So many household cleaners on the market can actually damage you health and your families. The biggest issues with traditional cleaners are fragrances and the mile long list of chemicals in them. Making your own all natural cleaner with household items is a huge win for you health, home and family. The recipe I am sharing today is my favorite effective go to cleaner to use all over my home. I also have a couple tricks to boost the effeciency if you have some really stuck-on messes you need to get clean.

What are the ingredients for this easy all natural cleaner?

These ingredients are are very common household products and most homes already have them. If you don’t have them already, no worries, they are super cheap to pickup at any big box store or even off amazon.

• Water
• White Vinegar
• Dish Soap

Does it matter what type of ingredients I use?

So yes and no! I would not use any other type of vinegar other than white. Its possible apple cider and others could work but I have not tested it and am unsure of the acidity content to ensure it would be as effective as possible.

As far as dish soap you can use any kind of dish soap. I use a fragrance and dye free version from Costco, which is probably not the cleanest but its what I currently have. You cannot use Castile soap in this. Castile soap and vinegar do not mix and will cause a weird textured mess that isn’t easy to clean up.

Water can be tap water or whatever you have on hand. For sure do not feel like you need to purchase spring water or distilled water for this recipe, your tap water is totally fine. I personally like to use warm water to start to boost the cleaning power but then just keep the rest at room temperature and use it until I make another batch!

How long does this cleaner last?

So I make smaller batches so I typically use it within 2 weeks to 1 month. Vinegar’s longevity is and shelf life is debatable but many sources state around 2-3 years is a good timeline to ensure it is still potent, safe and effective. There are not really a lot of studies for how long this specific cleaner recipe lasts. Because vinegar, dish soap and water are all safe for long periods of time this cleaner probably has a shelf life that is longer than a month. I personally like to make a new batch if its been sitting for 1-2 months just to be on the safe side since I am cleaning surfaces that my kids and pets touch.

How can you use this cleaner?

So my favorite uses for this cleaner are my countertops, bathtubs, and mirrors. I was shocked recently when I tried it as a glass cleaner and felt it worked better than the classic toxic blue cleaner I had grown up using! I also use this on my tile floors with no issues or residue that some other “natural” cleaners leave behind.

Does it actually clean?

Yes! Now don’t get it confused with a disinfectant though. This cleans, kills germs and even kills some viruses like e.coli and salmonella! The vinegar is a natural powerhouse that really does leave your surfaces cleaner but it does have some limits. It has not been shown to clean flu and covid viruses so if those are concerns all around your home you need to step-up to another product that has a bit more punch. This cleaner is perfect for everyday messes, dirt and grime in the bathrooms, and gross surfaces all around your home. This article here goes over some of the science side of vinegars https://www.nsf.org/blog/consumer/reliable-scientific-tips-cleaning-with-vinegar.

Let me know if you use this cleaner and how it works for you in your home! I love the fact I have no worries about using this around my kids, pets and my currently pregnant self!

If you’re interested in some of my other DYI safe and effective recipes be sure to check out my dry shampoo recipe that use just 3 common household ingredients! You can also check out my quick all natural deodorant recipe here for a less toxic, aluminum free deodorant!