Looking for a cheap, safe, and effective way to clean your home without relying on expensive store-bought products? You’re not alone. Whether you're a frugal living enthusiast, a DIY cleaning pro, or just someone tired of paying $5+ per bottle for name-brand sprays, learning how to make your own all-purpose cleaner at home is one of the easiest and most rewarding swaps you can make.
This simple recipe will become your go-to for kitchens, bathrooms, windows, and more — and it costs just pennies per bottle.
Why Make Your Own All-Purpose Cleaner?
From a frugal living standpoint, store-bought cleaners are one of those sneaky budget killers. A single trip down the cleaning aisle could leave you with three or four bottles priced at $4–$7 each. But here's the truth: you don’t need all that.
By switching to a homemade all-purpose cleaner, you're not only saving money — you're also reducing plastic waste, avoiding harsh chemicals, and simplifying your life.
And the best part? It takes less than 2 minutes to make.
✨ What You’ll Need (Just 3 Simple Ingredients!)
Ingredients:
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1 part white vinegar – natural degreaser and disinfectant
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1 part water – helps dilute and stretch your vinegar
1 small squirt dish soap - helps to cut grease, oils, or sticky messes
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10–20 drops essential oil (optional) – lemon, lavender, or tea tree for scent and extra antibacterial boost
Supplies:
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A clean, empty spray bottle (reuse one if you can!)
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A funnel (optional, but makes pouring easier)
🧪 Step-by-Step: How to Make Your Own All-Purpose Cleaner at Home
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Add 1 part of vinegar to the spray bottle.
Frugal Tip: Buy vinegar in gallon jugs at dollar stores or wholesale clubs for under $3. -
Add 1 part of water.
Frugal Tip: Use distilled water if storing for long periods, but tap water is fine for everyday use. Add dish soap.
Frugal Tip: Dish soap is a non-abrastive detergent and expands the use to cover nearly any type of solid surface.-
Add essential oils (optional).
Lemon = clean, citrusy smell. Tea tree = great for mold and mildew.
Frugal Tip: If you don’t have oils, toss in a handful of citrus peels and let it infuse for a few days. -
Shake gently before each use.
Frugal Tip: Label your bottle with the recipe and date so you never forget what’s inside.
🏠 Best Places to Use This Homemade Cleaner
This easy vinegar-based cleaner for daily use can be used almost anywhere around the house. Here’s where it shines:
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Kitchen counters & stovetops
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Bathroom sinks & tubs
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Microwaves, fridges, and appliance fronts
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Glass and mirrors (wipe with a microfiber cloth)
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Doorknobs, remotes, and high-touch areas
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Trash cans and pet areas
⚠️ Avoid on stone surfaces like granite or marble – vinegar can damage natural stone over time.
💰 How Much Can You Save?
Let’s break it down.
Cost of homemade cleaner per 16 oz bottle:
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Vinegar (1 cup): ~$0.10
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Water: Free
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Essential oil: ~$0.10 (optional)
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Bottle: Reused
TOTAL: $0.10–$0.25 per bottle
🆚
Store-bought cleaners: $3.50–$6.00+ each
Potential savings:
Use one bottle a week? That’s $180–$300/year saved just from switching this one product!
💡 Bonus Frugal Living Tips for DIY Cleaning
✅ Reuse Spray Bottles
Instead of buying new ones, clean out old glass cleaner or disinfectant bottles. Rinse thoroughly.
✅ Infuse Vinegar with Citrus
Save lemon, orange, or grapefruit peels in a jar of vinegar for 1–2 weeks. Strain, then use in your recipe for a natural scent.
✅ Mix in Small Batches
Make 16 oz at a time for freshness. Larger batches may lose potency or scent if stored too long.
✅ Customize the Scent
Use different essential oils for seasonal scents: peppermint in winter, citrus in summer.
🧽 Real-World Use Case
Before:
Ashley, a mom of three from Ohio, was spending nearly $25/month on brand-name kitchen and bathroom sprays — and worried about what her toddler was breathing in.
After:
She switched to this homemade cleaner and now spends less than $1/month on cleaning solution. Her home smells great, and she’s at peace knowing what’s in her products.
💬 Final Thoughts: You Don't Need to Spend a Fortune to Keep a Clean Home
This frugal living DIY cleaning spray proves that you can have a sparkling home without buying a dozen products or exposing your family to harsh chemicals. It’s cheap, it works, and once you try it — you won’t go back.
👉 Ready to ditch overpriced cleaners?
Try this homemade recipe today! Share your favorite scent combos in the comments or pin this post to your DIY cleaning board on Pinterest!
📌 Don’t Forget to Save It for Later:
Pin this post on Pinterest → “Best Homemade Cleaner for Kitchens and Bathrooms”
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