Homemade Multi-Purpose Cleaner
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One of the “zones” I like to tackle during my 15-minute evening pick-up routine are kitchen counters. I make sure they are clear of crumbs, and also do a quick spot check to get rid of sticky buildup, grease stains, or who knows what else lands on these germ-attracting surfaces.
I was really in love with the Mrs. Meyer’s spray {it smells SO good!}, but I wanted to see if I could whip up a batch for much less, and still eliminate that chemically smell.
Although I wouldn’t say this cleaner is an authentic Mrs. Meyer’s copycat {I’ll let you know when I find one!}, this solution from my favorite DIY book, Homemade: How to Make Hundreds of Everyday Products Fresh, Fast, and More Naturally, is quite impressive. It easily wipes away stains, and glides right across the stove tackling all those grease spots.
There’s not too much scrubbing involved either!
How to Make Your Own Multi-Purpose Cleaner
Step 1: Gather all ingredients and pour 2 cups of water into a clean 32 oz spray bottle {cheapest price is at the dollar store}, then use the same dish to mix together the rest of the ingredients.
Step 2: Pour remaining ingredients into spray bottle, and top with the last 1 cup of water.
Step 3: Write out label and attach to spray bottle. This is a really important step, because after you make a few of your own cleaners, you really don’t know which one is which! I also cover my label with a few pieces of tape so it doesn’t get ruined when wet.
Step 4: Shake bottle before each use, and spray all countertops, cabinets {non-wood}, stove, and appliances, then wipe down with a paper towel, damp cloth, or sponge.
Homemade Multi-Purpose Cleaner
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 32 oz bottle 1x
Ingredients
- 3 cups water
- 1/3 cup rubbing alcohol
- 1 tsp clear household ammonia
- 1 tsp mild dishwashing liquid
- 1/2 tsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in the spray bottle and shake well before each use.
- Spray on countertops, kitchen appliances, and fixtures.
- Wipe down with a clean cloth or damp sponge.
Notes
Do not use on wood surfaces.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Cost: $.43/bottle
I can’t believe how easy this homemade multi-purpose cleaner was to put together, and the cost is right up my ally too!
Although I wouldn’t say it smells good or bad, {I do get a whiff of the rubbing alcohol every now and then}, I wonder if a few drops of lemon essential oil might mask the alcohol smell, and make it more like my favorite Mrs. Meyers solution.
I’ll update this post when I’ve tried it, but for now, I’m pretty happy with the results!
Do you have a favorite multi-purpose cleaner?
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Might have to try this and add essential oil! I pay too much for my favorite multi-purpose cleaner [Basil scented Mrs. Meyers.. it smells SO clean and fresh!]
You will have to let me know how it works! 🙂
The Mrs. Meyer’s concentrate refill isn’t that expensive…I think you use 1/4 cup per gallon, so I use a few tbsp to refill the spray bottle. The bottle of concentrate (I got it for under $5 and you can regularly find different scents on sale at Target!) has lasted over a year, and not even halfway gone – not sure what the cost per bottle would end up being. But I get to keep enjoying the amazing smell that makes me happy when I clean!
I’ve never tried the refill before, so that’s good to know!
I’m going to pin this. I’ve tried a few DIY cleaners, but it’s always nice to try something new.
Agreed! I’m always switching out my cleaners too. 🙂
This is fantastic!! I cannot wait to make this!
Labeling is a very good reminder. More than once I’ve forgotten what’s in a spray bottle and at the time I was sure that I would remember.
This is fabulous! I’ve only really tried vinegar blends and this sounds awesome!
This is good to know! I use a homemade multipurpose cleaner that is vinegar, water and dawn dish soap. I would love to include some essential oils to make a fresh scent though!
I’d love to try this one to see if it is comparable!
What a great idea! I’ve never made my own cleaner before, but at $0.43 a bottle, that’s right up my alley. Thanks for the tips!
When I calculated the price, I was shocked at how low this cleaner actually costs!
Thank you for this post! I was just looking for it and I am glad I found it. 🙂 My son is allergic to many things and I am sure this is something I can use without any problems.
I’m a beginner at making homemade cleaning products and I’ve only made vinegar-citrus peel cleaner. I love the idea of using essential oils for home cleaning and I’m definitely trying your recipe. Thank you for the great idea!
Most all purpose cleaner recipes I’ve seen include vinegar, so I’m wondering if the rubbing alcohol may give it a disinfectant component too? I’m almost out of my store bought cleaner and look forward to trying this one! I also like that this doesn’t require essential oils (although may help it smell nice)- I don’t have any at home and so I have to skip those recipes at this point.
Mrs. Meyer’s concentrate comes out to 13 cents per bottle, that’s pretty hard to beat!