Easy DIY All-Purpose Cleaner with Vinegar

Spring cleaning is coming! With the beginning of the new season, many of us get the urge to declutter, do some spring cleaning and start fresh. Oftentimes, the cleaners we are using aren’t so fresh at all, but, harmful. That’s why I started making my own DIY all-purpose cleaner. The best part? You probably already have the ingredients in your home! Using what you have on hand to make everyday products is a great way to keep plastic from going to landfill, and save you some money in the process!

Want a chemical-free home?           

Did you know that many common household cleaners emit Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)? 

VOC’s have been linked to many different health issues and in a study conducted by Environmental Defense Canada, the houses that used conventional cleaners had levels of VOCS above the recommend exposure for indoor air quality. Yikes! The toxic chemicals you find in many cleaners react with one another. When you’re mixing cleaners, you may potentially be mixing up dangerous effects. When using a homemade all-purpose cleaner you know exactly what is in it. Rest easy knowing what is getting sprayed in your home!

Simple ingredients you already have!

With simple, accessible ingredients, this DIY all-purpose cleaner is an easy swap to make during your zero waste journey. All you need to get started is white distilled vinegar and citrus peels of any kind. My favorite is grapefruit but you can use any kind of citrus fruit that you enjoy in your day-to-day life like lemons, limes and oranges. Give your food waste a second life before composting! Once you have your homemade all purpose cleaner you will need a reusable spray bottle. Opt for a glass bottle. Even better, up-cycle a plastic one you already have! Here’s how to do it:

DIY All Purpose Cleaner 

Step 1: Stuff a sealable container with citrus peels.

Step 2: Fill the container to the top with white distilled vinegar.

Step 3: Seal the container and leave in a dark place for 4-6 weeks.

Step 4: After 4-6 weeks, give the container a good shake and strain. You don’t want to leave anything that may clog your spray bottle.

Step 5: Compost the citrus peels, and pour mixture into a reusable spray bottle.

Step 6: Optional: If you find the cleaner to be too strong, dilute with water. Try different amounts of water to cleaner as you go to see what you like.

Step 7: Optional: Add essential oils. If you’re not super into the original scent or just want to switch it up, this is a great way to do it!

Easy, simple and fresh!

That’s how easy it is! Use as normal. The hardest part is the waiting, especially when you are eager to get rid of your toxic cleaners! The longer you wait though, the less vinegar you smell in the final product. So if you’re cool with the vinegar smell, you don’t have to wait. 

Again, don’t forget to compost your citrus peels once your cleaner is ready to use.  Composting is a great step on your journey to zero waste living. It gives items you would normally throw away a new life and can stop the use of chemical fertilizers. 30% or our waste is made up of food and yard waste and by composting, you’re helping eliminate waste and chemicals from the environment.

I️ hope you enjoy this plastic free, chemical free, all-purpose cleaner!