3 DIY all-purpose cleaners that actually work, using common household ingredients

• Making homemade all-purpose cleaner is convenient and cost-effective.
• A combination of vinegar and water is a popular all-purpose cleaner.

All-purpose cleaners provide a quick and convenient way to clean everything ranging from countertops to windows. Yet, there's no need to buy a special product, since you can make an effective all-purpose cleaner at home, says Vera Peterson, president of Molly Maid.

Homemade cleaners utilize ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, and they can stand up to commercial options, says Alicia Johnson, CEO of Cleaning Green LLC.

Here's how to create an all-purpose cleaner from ingredients that you probably already have on hand.

Common homemade all-purpose cleaner ingredients

Most homemade all-purpose cleaners utilize vinegar. Vinegar has a low pH level, which means that it's acidic. That makes it great for cleaning the basic grime we find in our homes, says Johnson. Vinegar can cut through dirt and oils and will kill some bacteria, although it's not the best disinfectant. Lemon is also popular because it is acidic enough to cut through grime, while leaving a great scent behind.

If you want more cleaning power for areas like the bathroom or for sanitizing, use a diluted bleach solution or hydrogen peroxide, says Peterson. Both kill germs and most households already have the ingredients on hand.

Quick tip: Opt for a microfiber cloth, which is designed to attract and accumulate dust, debris and germs more effectively than other cloths or paper products, says Peterson.

Cleaner 1: Vinegar and water

The go-to all-purpose cleaner is a mixture of vinegar and water, says Peterson.

To make it, combine half a cup of distilled white vinegar with 2 cups of water. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil or a squeeze of lemon for scent; since these are in low concentrations, they'll be safe for more surfaces. Gently stir the mixture and store it in a plastic spray bottle for as long as you need.

How to use it: Spray the mixture on counters, windows or carpet spills. Wipe away with a damp cloth, and store in a bottle till next time.

Surfaces to avoid: Don't use vinegar on tile, grout or wood, since the acidity can damage these materials, says Johnson.

Quick Tip: Many essential oils, including cinnamon, citrus, and peppermint can be dangerous for pets, so skip the scent if you have animals around.

Cleaner 2: Vinegar and Borax

Borax is similar to baking soda, but even more alkaline, which gives it additional cleaning power. Combined with acidic vinegar, borax can lift stains from toilet bowls, showers, and carpets.

How to use it: Make this cleaner right before you plan to use it by mixing ¼ cup of vinegar with 1 cup of borax. If you don't have borax, you can substitute baking soda. Apply the mixture to the area you're going to clean, wait five minutes, then wipe away. For pesky toilet towel stains, let the paste sit overnight.

Surfaces to avoid: Borax is generally safe for household surfaces, but occasionally can discolor rugs, so spot-test it on an inconspicuous place before using. It's generally safe to clean with, but avoid breathing borax in, which can cause poisoning.

Cleaner 3: Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a strong disinfectant that can work even in hospital rooms.

"This all-purpose cleaner is best suited for kitchen and bathroom cleaning since it kills germs at a professional level and leaves a pleasant smell behind," says Johnson.

How to use it: Pour it into a spray bottle and add a few drops of essential oil or lemon to add a scent, if desired. Spray the hydrogen peroxide on your surface and wipe it with a microfiber cloth. Store the bottle as long as needed, but keep it away from light, which can reduce its effectiveness.

Surfaces to avoid: Hydrogen peroxide can be used on most surfaces, but should never be mixed directly with vinegar. Combining them can create peracetic acid, which is corrosive and can irritate skin.

Quick tip: Cleaning removes dirt and grime, but to disinfect you need to use an agent that kills bacteria, like hydrogen peroxide. Disinfect high-use areas of the house like door knobs and faucets two to three times each week, Peterson says.

Insider's takeaway

It's easy to make all-purpose cleaner with ingredients that you have at home, like vinegar, borax, and baking soda. Natural cleaners like a combination of vinegar and water are great for every day cleaning tasks. But when you need to disinfect, use a cleaning agent that can kill bacteria, like hydrogen peroxide.