All Purpose Cleaner

A little known fact about me is that I cleaned houses in undergraduate. I still can't believe someone paid my college self to clean their house. At that time it was more of a neat freak thing and a desire to make things sparkle. Now, I'm still a neat freak, but am more organized and know a bit more on how to make things clean.

Through the years I have discovered what works to clean and what doesn't. I also use a book called Home Comforts to help organize my cleaning. I'm still learning how to do things and what needs to be done around the house so this book helps.

I'm a fairly organized person and love to know the science behind things. I've decided to blog about my cleaning research.

The first thing I've found is an all purpose cleaner that I love. Here's the recipe if you are so inclined:

Basic All Purpose Witch's Brew
This makes about 2 cups of formula. It cleans dirt and grime very well.

1/2 teaspoon baking soda or washing soda
2 teaspoons Borax
1/2 teaspoon liquid soap or detergent (I use free and clear 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.
{Also great for turning whiny children into piglets for an hour or two. Place child on a waterproof surface and mist lightly. Do not exceed 3 applications in any 24-hour period.)

Why I started using this:
About a year ago my son started to lick things. I started to worry about all the chemicals that he was getting in his mouth. Naturally this led to some research on cleaners.

What I found: Vinegar is a natural anti-bacterial agent. You can use vinegar mixed with water for cleaner. I like that, but decided I needed something that would also cut grease and really clean. I discovered that Borax is a natural cleaner and helps get the "funky" smell out of laundry. It doesn't have chlorine or phosphates and is a natural cleaner. Here's a link if you are interested. You still shouldn't ingest it, but at least if someone licks the sink I won't worry.

How I clean: I bought a spray bottle and spray my cleaner on the sinks and bathtubs. I use a damp microfiber cloth and scrub until the gunk is clean. I then use a dry microfiber cloth to shine the sinks. Then I throw all of the floor cloths and sink cloths in the washer. This makes everything clean and I don't have to re-use a gunky bacterial infested sponge.

Next time...Homemade glass cleaner with tricks on cleaning your windows to make them shine.

*I do have someone come in once a month now to help me with the weekly cleaning. She's great and uses my cleaner
*Don't really spray your children with this stuff. The husband added that, but it doesn't really work.