Lately I’ve been experimenting with homemade cleaners. I already wrote about laundry detergent (which I still love) and I’m about to try out a dishwasher detergent (post coming soon) but what I haven’t been able to get is an all-purpose cleaner. I’ve tried some recipes – but the thing I can’t get around is the drenching scent of vinegar. I know the scent evaporates but it makes me feel like I’m eating French fries – not like I’m standing in a clean house. I’ve seen a few recipes use essential oils. Maybe that helps?
I know it sounds silly but I like my house to look and smell clean and fresh. I’ve thought about adding lemon juice. Would that help? I clearly need some pointers. So here are my questions:
1. Do you have a homemade all-purpose cleaner that works for you? If so, what is it? (I’m looking for something I could have in a spray bottle)
2. Do you have any tips that would help with the awful vinegary smell?
3. Where is the best place to buy essential oils?
Thanks so much for your help. I’m really looking forward to reading your suggestions!
Why I do what I do ~ When watching Pocahontas yesterday, Chloe said, “Look Mom! It’s John Sniff!”
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{ 18 comments… read them below or add one }
I have a great recipe formula? I thought I’d already posted it, but I hadn’t, so I used that for my blog post for today.
http://livinglifereal.blogspot.com/2010/01/homemade-window-cleaner.html
Annie Jones´s last blog ..Homemade Window Cleaner
Thanks so much Annie!
Rubbing Alcohol w/some water in a squirt bottle is what I clean with.
My husband says it “smells like a clean hospital” … he doesn’t mind it. And the smell goes away quickly, germs are gone and things (including mirrors) sparkle. But… you need good ventilation. Open a window.
Netta´s last blog ..She had a Birthday!
I invested in some good microfiber cloths and I clean everything with just them and water. So my spray bottle has just water in it. There are special cloths you can get for windows that won’t leave streaks. You would be amazed at how clean you can get everything with water and the right cloths. No stink, no chemical residue, and the kids can help clean because it is only water!
I’ve heard good things about those cloths! What about disinfecting? What do you use for that?
I too use microfiber clothes a lot. For minor cleaning. If I want to really make sure germs are gone I use my all purpose cleaner (which I buy). I always use a water & vinegar solution on mirrors and use a chamoi. I hear you about the vinegar smell but it goes away quickly.
Andrea´s last blog ..
There are several recipes for household cleaners on this website:
http://www.mormonchic.com/dealdiva/homemade_cleaners.asp
I have tried the “All Purpose Household Cleaner” and am really happy with it!
You can use vodka instead of the vinegar for cleaning and disinfecting…
I was just thinking that there would be a big price dif between the vodka and vinegar wouldn’t there
I use ammonia and water for cleaning….. yes, the smell is strong, but I just think of all the money I’m saving and it doesn’t bother me!
Also, I’ve been using vinegar in my laundry (as a softner), I’ve been noticing recently that the smell doesn’t bother me anymore!
I just conditioned my hair w/apple cidar vinegar this morning!
I’ve heard about conditioning your hair with vinegar before. It seems so weird but everyone who does it swears by it
I have been using this homemade all purpose cleaner for 3 years. It costs approximately $1.00 to make a gallon. Never buy Windex again:
1/2 cup sudsy amonia
2 cups of rubbing alcohol
1 Tablespoon of dishwashing liquid- do not use more to avoid streaking.
13 1/2 cups of water
Mix all ingredients in a gallon jug. Pour into spray bottle. I clean everything in the kitchen and bathroom with this.
I’m trying the all-purpose cleaner from here: http://thetobyshow.typepad.com/the_toby_show/2007/12/green-cleaning.html
I find it a little on the soapy side. I added peppermint EO, so I can’t even tell there’s vinegar in there. You can also get Dr. Bronner’s soap that has some essential oils in it, like Lavender or Tea Tree. I just got my peppermint oil at my grocery store. I got some lemon EO as well, but I had to go to Whole Foods for that.
nopinkhere´s last blog ..My New Favorite Pants
For my sinks and counters I use a spray bottle with water, vinegar and about 20 drops of tea tree oil. I usually shake some baking soda onto the surface as well and this gives a nice clean and shine. This can be used for toilets too, of course. For in-between wipe downs as well as all dusting, windows and mirrors, we use norwex microfibre cloths. I buy my pure essential oils at a place called Planet Organic, in Edmonton, AB – the price for them there is great compared with some places I’ve seen.
I dilute my vinegar and hardly notice the smell. But we also usually have all the windows open to enjoy a nice breeze, so smells hardly have a chance in my house.
For more intense cleaning, I’ve been using this recipe for a month or so, and it seems good:
Basic All Purpose Cleaner Formula
This makes about 2 cups of formula, and it works really well cleaning dirt and grime.
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda or washing soda
* 2 teaspoons borax
* 1/2 teaspoon liquid soap or detergent
* 2 cups hot water
Combine all the ingredients and the water into a spray bottle. Shake well. The washing soda or baking soda makes this formula a great grease cutter.
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Try this post from Green Upgrader:
http://greenupgrader.com/10399/6-reasons-why-you-should-be-cleaning-your-house-with-lemon-juice/
Beth @ Smart Family Tips´s last blog ..Why I Created Smart Family Tips
Hey Nicki,
I’ve been using essential oils for several years now, and I never tire of them – so many wonderful, beautiful scents to choose from, and I even some in baking! Lavender is so versatile; I use it to disinfect ALL the time – in a water bottle, or sometimes, just straight up! (on toilet seats, and stuff like that). So cost effective, one drop on a wet wipe will clean your toilet AND leave it smelling heavenly! I also use a drop in Sylvia’s humidifier! (it has antibacterial AND antiviral properties!) Best place to buy is at a health store … make sure it is 100% pure. BTW, I really enjoy your posts – my favorite (and most challenging) so far has been about frugality versus people (can’t find the right title now, but it was about putting people before frugality) which I have been guilty of, time and time again! I thought I saved this one in my mail folder, but now can’t find it! Could you send me the link again? I want to print it out!
You are doing a GREAT job! Kudos!!
Jacqui – great tips on the essential oils! I think the post you’re looking for is People Are More Important Than My Budget.