Most conventional all-purpose cleaners contain a cocktail of synthetic surfactants, artificial fragrance, and preservatives that linger on every surface you clean. A review of household cleaners by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) found that many common products contain ingredients linked to respiratory irritation, skin sensitization, and environmental concerns. The good news? You can make an effective, genuinely clean all-purpose cleaner at home with just a few simple ingredients — in about five minutes.
What You Need
Ingredients
- 1 cup distilled water
- 1 cup white distilled vinegar (5% acidity) — we use Lucy's Distilled White Vinegar
- 15 drops tea tree essential oil
- 10 drops lemon essential oil
- 5 drops lavender essential oil (optional) — Plant Therapy Organic Lavender is our pick
Tools
- 16 oz glass spray bottle — see our pick below
- Small funnel (optional but helpful)
Our bottle pick: Glass Spray Bottles 16 oz Clear with Silicone Sleeve — 2 Pack. Clear glass, BPA-free, silicone sleeve to prevent breakage. Perfect for this recipe.
How to Make It
- Pour the distilled water into your glass spray bottle.
- Add the white vinegar.
- Add your essential oils.
- Screw on the spray nozzle and shake gently to combine.
- Label your bottle and store at room temperature away from direct sunlight.
That's it. Total time: under 5 minutes. Budget-friendly: Once you have the basic ingredients on hand, each batch can be inexpensive to make.
How to Use It
Use this spray only on surfaces whose manufacturer permits vinegar-based cleaning. Follow the surface or appliance manufacturer's care instructions; when uncertain, test first in a small, inconspicuous area. These examples are not a guarantee of compatibility with every countertop, appliance, cabinet finish, or tile.
- Countertops — spray and wipe with a clean cloth
- Stovetop — spray, let sit 2 minutes, wipe
- Bathroom sink and tiles — spray and wipe
- Cabinet fronts and appliances — spray and buff dry
- Inside the refrigerator — use only if the appliance manufacturer's care instructions allow vinegar-based cleaning
Do not use on: natural stone, including marble and granite, or other acid-sensitive surfaces. Vinegar is acidic and can etch or damage these materials. Use a cleaner specifically designed for the material, and follow the surface or appliance manufacturer's care instructions. When uncertain about compatibility, test first in a small, inconspicuous area; a spot test is not a reason to use vinegar on natural stone or a surface known to be acid-sensitive.
Why These Ingredients Work
Distilled water — free of minerals that can leave streaks or residue on surfaces.
White vinegar — distilled white vinegar can help cut through grease, grime, mineral buildup, and everyday messes on compatible surfaces. This DIY formula is an everyday cleaning spray, not a disinfectant. Lucy's Distilled White Vinegar is our go-to — all natural and food-grade.
Important: This DIY spray is intended for everyday cleaning. It is not a substitute for an EPA-registered disinfectant when disinfection is needed.
Tea tree essential oil — included here for its scent. A study published in the NIH's National Library of Medicine discusses antimicrobial activity of tea tree oil, but research on an ingredient does not establish that this homemade spray disinfects surfaces. The Aura Cacia Essential Oils Kit includes tea tree and lavender — a great starter set for this recipe.
Lemon essential oil — adds natural degreasing power and a fresh, clean scent from d-limonene, a naturally occurring compound in citrus peel. The Cliganic Organic Essential Oils Set includes orange oil which works beautifully as a substitute for lemon.
Lavender essential oil — optional, but adds an herbal scent; it does not make this recipe a disinfectant. Plant Therapy Organic Lavender is USDA certified organic and KidSafe.
Tips for Best Results
- Always shake before use — the oils and water will separate between uses.
- Use microfiber cloths for the best streak-free result.
- Make a fresh batch every 4–6 weeks for optimal potency.
- Store away from direct sunlight — UV light can degrade essential oils over time.
- Label your bottle clearly, especially if you have kids at home.
If You'd Rather Skip the DIY — Clean Store-Bought Options We Love
No judgment if mixing your own isn't your thing. These are our go-to clean picks that do the work without the questionable ingredients.
ATTITUDE All Purpose Cleaner Spray — EWG Verified
99.7% natural origin ingredients, EWG Verified, plant-based, and citrus-scented. One of the cleanest store-bought all-purpose sprays you'll find. Simply spray and wipe — no rinsing required.
Shop ATTITUDE All Purpose Cleaner →
ATTITUDE Shower & Tile Cleaner Spray — EWG Verified
Same clean formula, purpose-built for bathrooms. EWG Verified, plant-based, and free from harsh chemicals. Great alongside your DIY spray — one for the kitchen, one for the bathroom.
Shop ATTITUDE Shower & Tile Cleaner →
Better Life Glass Cleaner — Streak-Free & Unscented
For mirrors, windows, and glass surfaces where your DIY vinegar spray might leave streaks, this plant-based Better Life Glass Cleaner is our go-to. No ammonia, no harsh smell, no synthetic fragrance. A clean home staple.
Shop Better Life Glass Cleaner →
When This DIY Cleaner Isn't the Right Choice
This simple spray works well for many everyday cleaning jobs, but one cleaner isn't ideal for every surface or situation. Use a cleaner specifically designed for natural stone and other acid-sensitive materials. For glass or specialty surfaces, follow the manufacturer's care recommendations. And when true disinfection is needed, use an EPA-registered disinfectant according to its label directions.