There’s something genuinely satisfying about cleaning with a spray you made yourself. It’s cheaper, you can control the scent, and you know exactly what’s inside. The key is keeping it simple—no complicated “18-ingredient” mixes that end up unused at the back of the cupboard.

Below are DIY all-purpose cleaner recipes that are practical, effective, and easy to make. I’ll also show you where each one works best, what to avoid, and how to store them safely.

(Internal link idea: Winter Cleaning Tips for a Warm, Fresh Home → /blog/winter-cleaning-tips-warm-fresh-home)

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Before You Start: A Quick Safety Note

DIY cleaners can work brilliantly, but safe use matters.

Always:

• Label every bottle (recipe + date)

• Keep out of reach of kids/pets

• Patch test on a small hidden area first

Never mix:

• Vinegar + bleach (dangerous fumes)

• Hydrogen peroxide + vinegar in the same bottle (can create irritating compounds)

If you’re unsure about a surface, stick to mild soap and water.

(Internal link idea: Deep Cleaning Service → /services/deep-cleaning)

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What Makes a Good DIY All-Purpose Cleaner?

A good all-purpose cleaner should:

• Cut light grease

• Lift everyday grime

• Wipe down surfaces without leaving residue

• Be fast to mix and easy to repeat

You don’t need something “strong” for daily wipe-downs—you need something consistent.

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1) The Everyday Vinegar All-Purpose Spray (Classic & Reliable)

Best for:

Kitchen benches, stovetops (when cool), bathroom sinks, tiles, glass, stainless steel (light use)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup white vinegar

• 1 cup water

• Optional: 10–20 drops essential oil (lemon, eucalyptus, or tea tree)

Instructions:

1. Pour water and vinegar into a spray bottle.

2. Add essential oil (optional).

3. Shake gently before each use.

How to use:

Spray, wait 30–60 seconds, then wipe with a microfibre cloth.

Avoid on: natural stone (marble, granite), waxed surfaces, unsealed grout, hardwood floors.

(Internal link idea: Kitchen Cleaning Tips → /blog/kitchen-cleaning-tips)

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2) The Gentle Soap-Based All-Purpose Cleaner (Vinegar-Free)

If you dislike the vinegar smell—or need a safer option for more surfaces—this one is excellent.

Best for:

Sealed wood, laminate, painted walls, general wipe-downs, kid-friendly areas

Ingredients:

• 2 cups warm water

• 1 teaspoon mild liquid dish soap

• Optional: a few drops essential oil

Instructions:

1. Add dish soap to warm water in a spray bottle.

2. Shake slowly (don’t foam it up too much).

How to use:

Spray lightly and wipe. For greasy spots, use a bit more and wipe twice.

Why it works: dish soap breaks down oils without being harsh.

(Internal link idea: Regular House Cleaning → /services/regular-house-cleaning)

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3) The Degreasing Citrus Cleaner (Great for Winter Kitchens)

This one feels “fresh” and works well on greasy fingerprints and cooking residue.

Best for:

Stovetop areas, splashbacks, cabinet fronts, rangehood exterior, bins (outside wipe)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups warm water

• 1 teaspoon dish soap

• 1 tablespoon white vinegar (optional, for extra cut)

• Zest or peel from 1 lemon/orange (optional for scent)

Instructions:

1. Mix warm water and dish soap.

2. Add vinegar if you want extra grease-cutting power.

3. For peel: steep citrus peel in the bottle for a few hours, then remove.

Avoid peel storage long-term: peel can spoil over time. If you use peel, make smaller batches.

(Internal link idea: Post-Holiday Cleanup → /blog/post-holiday-cleanup-how-to-recover-from-the-mess)

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4) Hydrogen Peroxide Spray (For Bathroom “Freshness”)

This isn’t your everyday all-purpose cleaner, but it’s excellent as a bathroom booster—especially for sinks and toilet exteriors.

Best for:

Bathroom sink, toilet exterior, light mildew areas, grout touch-ups (spot use)

Ingredients:

• 3% hydrogen peroxide (store-bought)

• Spray bottle (preferably dark/opaque)

Instructions:

Use it straight from the bottle in a spray container.

How to use:

Spray, let sit 5 minutes, wipe clean.

Important:

• Don’t mix with vinegar in the same bottle.

• Store away from sunlight (it breaks down over time).

(Internal link idea: Bathroom Deep Clean Checklist → /blog/bathroom-deep-clean-checklist)

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5) The “No-Streak” Glass & Mirror Spray

This is perfect for windows, mirrors, and shiny surfaces.

Best for:

Mirrors, windows, glass tables

Ingredients:

• 2 cups water

• 2 tablespoons white vinegar

• 1 tablespoon rubbing alcohol (optional, speeds drying)

Instructions:

Mix in a spray bottle. Wipe with a lint-free cloth or microfibre.

Tip: Clean glass on a cooler part of the day—heat can cause streaks.

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The Biggest DIY Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Mistake 1: Using vinegar on stone
It can etch marble and granite. Use soap-based spray instead.

Mistake 2: Making huge batches
Small batches stay fresh and smell better.

Mistake 3: Using the wrong cloth
Microfibre makes a bigger difference than people think. It grabs grime instead of smearing it.

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Which DIY Cleaner Should You Use Where?

Here’s a simple guide:

• Kitchen benches (non-stone): Vinegar spray or soap-based

• Stone benches (marble/granite): Soap-based only

• Cabinet fronts: Soap-based or citrus degreaser

• Bathroom sink/tiles: Vinegar spray or peroxide (spot)

• Mirrors/windows: No-streak spray

• Painted walls: Soap-based (light spray)

(Internal link idea: Deep Cleaning → /services/deep-cleaning)

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Optional: “Scent Boost” Without Overpowering the Room

If you want your home to smell clean—not like a perfume shop:

• Use lemon or eucalyptus oils sparingly

• Keep it to 10 drops per bottle, then adjust

• Try a “fresh air reset”: open windows for 10 minutes while you clean

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Storage Tips (So These Stay Useful)

• Label bottles with recipe + date

• Store in a cool cupboard away from sunlight

• Make vinegar sprays monthly (or when smell changes)

• Keep peroxide in an opaque bottle and replace if it stops fizzing on contact

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When DIY Isn’t Enough (And That’s Fine)

DIY cleaners are perfect for daily maintenance. But for heavy grease, built-up soap scum, mould issues, or a full-home reset, professional cleaning saves time and delivers a deeper result.

(Internal link idea: Book a Deep Clean → /services/deep-cleaning)

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Suggested Internal Links (SEO + engagement)

• /blog/kitchen-cleaning-tips

• /blog/bathroom-deep-clean-checklist

• /blog/winter-cleaning-tips-warm-fresh-home

• /blog/post-holiday-cleanup-how-to-recover-from-the-mess

• /services/regular-house-cleaning

• /services/deep-cleaning

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FAQ (Optional, SEO-friendly)

What is the best homemade all-purpose cleaner?
For everyday cleaning, a soap-and-water spray is the most versatile. Vinegar-based sprays work well for non-stone surfaces and general grime.

Can I use vinegar all over my home?
Not everywhere. Avoid vinegar on marble, granite, natural stone, and some wood finishes. Use a gentle soap-based cleaner for those.

Do DIY cleaners disinfect?
Some DIY mixes help reduce germs, but not all are true disinfectants. For high-risk situations, use a proper disinfectant according to label directions.