How to Make Your Own All-Purpose Cleaner for Under $1

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Tired of dropping way too much money on cleaning supplies that smell weird and are filled with ingredients no one can pronounce?

Want a full collection of natural cleaning solutions that actually smell amazing? Start with the full roundup: Top DIY Cleaning Recipes with Essential Oils. It’s the go-to for mixing, storing, and using essential-oil-based cleaners that really work.

Making your own cleaner sounds like a big Pinterest fantasy—until you actually do it and realize how ridiculously easy it is. This DIY all-purpose cleaner? It works like magic on kitchen counters, bathroom sinks, and even that mystery grime on the baseboards. And yep, it costs less than a dollar.

A flat lay of DIY cleaner ingredients arranged on a white kitchen counter, including a glass spray bottle, a measuring cup of water, two bowls of white powder, and two small bottles of essential oils.

🧽 How to Make Your Own All-Purpose Cleaner for Under $1

This cleaner is perfect for anyone who wants to keep things simple, low-tox, and affordable. No complicated process. No sketchy chemicals. Just a few pantry basics and some essential oils to make the house smell like you’ve got your life together (even if it’s only for a minute).

💰 Why Make Your Own?

First, it’s cheap. Like super cheap. You probably already have most of what you need. Second, it’s safe—especially if you’ve got kids, pets, or just a nose that can’t deal with those overpowering store-bought scents. Third, it just works. It’s tough on grease, smells fresh, and wipes surfaces squeaky clean.

And let’s be honest, it’s pretty satisfying to whip up a cleaner with stuff from your kitchen and feel like a domestic wizard while you spray it on your stove.

🧴 What You’ll Need

Here’s everything that goes into this little cleaning powerhouse:

1 cup distilled white vinegar
1 cup water
1 tablespoon baking soda
10–20 drops essential oil (lemon, lavender, tea tree, eucalyptus—go wild)
Optional: 1 tsp mild dish soap for extra grease-busting power
Clean spray bottle (glass if you’re fancy, plastic works fine too)

Not a fan of the vinegar smell? Lemon or lavender essential oil will totally help balance it out. Once it dries, there’s barely any scent left behind—just freshness.

🧪 How to Make It

Start by mixing your vinegar and water in a big bowl or large measuring cup. Add the baking soda slowly—if you dump it all in at once, you’re getting a foamy science fair eruption (ask me how I know 😜). Once the fizz settles, stir in the essential oils and dish soap (if using).

Carefully pour everything into your spray bottle using a funnel or steady hand. Give it a little shake and you’re ready to go.

Shake it before each use, just to remix everything. And don’t forget: label your bottle so nobody accidentally tries to drink it (it’s happened, okay?).

A labeled spray bottle of homemade all-purpose cleaner sits on a bright kitchen counter next to halved lemons, a bowl of baking soda, amber essential oil bottles, and a beige cleaning cloth.

🧼 Where It Works Best

This cleaner is seriously versatile. Use it on:

Countertops (except natural stone)
Bathroom sinks and tubs
Fridge shelves
Doorknobs and light switches
Inside of microwaves
Trash can lids
Even yoga mats

🚫 Do not use it on marble or granite—vinegar can eat away at the sealant and ruin the finish. Stick to sealed, non-porous surfaces and you’re golden.

🖨️ Make It Look Cute

Homemade things are even better when they look Pinterest-worthy. That’s why there’s a free printable label to slap on your spray bottle. It’s minimalist, modern, and fits just about any bottle size. Grab it below and add that little pro-level touch to your DIY cleaning kit.

✨ Download the free printable label here

🛒 Supplies You Might Love

Want to make it extra aesthetic? These glass amber spray bottles are reusable, eco-friendly, and totally vibe with the clean-girl look. Plus, they protect the essential oils from light, which helps the cleaner last longer.

While you’re building your DIY cleaning stash, check out these Essential Oils Recipe Cards & More. They come in handy in so many situations!