Homemade Multi-purpose Cleaner with Vinegar for Everyday Cleaning

Keeping a multi-purpose cleaner to hand makes everyday house cleaning easier and can cut down the number of different products needed in your routine. A straightforward recipe using white vinegar, water and essential oil has become popular because it helps lift light dirt, everyday grease and marks from a range of washable surfaces. As well as being quick to make, it uses affordable ingredients and can be tailored with an aroma of your choice.

Why does this mixture work for household cleaning?

White vinegar is the key ingredient in this recipe. Its acidity helps to break down greasy residue, light stains, soap build-up and mineral deposits found on many surfaces. Water, meanwhile, dilutes the vinegar, making the mixture more suitable for routine cleaning.

The drops of essential oil soften vinegar’s distinctive smell and leave behind a pleasant fragrance after cleaning. Popular choices include lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint and lemon. Although certain oils have shown antimicrobial properties in laboratory studies, their main purpose in this recipe is to scent the room.

How do you make homemade multi-purpose cleaner?

It takes only a few minutes to prepare. Simply combine the ingredients in a clean spray bottle, secure the lid tightly and shake before every use to keep the solution evenly mixed.

Then spray a small amount onto the chosen surface and wipe it with a microfibre cloth, which helps remove dirt without leaving lint behind.

• 480 ml white vinegar
• 480 ml water
• 10 to 12 drops of your preferred essential oil
• Clean spray bottle
• Microfibre cloth
• Label to identify the bottle’s contents

Where can this multi-purpose cleaner be used?

This solution is suitable for several washable surfaces around the home, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. It can help remove light dirt and grease caused by daily use.

However, vinegar should not be used on marble, unsealed granite, travertine or other natural stones, as its acidity may damage the finish. It is also unsuitable for unprotected wood or electronic equipment.

• Laminate worktops
• Wall tiles
• Stainless-steel sinks
• The exterior of the fridge
• Painted cupboards
• Glass and mirrors, finished with a dry cloth

What precautions are important before using this mixture?

Although it is a useful companion for everyday cleaning, this cleaner is not a replacement for a registered disinfectant when the aim is to eliminate microorganisms on surfaces requiring sanitisation. In those situations, use suitable products and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Never mix vinegar with bleach or other chemical products either, as this combination can release dangerous gases. Label the spray bottle clearly and store it somewhere cool, out of the reach of children and pets.

Make your own cleaner and simplify household cleaning

With only three ingredients and a few minutes of preparation, you can make a homemade multi-purpose cleaner to support everyday cleaning in different areas of the home. As well as being economical, it uses easy-to-find ingredients and lets you select the scent that best suits your home.

When used on appropriate surfaces and with the necessary precautions, this cleaner can become a practical aid for keeping worktops, tiles and other areas clean.