3 Homemade All-Purpose Cleaners That Actually Work, Using Common Household Ingredients - Insider

• Making your own all-purpose cleaner is convenient and inexpensive.
• A combination of vinegar and water is a popular all-purpose cleaner.
• Use hydrogen peroxide for disinfection.

All-purpose cleaners offer a quick and convenient way to clean everything from countertops to windows. Still, there's no need to buy a specialty product because you can make an effective all-purpose cleaner at home, says Vera Peterson, president of Molly Maid .

Homemade cleaning products use ingredients you probably already have in your pantry and can stand up to commercial options, says Alicia Johnson, CEO of Cleaning Green LLC .

Here's how to make an all-purpose cleaner using ingredients you probably already have on hand.

Common household all-purpose cleaner ingredients

Most household all-purpose cleaners use vinegar. Vinegar has a low pH, which means it's acidic. This makes it ideal for cleaning up basic dirt that we find in our homes, Johnson says. Vinegar can remove dirt and oils and kill some bacteria, although it's not the best disinfectant . Lemon is also popular because it's acidic enough to lift dirt and leave a great scent.

If you want more cleaning power for areas like the bathroom or for sanitizing, use a diluted bleach solution or hydrogen peroxide , says Peterson. Both kill germs. and most households already have the ingredients on hand.

Quick tip: Opt for a microfiber cloth , which attracts and collects dust, dirt, and germs more effectively than other cloths or paper products, Peterson says.

Cleaner 1: vinegar and water

All-purpose cleaner is a mixture of vinegar and water, says Peterson.

To do this, mix 1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar with 2 cups of water. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil or a squeeze of lemon for flavor; Because these are in low concentrations, they are safe for more surfaces. Gently stir the mixture and store in a plastic spray bottle for as long as needed.

Application: Spray the mixture on countertops, windows or carpet spills. Wipe clean with a damp cloth and store in a bottle until next time.

Surfaces to Avoid : Don't use vinegar on tile, grout, or wood because the acid can damage those materials, Johnson says.

Quick tip: Many essential oils, including cinnamon, citrus, and peppermint, can be hazardous to pets , so avoid the smell if you have pets around.

Cleanser 2: Vinegar and Borax

Borax is a powdered alkaline substance that can clean many surfaces.

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Borax is similar to baking soda but more basic, giving it extra cleaning power. When combined with acidic vinegar, borax can remove stains from toilets, showers, and carpets.

Directions : Just before use, prepare this cleaner by mixing ¼ cup vinegar with 1 cup borax. If you don't have borax, you can substitute baking soda. Apply the mixture to the area to be cleaned, wait five minutes and then clean. For problematic towel stains, leave the paste on overnight.

Surfaces to Avoid: Borax is generally safe for household surfaces, but it can sometimes stain carpets, so test on an inconspicuous area before using. It's generally safe to clean with, but avoid inhaling borax, which can cause poisoning.

Cleaner 3: hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful disinfectant that can work even in hospital rooms.

"This all-purpose cleaner is best for kitchen and bathroom cleaning because it kills germs at a professional level and leaves a pleasant scent behind," says Johnson.  

Use: Pour into a spray bottle and add a few drops of essential oil or lemon for extra fragrance if desired. Spray hydrogen peroxide on the surface and wipe with a microfiber cloth. Store the vial for as long as necessary, but keep it away from light as this may reduce its effectiveness.

Surfaces to Avoid: Hydrogen peroxide can be used on most surfaces, but should never be mixed directly with vinegar. Their combination can form peracetic acid , which is corrosive and can irritate the skin.

Quick tip: cleaning will remove dirt and grime, but for disinfecting, consider using a bacteria-killing agent, like hydrogen peroxide. Sanitize frequently used areas of the home, like doorknobs and faucets, two to three times a week, says Peterson.

Insider Conclusions

It's easy to make an all-purpose cleaner using ingredients you have around the house like vinegar, borax, and baking soda. Natural cleaning agents like a combination of vinegar and water are great for everyday cleaning tasks. However, if you need to disinfect, use a cleaning agent that can kill bacteria, such as B. hydrogen peroxide.

Kelly Burch

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