HOMEMADE ALL-PURPOSE CLEANING SPRAY
August 7, 2026
This everyday cleaning spray is probably the bottle I reach for most often around our house. I use it for quick kitchen cleanups, wiping down counters and tables, cleaning furniture, fingerprints on appliances, and plenty of other everyday messes.
I used to think I needed a different cleaner for every surface and every room, but over time I’ve found that I prefer keeping things much simpler. For most everyday cleaning, I really just need something that helps lift grease, dirt, fingerprints, and grime so I can wipe them away.
This isn’t the spray I reach for when I specifically need to disinfect something. For areas like toilets or surfaces that need disinfecting, I use a separate cleaner. This one is simply my everyday workhorse.
WHAT DO THE INGREDIENTS DO
SAL SUDS
Sal Suds is a concentrated household detergent made with surfactants. Surfactants help loosen and lift oils, dirt, and grime from a surface so they can be wiped away. I like it because a very small amount goes a long way, and the same concentrate can be used for several different cleaning jobs around the house.
Unlike Castile soap, Sal Suds is a detergent rather than a true soap, and Dr. Bronner’s specifically recommends it for everyday household cleaning and hard-water conditions.
WHITE VINEGAR
White vinegar is acidic, which makes it especially useful for cutting through mineral buildup, water spots, soap residue, and everyday grime. I like including it in this spray because I use it frequently on glass, mirrors, counters, and other everyday surfaces.
Because vinegar is acidic, it isn’t appropriate for every material. I always recommend spot testing first and avoiding it on acid-sensitive surfaces such as natural stone.
WATER
Water dilutes the vinegar and concentrated Sal Suds into a practical everyday cleaning spray.
A SIMPLE FORMULA
This everyday cleaning spray is intentionally simple. Vinegar helps with water spots, mineral buildup, and everyday grime, while Sal Suds helps lift grease and dirt so it can be wiped away.
Commercial multi-surface cleaners often contain additional ingredients like synthetic fragrances, dyes, preservatives, solvents, and other additives designed for scent, shelf life, or specialized cleaning performance. I prefer this simpler formula because I know exactly what’s in it and it works well for most of the everyday cleaning around our home.
I use this spray for most of the everyday cleaning around our home, including counters, mirrors, windows, furniture, and quick messes. I simply keep a separate spray for cleaning the toilet, where I prefer to use something different. I like having one versatile bottle for most surfaces without needing a cabinet full of specialty cleaners.
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All-Purpose Cleaning Spray
EQUITMENT
- 16-ounce spray bottle amber glass
- Measuring spoons
INGREDIENTS
- 1/2 cup white vinegar 5% acidity
- 1 tbsp sal suds
- water
DIRECTIONS
- Add white vinegar and sal suds to a 16-ounce spray bottle.
- Fill most of the remaining bottle with water.
- Replace the sprayer and gently swirl to combine.
- Label the bottle clearly.
HOW TO USE
Lightly spray the surface and wipe clean with a microfiber cloth or damp rag. For mirrors and windows, I like to use a clean, lint-free cloth to help prevent streaks.
I use this spray for everyday cleaning on counters, tables, sealed furniture, appliances, mirrors, windows, and quick messes around the house.
Because vinegar is acidic, always spot test first and avoid using it on acid-sensitive surfaces such as natural stone, marble, or other surfaces where the manufacturer recommends avoiding vinegar.
HOW TO STORE IT
Store the spray tightly closed at room temperature and out of direct sunlight or excessive heat.
I like to keep mine in a labeled 16-ounce amber glass spray bottle with the rest of my everyday cleaning supplies. Keep it out of reach of children and pets, and replace the mixture if the bottle becomes contaminated or the contents noticeably change in appearance or smell.
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MACHINES BEHAVE DIFFERENTLY
Dishwashers, water hardness, wash temperatures, and cycles vary quite a bit from one home to another. I always recommend trying the recipe with your normal load and adjusting the amount if needed.
FAQs
Can I use this on granite or marble?
I would not use this vinegar-based spray on marble, limestone, or other acid-sensitive natural stone. Some granite surfaces may also be sensitive depending on the stone and sealant, so I recommend following the manufacturer’s care instructions and spot testing first.
Can I use cleaning vinegar instead of white vinegar?
I use regular distilled white vinegar with 5% acidity. Cleaning vinegar is typically stronger, so I don’t use it interchangeably in this recipe.
Can I leave out the Sal Suds?
You can use diluted vinegar on its own for certain cleaning jobs, but the Sal Suds adds surfactants that help lift grease, oils, fingerprints, and dirt. I prefer using the two together for my everyday spray.
