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My all purpose non cleaner is a versatile and eco-friendly solution designed to tackle a variety of cleaning tasks around the home. Formulated with natural ingredients, it effectively cuts through grease, grime, and dirt without the use of harsh chemicals.
Safe for use on multiple surfaces including countertops, floors, and bathrooms, our cleaner not only ensures a sparkling clean home but also promotes a healthier living environment.
Perfect for families and individuals seeking a green alternative, it combines powerful cleaning performance with the peace of mind that comes from using a product that is gentle on both the planet and your home.
❤️ Why You’ll Love My All Purpose Cleaner
You’ll love my homemade all purpose cleaner because it combines the power of nature with unparalleled versatility, making it your go-to solution for every cleaning need. And bonus, it is crafted from non-toxic, biodegradable ingredients.
The refreshing, natural scent leaves your home smelling delightful without the harsh, artificial fragrances found in conventional cleaners. Plus, by choosing our cleaner, you’re making an eco-conscious choice that reduces chemical exposure and supports a healthier environment.
Experience the satisfaction of a sparkling clean home with a product that truly cares for you and the planet.
🧽 All Purpose Cleaner: Materials
Vinegar, particularly white vinegar, is a powerful all-purpose cleaner due to its acidity, which makes it effective in a variety of cleaning applications. Here are several reasons why vinegar is so effective:
1. Acidic Nature
Vinegar typically contains around 5% acetic acid. This acidity can break down mineral deposits, grease, grime, and dirt, making it useful for cleaning surfaces like countertops, windows, and floors.
2. Antibacterial Properties
While not as strong as commercial disinfectants, vinegar does have mild antibacterial properties. It can help reduce the presence of some bacteria and is often used in combination with other cleaning agents for enhanced efficacy.
3. Deodorizing Ability
Vinegar neutralizes odors by breaking down the volatile compounds that cause them. It’s often used to remove smells from fabrics, refrigerators, and other areas where odors can linger.
4. Non-Toxic and Environmentally Friendly
Vinegar is safe to use around pets and children and doesn’t produce harmful fumes. It’s biodegradable and environmentally friendly, making it a preferred choice for eco-conscious households.
🧼 How to Do: All Purpose Cleaner
For a video to walk you through how to create and use my All Purpose Cleaner, check out my Instagram!
🪄 Tips and Tricks
Here are my tips and tricks to maximize the effectiveness of cleaning with vinegar:
1. Enhance Vinegar’s Cleaning Power with Baking Soda
Combine vinegar with baking soda to tackle tough stains and grime. The chemical reaction between the acidic vinegar and the basic baking soda creates a powerful foaming action that can help lift dirt and stains.
- How to Use: Sprinkle baking soda on the surface you want to clean (e.g., sinks, bathtubs, stovetops), then spray vinegar over it. Let the mixture foam and sit for a few minutes before scrubbing and rinsing.
2. Deodorize and Clean the Microwave
Use vinegar to easily clean and deodorize your microwave.
- How to Use: Fill a microwave-safe bowl with a mixture of half water and half vinegar. Microwave on high for 5 minutes, allowing the steam to loosen grime. Carefully remove the bowl and wipe down the interior with a cloth or sponge.
3. Shine Glass and Mirrors
Vinegar is excellent for cleaning windows and mirrors, leaving them streak-free and sparkling.
- How to Use: Mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto the glass surface and wipe with a lint-free cloth or paper towel. For extra shine, polish with a dry microfiber cloth.
4. Remove Mineral Deposits from Showerheads
Vinegar can dissolve mineral deposits and lime scale that accumulate in showerheads.
- How to Use: Fill a plastic bag with vinegar and secure it around the showerhead with a rubber band. Let it soak for a few hours or overnight. Remove the bag and run the shower to rinse.
5. Freshen Up Laundry
Vinegar can act as a natural fabric softener and deodorizer for your laundry.
- How to Use: Add 1/2 to 1 cup of white vinegar to the fabric softener compartment of your washing machine during the rinse cycle. This will help soften clothes, remove odors, and reduce static cling. For stubborn odors, you can pre-soak the clothes in a mixture of vinegar and water before washing.
Additional Tips
- Test on Small Areas First: Before using vinegar on a new surface, test it on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure it doesn’t cause damage or discoloration.
- Avoid Certain Surfaces: Do not use vinegar on natural stone, egg stains, or certain hardwood finishes to prevent damage.
- Add Essential Oils: If you find the smell of vinegar too strong, add a few drops of essential oils to your cleaning solutions to mask the odor and leave a pleasant scent.
By following these tips and tricks, you can make the most of vinegar’s cleaning power for a variety of household tasks.
🗒 Variations
If you are anything like me, you love essential oils! Well, have you ever tried cleaning with essential oils? Read on to learn more!
Adding essential oils to your homemade organic all-natural cleaner not only enhances its cleaning power but also infuses your space with a pleasant aroma. Essential oils like lemon, tea tree, lavender, and eucalyptus have natural antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties that complement the cleaning efficacy of vinegar.
Simply adding a few drops of your favorite essential oil to a vinegar-based cleaner can mask the strong vinegar scent and provide additional disinfecting benefits. This simple addition can transform your cleaning routine, making it more enjoyable and effective while ensuring your home remains free from harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances.
🗒 Substitutions
If you’re looking for alternatives to vinegar for your all purpose cleaner and other cleaners, there are several effective options. These substitutes can offer similar cleaning power while catering to specific preferences or sensitivities. Here are some popular choices that I love:
1. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is a natural acid that can effectively cut through grease and grime, similar to vinegar. It also has a fresh, pleasant scent and natural antibacterial properties.
- How to Use: Mix equal parts of lemon juice and water in a spray bottle for a versatile cleaner.
2. Baking Soda
Baking soda is a mild abrasive that can tackle tough stains, deodorize, and act as a gentle scrubbing agent. It works well on its own or combined with other ingredients.
- How to Use: Make a paste with baking soda and a small amount of water for scrubbing surfaces or sprinkle it on surfaces before spraying with a cleaner.
3. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful disinfectant and bleach alternative, effective at killing bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
- How to Use: Use a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution undiluted in a spray bottle, or mix it with water in equal parts for a gentler cleaner.
4. Castile Soap
Castile soap is a plant-based, biodegradable soap that can clean a variety of surfaces without harsh chemicals.
- How to Use: Mix a few tablespoons of liquid castile soap with water in a spray bottle. For added cleaning power, you can combine it with a few drops of essential oils.
5. Vodka
Vodka can serve as a disinfectant and deodorizer, effectively cutting through grease and grime. It evaporates quickly and leaves no residue.
- How to Use: Mix equal parts of vodka and water in a spray bottle. You can add essential oils for fragrance and additional cleaning properties.
6. Rubbing Alcohol (Isopropyl Alcohol)
Rubbing alcohol is a powerful disinfectant that evaporates quickly, making it ideal for cleaning electronics and surfaces that can’t be exposed to moisture for long.
- How to Use: Mix equal parts of rubbing alcohol and water in a spray bottle. Be cautious when using on certain surfaces as it can damage finishes.
🫙 How to Store
Store your all purpose cleaner in a well-sealed spray bottle, away from direct sunlight and heat, to maintain its efficacy.
🤔 Common Questions
I would suggest NOT using acidic cleaners on granite. However, most homemade non toxic cleaners are safe for a variety of surfaces, including countertops, glass, tile, and wood. But, PLEASE, it is always best to test a small, inconspicuous area first.
When used properly, these cleaners typically do not leave a residue. Using too much baking soda or not rinsing well can sometimes leave a film.
Yes, homemade non-toxic cleaners are generally safe to use around children and pets, as they do not contain harmful chemicals.
All Purpose Cleaner
Ingredients
- 1 part White vinegar, I prefer organic
- 1 part Water
- 1 Lemon rind
- 2 Rosemary sprigs, optional
Instructions
- Combine the above ingredients together, in a spray bottle or an extra bottle and let infuse for a week before using.
- Besides a fresh scent, the lemon rind may help boost cleaning power.
- I use this for so much including hard water stains.
- Caution: Do not use acidic cleaners on granite.