Inside: Are you searching for an effective homemade all-purpose cleaner? This simple DIY all-purpose cleaner with Dawn dish soap can be made in just a few minutes, and you likely have the ingredients readily available at home. I take great pleasure in crafting my own cleaning solutions to use around the house. Not only do they often outperform commercial cleaners, but they also help me save money. A few years back, I started using this homemade all-purpose cleaner, and it has become a staple in my cleaning routine. It’s particularly handy for a quick refresh in the bathroom. You can use it on toilets, showers, and tubs. With the power of vinegar and lemon essential oil, both known for their germ-killing properties, this cleaner is also perfect for wiping down frequently-touched surfaces like door handles and light switches. It’s versatile enough for nearly all hard surfaces, with the exception of granite and real marble. However, I have successfully used it on my cultured marble sinks without any issues.
DIY All-Purpose Cleaner
This homemade all-purpose cleaner is incredibly simple to make. It takes just a few minutes to prepare a batch, and it can be utilized in various areas of your home. Below, you’ll find the steps to create your very own cleaner.
Ingredients to Make Homemade All-Purpose Cleaner
To whip up this cleaner, you’ll need a few basic ingredients, most of which you probably already have on hand. Additionally, you’ll need a spray bottle for storage. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Vinegar
- Dawn dish soap
- Lemon essential oil
- Water
- A spray bottle (I recommend this one)
I suggest purchasing your spray bottles from Amazon, as they are often much more affordable than those found in stores. While some people prefer to reuse old cleaning bottles, I prefer to use new ones to avoid any potential chemical reactions from previous cleaners.
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Mixing Up The Multi-Purpose Cleaner
Begin by pouring 3 cups of water into the spray bottle, followed by 1 1/2 cups of vinegar. Next, add approximately 10 to 20 drops of Dawn dish soap to the mix. The exact amount isn’t critical; I typically opt for around 10 drops to minimize sudsing in the bottle. Once the soap is added, it’s time to introduce the lemon essential oil. I enjoy using lemon essential oil in this cleaner because it helps mask the vinegar smell. Furthermore, lemon essential oil also serves as a disinfectant, making it ideal for germ elimination. Add about 20 drops of lemon essential oil to the spray bottle. I don’t have a specific brand preference for essential oils, but I’ve found that Fabulous Frannie offers quality oils at a much lower price point—often under $7 a bottle.
After adding all the ingredients to the spray bottle, gently swirl it one or two times to combine everything. Be careful not to shake it too vigorously, as this will create excessive suds from the Dawn soap. Once mixed, your homemade cleaner is ready for use!
Using Homemade All-Purpose Cleaner
To utilize the homemade all-purpose cleaner, simply spray it onto the desired surface and wipe it off with a paper towel or microfiber cloth (I personally love this brand of microfiber cloths). For particularly germ-heavy areas, like toilets, I recommend allowing the cleaner to sit for a minute or two before wiping it away. This all-purpose cleaner works wonders in kitchens and bathrooms alike. It’s great for cleaning sinks, toilets, and appliances. I also like to use it to sanitize light switches and door handles to keep them free of germs. In just a few minutes, you can create a powerful homemade all-purpose cleaner that effectively cleans and disinfects. If you’re looking for additional homemade cleaning solutions, be sure to check out these 7 amazing cleaners you can make yourself.
Homemade All-Purpose Cleaner Recipe
Here’s a quick recap of the recipe:
- 3 cups water
- 1 1/2 cups vinegar
- 10-20 drops Dawn dish soap
- 20 drops lemon essential oil
To make the cleaner, add 3 cups of water to a spray bottle, followed by 1 1/2 cups of vinegar. Then, incorporate about 10-20 drops of Dawn dish soap. After that, add around 20 drops of lemon essential oil to the mix. Once everything is in the bottle, give it a gentle swirl to combine. Simply spray and wipe to clean and disinfect your surfaces.