DIY 3 Ingredient Cleaner

Making your own multi-purpose cleaner is simple, inexpensive, safe, and sustainable. The best part? You can customize the scent (or make it scent-free). The options are endless!

Have you ever read the labels on the back of your every day household cleaners? Many over the counter cleaners contain harmful ingredients that can be hazardous to both your health and the environment. Our DIY cleaner is vinegar based, which means it is 100% food-safe, yet strong enough to kill germs without any toxic chemicals. This cleaner is so easy to make and works so well, it will surely become a kitchen staple in your home. Check out our 3-ingredient multi-purpose cleaner recipe below!

DIY Multi-Purpose Cleaner

3 Ingredient Cleaner:

  • White Vinegar
  • Water
  • Essential Oil

Supplies:

Prep:

Clean and rinse your spray bottle if you are reusing an old one.

Directions:

  1. Fill the spray bottle halfway with vinegar 
  2. Fill the rest of the spray bottle up with water
  3. Add 5-10 drops of your preferred essential oil or 2-5 drops of 2 different essential oils if you want to mix it up. My favorite combinations are either 10 drops lemongrass or 5 drops lavender/5 drops eucalyptus.
  4. Shake and spray!

That's it! It really is that simple.

You can modify this recipe to make the scent more or less strong depending on your personal preference by adding more or less drops of essential oil. Keep in mind that the vinegar will have a strong scent at first but will fade to be completely unnoticeable within 10 minutes of cleaning (kind of like any cleaner you've ever used - except this one isn't toxic!).

Here are some easy ways to modify this recipe for special surfaces:

Glass Cleaner

If you are planning to clean glass or mirrors, then leave the essential oil out or you will be left with streaks.

Stainless Steel

For stainless steel appliances, replace the essential oil with a tablespoon of olive oil for added shine.

Important Note: Do not use on waxed wood or natural stone surfaces as the acidity of the vinegar can remove the shine.