Crunchy & Co

In our journey toward a more eco-friendly and natural lifestyle, finding effective yet non toxic cleaning solutions becomes paramount. This series aims to guide you through crafting your own homemade non-toxic cleaning products. We kick off with the fundamental household staple – the best homemade all purpose cleaner.

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What is wrong with mainstream all purpose cleaners?

Mainstream all-purpose cleaners often pose several concerns related to environmental impact and health. Walk down the cleaning aisle at your supermarket, turn over the bottle and you’ll find a long list of toxic cleaning agents.

Many mainstream cleaners contain harsh chemicals, such as ammonia, chlorine, and phthalates, which can contribute to indoor air pollution and have adverse effects on respiratory health. When these cleaners are washed down the drain, the chemicals can end up in our own drinking water systems, as well as impact aquatic life and ecosystems. In addition, artificial fragrances and unnecessary dyes in mainstream cleaners can trigger allergies and sensitivities in some individuals.

What is the strongest cleaning solution?

When it comes to cleaning power, we often associate strength with harsh chemicals. However, nature provides some of the most potent cleaning agents. One standout is white distilled vinegar. Its acidic nature helps dissolve grime and mineral deposits, making it the best homemade all purpose cleaner.

What is a 2-ingredient all-purpose cleaner?

So what is the best all-purpose cleaner? Are you surprised to learn it only contains 2 ingredients? All you really need for general cleaning of most surfaces is white distilled vinegar and distilled water. This straightforward solution is excellent for everyday cleaning tasks, providing a balance between cleaning power and simplicity. It’s a quick and eco-friendly alternative to commercial cleaners, minus the harmful chemicals.

Does the water and vinegar need to be distilled?

Yes, both your vinegar and water should be distilled. This is because distilled water removes all minerals and impurities which can interfere with the cleaning solution as well as spoil the solution sooner. Using distilled liquids will ensure the longest shelf life and purity for your homemade all purpose cleaner.

How to improve the scent

We’re not going to pretend that vinegar has the most welcoming smell. We honestly can’t stand it (just being real here, we are “realists” after all). Luckily, there is a quick fix and that is to add essential oils. Now, there is much to learn about essential oils, but when you are simply using them for a cleaning recipe, any organic brand will do. Its purpose is to add a pleasing fragrance, not cure an ailment. A few favorite scents include lemon, orange, lavender and tea tree oil. If you’re not sure what you like, we recommend buying a multi-pack and experimenting. You can even mix them together!

Can I use this on granite and stone?

NO! Vinegar is acidic and does not interact well with granite and natural stones. It will cause etching over time. For granite and natural stone, please use our Stone/Granite Cleaner recipe.

What is the best recipe for all-purpose cleaner?

• 1 cup white distilled vinegar
• 1 cup distilled water
• 10 – 30 drops of your favorite essential oil (optional, add as you wish)

How to make homemade all-purpose cleaner

Mix the ingredients in a 16oz glass spray bottle and shake vigorously. It will immediately be ready for use. Before each use, shake the bottle again to ensure an even distribution of ingredients. Spray directly onto surfaces and wipe with a clean cloth or sponge. For tougher stains, let the solution sit for a few minutes before wiping.

When using essential oils, it is recommended to use an amber-tinted glass spray bottle, but a clear glass spray bottle will suffice if it’s what you have available.

You may find other recipes that call for adding a tablespoon of baking soda. The purpose of baking soda is to add a little abrasion to the formula which can help with scrubbing. We believe it’s unnecessary in an all-purpose cleaner, and if not done properly can clog your sprayer or leave baking soda bits on your surface. We reserve the use of baking soda for other cleaning purposes. For general all purpose cleaning, we believe just vinegar and water make the best homemade all purpose cleaner.