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DIY All-Purpose Cleaner That Cleans Glass and Surfaces

DIY all-purpose cleaner is a natural, effective, and budget-friendly way to clean your home. From bathrooms and kitchen counters to mirrors and windows, this homemade all-purpose cleaner does it all. Read the tips below before making this simple cleaning solution.

To make this cleaner you will need: water, vinegar, natural dish soap, and essential oils.

glass spray bottle of DIY all-purpose cleaner on a rattan place mat and ingredients around it

Updated January 2019

Who doesn’t want a non-toxic, all-natural cleaner that won’t break the bank? This recipe is inexpensive, easy to make, and versatile. I use it throughout my home—kitchen, bathrooms, windows, and even in the car. It removes dirt and grime while leaving a fresh, natural scent when you add essential oils.

I tested many store-bought and homemade recipes over the years and found many left streaks on glass. I developed this version because I wanted a streak-free result that’s gentle, effective, and frugal. It mixes cleaning power with natural antibacterial essential oils so you can feel confident using it around the house.

Why make your own DIY All-Purpose Cleaner?

Choosing safer cleaning products matters for long-term health. Many conventional cleaners contain undisclosed “fragrances,” a catch-all term that can include hundreds of synthetic chemicals linked to respiratory irritation, endocrine disruption, and other health concerns. If you or your family members are sensitive to synthetic scents or have asthma, switching to simple, natural ingredients can reduce flare-ups and irritation.

Essential oils provide natural scent and can offer antibacterial properties. When possible, choose high-quality oils and avoid products that list vague “fragrance” ingredients.

Tips for making DIY All-Purpose Cleaner

  • Do not use regular castile soap with vinegar; they don’t mix well and can create residue. Use a mild natural dish soap instead.
  • Choose antibacterial essential oils if you want added disinfecting power: tea tree, eucalyptus, rosemary, or blends marketed for germ-fighting work well.
  • If you don’t use cleaning solutions quickly, use distilled water to extend shelf life and avoid mineral buildup.

How To Make DIY All-Purpose Cleaner

Homemade All-Purpose Cleaner Ingredients:

  • 1 cup white vinegar
  • 2 cups water (distilled if storing long-term)
  • 1 squirt natural dish washing soap (Ecover, Sun & Earth, or a small squirt of Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds)
  • 10–20 drops antibacterial essential oils (tea tree, eucalyptus, or a germ-fighting blend)
  • Optional: a few drops of citrus oil (lemon or orange) for a brighter scent

Directions: Combine the vinegar, water, a small squirt of natural dish soap, and essential oils in a spray bottle. Shake gently to mix. That’s it—ready to use.

Step-by-step directions

Step 1: Add the vinegar to a clean spray bottle.

funnel on a glass jar, and pouring vinegar in to make diy all purpose cleaner

Step 2: Add one squirt of natural dish soap.

adding dish soap to glass bottle of vinegar to make homemade cleaning spray

Step 3: Add essential oils, then top with water. Close and gently swirl to combine.

adding essential oils to DIY all-purpose cleaner

Step 4: Clean surfaces by spraying and wiping with a microfiber cloth or sponge.

DIY All-Purpose cleaner on a rattan place mat with clothes pins and essential oils around it

Note: For granite or natural stone countertops, do not use vinegar. Instead, replace the vinegar with 1/2 cup rubbing alcohol mixed with the same amount of water and a squirt of natural dish soap.

How To Use Homemade All-Purpose Cleaner

Use this cleaner anywhere you would use an all-purpose or glass cleaner. Spray the surface lightly and wipe with a clean cloth. For glass and mirrors, wipe in a circular motion and buff with a dry microfiber cloth to avoid streaks.

DIY All-Purpose Cleaner Recipe

glass spray bottle of DIY all-purpose cleaner on a rattan place mat and ingredients around it

DIY All Purpose Cleaner

DIY all-purpose cleaner is a natural and effective way to clean your house.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup vinegar
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 squirt natural dish washing soap (avoid regular castile soap with vinegar)
  • 10–20 drops essential oils (tea tree or other antibacterial oils)

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake gently before use.

Notes

If you have granite countertops, skip the vinegar and add 1/2 cup rubbing alcohol instead.

DIY All-Purpose Cleaner FAQ

What essential oils work best for disinfecting?

Tea tree, eucalyptus, rosemary, and blends marketed for germ-fighting are commonly used for their antibacterial properties. Choose high-quality oils and follow safety guidelines for use around children or pets.

What is the best homemade cleaner?

This vinegar-based all-purpose cleaner is a reliable and economical choice for everyday cleaning. It’s easy to make, versatile, and effective for most household surfaces (except natural stone).

I don’t want to DIY. Are there good natural store-bought options?

Yes. There are many natural, pre-made cleaners on the market. They tend to cost more than a DIY solution but can be convenient. If you prefer a ready-made product, choose brands that list full ingredient transparency and avoid vague “fragrance” listings.

Have you ever made your own DIY all-purpose cleaner before?