Blue Dawn and Vinegar Cleaning Solution

In my quest to find homemade cleaning solutions, I have discovered two of my favorites. My first is the orange vinegar cleaner, and my second favorite is…blue Dawn and vinegar cleaner. YEP, a cleaning solution with blue Dawn and vinegar works like MAGIC! I really love learning about why Dawn and vinegar cleaner is so effective. It’s new to me and fascinating. I’ll tell you how I make my homemade cleaning solution, why cleaning with vinegar and Dawn works, and how I use it.

Cleaning Solution Ingredients

I’m not going to gatekeep this solution. Here’s what you’ll need to make your own vinegar and Dawn cleaner, plus a couple of things I find useful when using it.

Blue Dawn

The original blue Dawn dish soap is an amazing cleaner because of its grease-dissolving properties. Add to that the fact that it is non-toxic, doesn’t have any phosphates, is biodegradable, and is gentle on your skin, and it’s an easy choice for a homemade household cleaner.

Distilled White Vinegar

Vinegar is an all around champion when it comes to cleaning. It is effective because of its acidity and antimicrobial properties. But what really makes it a stand-out ingredient is the fact that its acidity is strong enough to conquer tough cleaning jobs but mild enough so it won’t damage surfaces or fabrics. While you can use any type of vinegar, white distilled vinegar is best because it doesn’t contain dies that could potentially leave behind stains.

Spray Bottle

Some people opt to mix their vinegar and Dawn cleaning solution in a bowl and dip a rag or brush in it. I find it’s easiest to pour mine into a spray bottle. That way, I can easily carry it around the house to spray.

Soap Dispensing Scrub Brush

I love filling a soap-dispensing scrub brush with Dawn vinegar cleaner and hanging the brush in the shower. That way, anyone can give the shower a quick once-over before they get in (and then rinse it down with their shower) or scrub scrub scrub as they exit. It’s a super easy way to keep things looking good on a daily basis.

Cleaning Solution Steps

I have made this Dawn and vinegar cleaner recipe two ways. The first is by bringing the vinegar to a boil then adding the Dawn. The second way is to add both ingredients together straight from the bottles. I’ve found the results are similar either way, so I generally prefer skipping the extra step of boiling.

The Dawn and vinegar cleaning ratio I use is 1:1.5. Here’s my vinegar and Dawn cleaning recipe:

Step 1:

Add 1 ½ cups distilled white vinegar to a bowl.

Step 2:

Gently mix in 1 cup blue Dawn dishwashing soap.

Step 3:

Slowly pour the mixture into a spray bottle. Gently shake the bottle as needed to fully mix the ingredients. (I’ll talk more about shaking later.)

Why Boiling or Not Boiling Matters

Like I said, I have made this Dawn and vinegar cleaner by boiling it and by not boiling it. Here’s the difference—if you’re dealing with some really stubborn stains, boiling the vinegar beforehand can be helpful. You’ll then want to use it while it’s hot because the warmth of the solution is what gives it a little extra oomph.

Tips for Mixing in the Spray Bottle

My #1 tip for mixing this solution is to hold the spray bottle at an angle as you pour the cleaner in. Tilting the bottle helps mix the ingredients. If you get all of the Dawn and vinegar cleaner into the bottle and it’s still not mixed, gently tip the bottle back and forth until it’s completely combined.

The One Simple Mistake To Avoid When Making This Cleaning Solution

Did you catch my tip for making the vinegar and Dawn cleaner? Here’s a review: Pour it into your spray bottle with the bottle tilted, and you can avoid shaking it. When you shake the bottle, you create foam that won’t come out of the nozzle. The Hack: Tilt the bottle back and forth slowly till it’s mixed.

This is what you’ll end up with.

Once your cleaning solution is made, mixed, and poured into a spray bottle, you can keep it on hand for several days, or even weeks, to use as needed. The one thing to keep in mind is that vinegar loses its potency with oxygen exposure, so if your container isn’t airtight, if it’s been sitting around for a while, or if you notice it’s not getting the job done like it used to, you may need to mix up a fresh batch.

Variations of the Dawn and Vinegar Cleaning Solution

I swear by my Dawn and vinegar cleaning solution recipe, but I understand it’s not the only game in town. Here are a couple of variations of the solution for other household uses:

Essential Oil Cleaner

For a fresh scent or a little extra cleaning power, add a few drops of lemon or orange essential oil to your Dawn and vinegar cleaning recipe. The essential oil will help boost the grease cutting capabilities, while the scent will do what scents do—smell good.

Glass Cleaner

If you want to get your windows sparkling clean, you can once again harness the power of Dawn and vinegar. Combine 2 cups of warm water, ¼ cup distilled white vinegar, and ½ teaspoon of blue Dawn. Pour into a spray bottle and clean away. (Note: This works best with warm water, but standard temperature water works too.)

Floor Cleaner

In a large bucket combine 1 gallon of warm water with 1 teaspoon Dawn dish soap and ½ cup white distilled vinegar. This Dawn, vinegar, water cleaner recipe will leave your floors looking good. Note: You should always spot test your floor before using, and avoid using this solution on stone tile floors.

What Makes Dawn and Vinegar a Powerful Cleaning Combo?

If we’re going to talk about why the Dawn and vinegar cleaning solution works so well, we have to get a little sciency. Are you ready for it? Here goes:

Vinegar is a 5-10% acetic acid. This acid reacts with soap scum, which is made up of calcium and magnesium, and transforms it back into soluble compounds. The dish soap dissolves grease and other grime. After letting it sit for a bit you can use a scrub brush or cloth, throw some water on it, and all the grossness washes away.

So it’s not actually magic. It’s science. Same. Same.

The real beauty behind the Dawn and vinegar cleaning recipe is how safe it is to use around the house. When you use a homemade cleaner with vinegar and Dawn, you avoid the harsh chemicals that are in most cleaning products. It’s a kid-safe cleaner and a cleaner that’s safe to use around pets. Plus, vinegar and dish soap are easy to make (you may even have the ingredients on hand already), work on most household surfaces, and are economical, too.

Dawn and Vinegar Cleaner Frequently Asked Questions

I understand if this Dawn and vinegar cleaner sounds too good to be true or if you still have some questions. Here are a few extra things you may want to know.

Can I Use This Cleaner on Granite or Marble?

Granite and marble are porous materials and are susceptible to damage from acidic materials. Because vinegar is a type of acid, you should avoid using this Dawn and vinegar cleaning mixture on granite or marble surfaces.

How Long Should I Let the Solution Sit Before Scrubbing?

Letting the Dawn and vinegar cleaner sit for 5-10 minutes should do the trick for most jobs. For tough soap scum or other grime, you may need to let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour.

Does Dawn and Vinegar Cleaner Smell?

Vinegar has a strong smell, but it tends to dissipate quickly. I’ve found that the vinegar smell soon fades and the scent of the Dawn dish soap quickly becomes the most prominent thing you smell.

Can I Add Essential Oils for a Better Smell?

Sure! Adding essential oils to your vinegar and Dawn cleaner recipe not only improves the smell, but it can help boost the cleaning power too.

Is it Safe to Use This Cleaner Around Kids or Pets?

Yes! A homemade cleaner with vinegar and Dawn is non-toxic and safe to use around children and pets.

Is This Cleaning Solution Safe for Hardwood Floors?

There are mixed opinions on this question. The answer really depends on the type of finish your floor has. If you want to use your Dawn and vinegar cleaner on your hardwood floors, I recommend testing a small area first before committing to using it on the whole thing.

Can I Substitute Blue Dawn with Another Brand of Dish Soap?

Can you substitute Dawn for a different brand of dish soap? Technically speaking, yes. However, I recommend sticking to the original here as the cleaning power and non-toxicity of Dawn is proven.

How Long Does This Cleaner Last Once It’s Mixed?

Once you mix up a vinegar and Dawn cleaner recipe, you can keep it on hand for several days, or even a few weeks. How long it lasts will partly depend on the type of container you keep it in, as vinegar loses its potency as it’s exposed to air. Limiting the exposure to oxygen will make the solution last longer.

Who knew that two ingredients you already have in your house could pack such a punch? I’ve used this cleaner on my bathrooms, walls, dried up apple sauce on the wall and baseboards, markers on the wall, blinds, the floor, and more. I’ve been using this over a 3 month period now and I LOVE IT!!