Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Cleaner

Ingredients

  • 1 cup white vinegar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tbsp baking soda
  • 10–15 drops of essential oil (optional, for fragrance; lemon, lavender, or tea tree work well)
  • 1 spray bottle (reused from an old cleaner or purchased)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bottle
  1. If reusing an old spray bottle, clean it thoroughly by rinsing it with warm soapy water and letting it dry.
  2. Label the bottle to avoid confusion about its contents.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
  1. Pour 1 cup of water into the spray bottle.
  2. Add 1 cup of white vinegar. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and deodorizer, making it ideal for cleaning.
  3. Carefully add 1 tablespoon of baking soda. The mixture will fizz, so pour slowly to avoid overflow.
Step 3: Add Fragrance (Optional)
  1. If you prefer a scented cleaner, add 10–15 drops of essential oil. Lemon or tea tree oil adds antibacterial properties, while lavender provides a calming scent.
Step 4: Shake and Store
  1. Secure the spray nozzle and gently shake the bottle to mix the ingredients.
  2. Store the cleaner in a cool, dry place.

How to Use Your DIY Multi-Purpose Cleaner

  1. Countertops: Spray directly onto surfaces and wipe clean with a damp cloth.
  2. Windows and Mirrors: Spray a small amount on glass and wipe with a lint-free cloth or newspaper for a streak-free shine.
  3. Floors: Dilute the cleaner with more water and use it to mop tile or laminate floors.
  4. Bathroom: Use it to clean sinks, faucets, and even stubborn soap scum.

How This Saves You Money

  • Store-Bought Cleaner: A typical bottle of multi-purpose cleaner costs $3–$7, and you may need multiple products for different tasks.
  • DIY Cleaner: The ingredients for this cleaner cost pennies per batch, and one bottle can tackle almost every surface in your home.
  • Long-Term Savings: By reusing the same spray bottle and using household staples like vinegar and baking soda, you’ll save hundreds of dollars over the course of a year.

Additional Tips to Maximize Savings

  1. Buy in Bulk: Purchase vinegar and baking soda in bulk to save even more.
  2. Reuse Bottles: Reduce waste by reusing spray bottles from finished store-bought products.
  3. Double as a Freshener: Add a little more essential oil to your mixture, and it can double as an air freshener.