Vinegar is the best natural cleaner out there, but it doesn't smell the greatest. Embrace the aromatic benefits of other natural ingredients to make your homemade cleaning spray smell so much better.
6 Ways to Upgrade Your DIY All-Purpose Cleaner
Updated Dec. 15, 2022
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How to Make DIY All-Purpose Cleaner
There’s no doubt about it: Cleaning with vinegar is one of the most effective and natural ways to keep your home sparkling. So, it’s no surprise that so many people use it as their preferred cleaning agent on a daily basis. Just add equal parts water and vinegar to a spray bottle, and off you go.
The downside, however, is that it’s just so stinky! Fortunately, we have found ways to freshen up your DIY all-purpose cleaner without sacrificing its all-natural benefits.
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Lemon and Thyme
It’s no surprise lemon is an excellent natural cleaning ingredient, but did you know that thyme is antibacterial as well as one of the most effective natural antioxidants? Add some lemon peels and a few sprigs of thyme to your vinegar solution and your whole house will be smelling fresh in no time! Just be sure to let the mixture of lemon, thyme and vinegar sit for a few day so the vinegar really takes in those pleasant aromas. After four or five days, strain and use like normal.
Psst: You could also add lemon and thyme essential oils to your DIY all-purpose cleaner instead.
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Orange and Vanilla
In terms of delectable sweets, these two flavors combine to create what could be classified as one of the most nostalgic treats of all time: the creamsicle. Add some orange peels with a few drops of some vanilla essential oil and you’ll have everyone licking their lips. Again, let this steep together for a few days and then start cleaning!
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Lavender
Known for its relaxing benefits, lavender is one of the most well-known ingredients for aromatherapy. Plus, its Latin name is lavare, which means “to wash”—how delightfully appropriate. Simply add a few drops of lavender essential oil into your DIY all-purpose spray for a clean and fresh smelling spray.
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Spiced Orange
Another great way to use orange in cleaning products is to combine it with cloves. Most commonly known as a fall spice, cloves are naturally antimicrobial, antifungal, antiseptic and antiviral. Add clove essential oil and some orange peel to your vinegar cleaner to knock out any lingering mold.
Did you know you can cook with essential oils? Here’s how.
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Eucalyptus and Mint
If you have access to it, add a few sprigs of eucalyptus (or a few drops of the essential oil) along with a handful of mint leaves to knock out any stubborn odors. You don’t have to worry about last minute stress cleaning either. Eucalyptus is a natural stress reliever! If you’re using leaves instead of oils, just let them hang out in your vinegar mix for a few days before using so the vinegar soaks up all those good smells.
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Sage
Sage isn’t just delicious (ahem, this roasted salmon), it’s also antimicrobial and antibacterial, making it a perfect additive to any homemade cleaning product. And it’ll leave your home smelling like the great outdoors! Use sage oil or steep the leaves in vinegar for a natural smelling spray.
Note: Every product is independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Originally Published: March 28, 2019
