This Homemade All-Purpose Cleaner Is Super Easy to Make (and Smells Amazing)

POPSUGAR Photography | Sarah Lipoff
POPSUGAR Photography | Sarah Lipoff

Instead of reaching for one cleaner for this and another for that, this homemade and eco-friendly all-purpose cleaner does a great job on just about anything. From dirty sinks to messy countertops, this homemade cleaner will leave things spotless with borax and deodorizing lemon juice. Borax is a natural grease-buster that also does double-duty as a disinfectant. The addition of vinegar breaks down bacteria, while hydrogen peroxide naturally cleans and shines. Plus, this squeaky-clean concoction only costs pennies per bottle!

What You'll Need:

  • 1/2 cup vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon borax
  • 1 tablespoon hydrogen peroxide
  • 2 cups hot water
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Sprig of rosemary (optional)
  • Essential oil (optional)
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spray bottle

Directions:

  1. Gather the ingredients needed for making the all-purpose cleaner.
POPSUGAR Photography | Sarah Lipoff
  1. Measure and add borax to a mixing bowl, and cover with the hot water. Whisk until incorporated.
POPSUGAR Photography | Sarah Lipoff
  1. Measure and add the hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, and lemon to the bowl. Give the mixture a gentle stir.
POPSUGAR Photography | Sarah Lipoff
  1. Use a spouted measuring cup to pour the cleaner into the spray bottle and top with a few drops of your favorite essential oil or a sprig of rosemary, which gives the all-purpose scrubber a slight scent. Now you're all set to spray on countertops or sinks and then wipe clean.
POPSUGAR Photography | Sarah Lipoff

Check out our guide to DIY cleaning supplies for more ideas like this!