray bottle. If you are reusing bottles, wash and dry them first.
2. Add the baking soda: Put your baking soda in the bottle.
3. Add the water: Pour in about 1 cup of room temperature water.
4. Shake it up: Shake the bottle like crazy! You want the baking soda to dissolve so it doesn’t clog the spray nozzle later.
5. Add the soap: Pour in your castile soap.
6. Add the oils: If you want a scent, add your drops now.
7. Gently swirl: Do not shake it vigorously again or you will get too many bubbles. Just swirl the bottle in circles to mix.
8. Fill it in: Add the rest of the water until the bottle is full.

Where can you use it?

This DIY cleaner is truly an “all purpose”. Works on kitchen counters, cooktops and bathroom sinks. It is even safe for stainless steel surfaces, finished wood and natural stone. But avoid using it on glass or mirrors because the soap can leave streaks or a cloudy film. (I have one glass cleaner recipe for that.)

And remember, cleaning is not the same as sanitizing. This DIY all-purpose spray removes dirt and germs, but doesn’t kill them all. For very germy places like a toilet or raw meat on a counter, you may want an even stronger disinfectant. (Try making mine homemade disinfectant wipes or mine DIY disinfectant spray.)

Brooch

Making your own cleaning supplies is a great way to save money and stay healthy. It’s nice to know exactly what you’re spraying in your home. Try this recipe today!