Live Renewed is all about living green and living frugally, I like to call it "frugally green". You can learn more about me and check out my Frugally Green Fundamentals to see what we're all about here.
If you'd like to read more, be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss a single post.
You can also follow me on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook!
Yesterday I finally made a homemade green cleaner, other than just vinegar and water. I got the recipe from the book Homemade
Fresh Smelling Multipurpose Cleaner
3 1/2 cups hot water
1/2 cup white or apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon Borax
1 teaspoon washing soda
1 teaspoon liquid castile soap
1 32 oz. spray bottle
Fill spray bottle with hot water first, then add vinegar, borax, washing soda and castile soap. Shake well to mix ingredients and then shake well before using each time.
I’m not sure it is really “fresh smelling”, although it doesn’t smell like vinegar at all. In fact, it got Jer’s approval!! I sprayed it all around on the kitchen countertops and stovetop last night and had Jer come in and smell it. He said it smelled like a science experiment (not sure exactly what that means), but he agreed that he didn’t smell any vinegar, and agreed that he would be willing to use it as a cleaner. My counters were not that dirty, so I can’t really attest to how much cleaning power this has, but I am excited to have a cheap, homemade, green cleaner that doesn’t smell like vinegar and that my hubby will actually use!
The directions in the book say to spray on countertops, kitchen appliances and fixtures, and tile or painted surfaces. I’m sure you could use it in the bathroom too.
I’d love to hear if you have recipes for homemade cleaners that you use.
Happy “frugally green” cleaning!
For more thrifty ideas visit Tightwad Tuesdays at BeingFrugal.net!
I have made an all purpose cleaner with these same ingredients. It is great. We use it all of the time. Love it!
I just tried this today and I am really impressed! I used lavendar scented castille soap so my cleaner had absolutely no vinegar scent at all!
Thank Amber! I’m so glad you liked it!
Where do you find the castile soap? Is it a bar or a bottle?
Found it at Sunflower in Littleton CO. Can’t wait to try it.
Can I use baking soda if I don’t have washing soda? I’m not sure what the difference is (other than they are different!)
If I go buy washing soda, what else can it be used for?
Hi Brittany,
I’m not sure about substituting baking soda for washing soda. You could always try it and see how it works, but actually, I’ve now found a homemade multipurpose cleaner that works just as well, if not better, and is our new favorite. Just fill a spray bottle with water and add a few squirts (probably a Tablespoon or so) of castile soap and a few drops of tee tree oil. It works great!
Hope that helps,
~Emily
Oh perfect, thanks! I have all of those items!
[...] Multi-purpose cleaner [...]
I found you on Pinterest and I made this all purpose cleaner this morning. I was a little hesitant since my own concoction of castile soap and water left streaks everywhere. YOURS IS AWESOME! I tried it first on my glass top stove. Then I moved to the counters, then the chairs (I have very messy boys) then the bathroom, mirror, walls, all over! I couldn’t stop! And the dirt and food was just wiping off! I will be making this from now on, and I had all the ingredients on hand already! Thanks. I love your cleaning tips.