Homemade All-Purpose Cleaner with Vinegar

One simple spray for everyday kitchen and bathroom cleaning — made in 5 minutes from two pantry staples.

Quick facts: 5 minutes to make, makes one 500 ml spray bottle, 1:1 vinegar to water, keeps well for 1 month if labelled.

Ingredients

• 250 ml (1 cup) distilled white vinegar, 5% acidity
• 250 ml (1 cup) water — distilled is best if your tap water is hard
• Optional for scent: 5-10 drops lemon or tea tree essential oil, or a strip of lemon peel

You will need:

• Clean 500 ml spray bottle
• Measuring jug and a funnel
• Microfibre cloth
• A label and a pen for the bottle

Step-by-Step Method

1. Start with a clean bottle. Rinse the spray bottle with warm water so no old cleaner is left inside.
2. Pour in the vinegar. Using the funnel, add 250 ml of distilled white vinegar to the bottle.
3. Add the water. Top up with 250 ml of water, leaving a small gap at the top so the spray head fits.
4. Add scent, if using. Add the essential oil drops or lemon peel, then fit the spray head and shake gently.
5. Label the bottle. Write the name, the ingredients and today’s date on the label.

How to Use

• Test on a small, hidden patch first and wait 5 minutes
• Spray the surface lightly until it is just damp, not soaked
• Leave for 1-2 minutes on greasy or sticky marks
• Wipe clean with a microfibre cloth
• Buff glass, mirrors and taps dry for a streak-free finish
• Rinse food-preparation surfaces with plain water after wiping

Where This Cleaner Works Best

Great for:

• Glass, windows and mirrors
• Sealed kitchen worktops and tiles
• Sinks, taps and shower screens
• The outside of appliances
• Sealed floor tiles and laminate
• Bins, door handles and light switches

Never use on:

• Marble, granite, travertine or any natural stone
• Waxed wood and hardwood floors — vinegar dulls the finish
• Cast iron and aluminium — it can discolour the metal
• Rubber seals and gaskets with repeated use
• Phone, tablet and TV screens

Safety and Storage Checklist

• Never mix vinegar with bleach — together they create a harmful gas
• Never mix vinegar and hydrogen peroxide in the same bottle
• Do not add baking soda to the bottle — it neutralises the vinegar and weakens the cleaner
• Keep the labelled bottle out of reach of children and pets
• Store in a cool cupboard away from direct sunlight
• Make a fresh batch after 1 month, and rinse the bottle before refilling
• Wear gloves if your skin is sensitive, and open a window while you clean

Looking for more free printables? See all free printables on our Cleaning Resources page.