How To Make All Purpose Cleaner With Our All Purpose Cleaner + Mop Soap Base
Our All Purpose Cleaner/Mop Soap Base is designed to be a dual-purpose concentrate, giving you the flexibility to create ready-to-use all purpose cleaners or mop soaps that can be sold as a concentrate that customers can dilute themselves.
In this blog we are going to go over how to create an All Purpose Cleaner! (click here to read about making a mop soap concentrate)
Watch The Process
If you’re a visual learner, start here. This short video shows exactly how to make all purpose cleaners using the base and showing you the step-by-step process!
What You'll Need Before You Get Started
- Distilled water (HAS to be distilled!)
- Fragrance oil (you can use any, but we recommend MWFC fragrance oils😉!)
- Scale
- Clean mixing container
- Spoon (or something to stir with)
- Spray bottles & labels
- Polysorbate 20 (optional if fragrance does not bind)
Recipe, Ratios, IFRA, and Usage Rates
To create an All Purpose Cleaner with this base our recommended dilution ratio is 1:19 OR:
- 5% scented concentrate *
- 95% distilled water
* In our testing, this ratio gave us the best results, though you can test anywhere from 3 - 5% of base concentrate depending on your preference.
All about IFRA
Before you start the making process, it’s important to check the IFRA usage rates for your fragrance oil.
For this product, you’ll want to reference IFRA Category 10A and ensure you're staying within safe usage limits for the fragrance you plan to use.
Recommended Fragrance Usage
For this base, we recommend:
- 1 - 2% fragrance load for best performance
- Maximum fragrance load: up to 4%
If you're planning to test between 2% and the max of 4%, or if the fragrance oil isn't binding well, you may need to add polysorbate 20 to help fully incorporate the fragrance oil into the base.
If you choose to use polysorbate 20 we recommend:
- 1:1 ratio of polysorbate 20 to fragrance oil
- Increase as needed if you notice cloudiness, separation, or visible fragrance oil sitting on top
Explaining the Maker Math + All Purpose Cleaner Calculator
First, let's start by going over the MATH portion of what ingredients we will need and how much of everything.
*STOP READING IF YOU HATE MATH and HEAD TO OUR ALL PURPOSE CLEANER CALCULATOR to skip this step! (seriously, we made this so easy for you!)
Math lovers, let's continue... in our example, we’ll be making 1 gallon (128 oz) of finished scented APC at a 95% distilled water to 5% base ratio.
Math Step 1: Calculate the distilled water (95%)
128 oz (total weight) x 95% (distilled water) = 121.6 oz distilled water
Math Step 2: Calculate the scented concentrate (5%)
128 oz (total weight) - 121.6 oz (distilled water) = 6.4 oz total scented base concentrate
Math Step 3: Calculate how much fragrance oil and base are needed
For this example, we will be using a 2% fragrance oil load.
6.4 oz (total scented concentrate) x 2% (fragrance load) = 0.13 oz (or 3.7g) fragrance oil
6.4 oz (total scented concentrate) - 0.13 oz (fragrance oil) = 6.27 oz APC base
So for a 1 gallon batch, you’ll need:
- 6.27 oz APC base
- 0.13 oz fragrance oil
- 121.6 oz distilled water
And if all of that math gave you a mini headache...trust me, I'm right there with you!
Check out our All Purpose Cleaner Calculator if you don't want to deal with the math side of this process!
Now let's get to making!
Step-By-Step: Making an All Purpose Cleaner
Step 1: Measure Your Ingredients
By following the instructions above, determine the batch size you are planning to create and measure out ingredients accordingly.
Step 2: Combine APC base + fragrance oil
Combine the APC base and fragrance oil together and mix thoroughly.
- We recommend doing this step first before adding distilled water to ensure the fragrance oil properly binds with the base!
*If the fragrance does not bind properly, we recommend adding a 1:1 ratio of polysorbate 20 and fragrance oil (increase as needed).
Step 3: Add distilled water to your mixture
Add distilled water and mix for at least 2 minutes or until fully combined. Yes, you NEED to use distilled water!
Step 4: Package
Once your all purpose cleaner is complete, you can pour it into your desired packaging.
Step 5: Label + Cure
Now that your all purpose cleaner is packaged, it's time to add your label! We recommend allowing it to cure for at least 24 hours before testing.
And that's how to make an all purpose cleaner!
Directions for end user (to include on your labels):
Shake before use. Spray onto surface and wipe clean with a cloth. For tougher residue, allow product to sit for a few seconds before wiping.
Final Notes
Want to learn more about this base and explore making mop soaps? We have a step-by-step tutorial for that, too!
And if you want all of our tips and tricks on marketing these products, we have the perfect guide for you!
We can't wait for you to try this base and fall in love with it!
Happy making!
Hi, I'm Kenna!
I'm the co-founder of Midwest Fragrance Company, business builder since 2020, fueled by coffee and grounded by yoga. I've learned (mostly the hard way) what it takes to grow a maker business.
At MWFC, we sell all the supplies you need to create scented products that truly shine. Want to keep following along? Follow us on Instagram! @midwestfragranceco
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