On to today's post--my favorite all purpose cleaner. I have been making my own cleaning products for years. I started making my own cleaners simply because we were on a limited budget and I disliked spending $4 for bathroom cleaner that smelled funny. A lot of my original recipes came from reading old magazines (even in the 60's women were trying to save money on cleaners) and books and then experimenting till I found something I liked and worked well for me.
All-Purpose Cleaner
1/2 C. vinegar* (a great disinfectant)
1 tsp. borax (add water softening properties)
1 tsp. liquid soap (use castille or dish detergent)
2 tsp. baking soda (add disinfecting and odor removing)
15 drops Tea Tree essential oil (a great antibacterial-antimicrobial oil) (Or use your favorite essential oil)
warm water
Fill bottle with warm water to within 1" of top.
Place top on bottle and shake gently to mix. Be sure to label your bottle.
~I use this spray for all my general purpose cleaning in the kitchen and bath.
*I use an orange vinegar--place orange peels in a jar and cover with white vinegar. The orange oils in the peels help break down grease, disinfect and add a pleasant smell. Add additional vinegar as needed. Replace peels every 3-4 months.
~This also works with lemon, lime or grapefruit rinds. Or use your favorite herbs for an herbal vinegar, lavender and thyme work well but make a dark colored vinegar (it doesn't stain).
~I use the orange vinegar straight for cleaning the greasy range hood and to clean our grill.
27 comments:
Thank you! :)
You're welcome!
LOVE this! I do the citrus peels in vinegar one, myself... works like a charm. I wish I could find borax easily, tho. Can't find it in my town anywhere.
how long do the peels need to soak in the vinegar before it's potent enough to use?
have you checked walmart? I find it by the detergent.
Awesome! Thanks! :)
I found Borax at my local Walmart.
have you found anything that easily wipes Stainless Steel Appliances clean?
I am confused. Are these both all-purpose cleaners. Are they both for kitchen & bath? Could you please tell me what you use each to clean?
Borax is toxic?
I love using the orange vinegar in my dishwasher. Great on the dishes and great on the dishwasher. I have a huge gallon glass jar of the stuff and use a bit in each load.
Your soft scrub recipe posted the other week is just magic - love it! So going to try this.....minus the peel as I just know I won't get round to replacing :) May try lavender oil........
I like this, but I usually just use vinegar or peroxide...I like the orange peel/vinegar idea. will try it! Thanks!
FYI, if you add vinegar to a "castile" soap (most liquid castile soaps aren't even Castile soap, btw) you are converting the soap back into oils, so they will not clean as well. Best to use the vinegar after, or don't use it at all. I don't doubt this recipe works very well, but for most things, plain water, or vinegar water work well. I am a soapmaker and a chemist. ;)
Do you need to rinse after using in the kitchen? Any reason to rinse anywhere you use it?
Is Dr. Bronners real Castile soap? I wasn't aware liquid was different. Thanks for the info, very enlightening. =]
Has anyone used this to mop floors with? Did it work well? Anyone know any homemade "pinesol" floor cleaner?
Only problem with this is castile soap and vinegar neutralize each other, reducing the soap back to an oil form. Castile is a base and vinegar is an acid. Try using a dash of dawn dish soap instead, leaves less streaks on shiny surfaces.
thank goodness for Wendy,soapmaker and chemist.
I want to know how I can use the pickled cities rinds before tossing them out? :)
Debbie. Buy the ULTIMATE CLOTH. It will clean. Windows, mirrors, stainless steel , it is just the greatest. Type in. Ultimate cloth...u won't be without it..1 cloth will last for a really long time...like over a yr or more. ..
Do you need to rinse after using in the kitchen? Any reason to rinse anywhere you use it?
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You are a treasure--I've been making my laundry soap and household cleaners for nearly a year now. The health of my allergy prone family has vastly improved and I believe what I'm making is as good as the chemical laden products on the shelves. I'm going to try your formula--I never thought to add borax to mine and can't wait to see how it works out. I am also going to mix up some of your mixes. Please keep on writing--
Yes is bit confusing but you can opt for professional Bond Cleaning Brisbane and End Of Lease Cleaners Brisbane services to attain best cleaning results
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