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Homemade All-Purpose Cleaner

Squeaky Clean: Homemade All-Purpose Cleaner

Instead of reaching for one cleaner for this and another for that, this homemade and eco-friendly all purpose cleaner does a great job on just about anything. From dirty sinks to messy work surfaces, this homemade cleaner will leave things spotless with Borax substitute and deodorising lemon juice.

Borax is a natural grease-buster that also does double-duty as a disinfectant. It can be difficult to locate in the UK, but there is an easily accessible substitute by Dri-Pak that'll do the same job. The addition of vinegar breaks down bacteria, while hydrogen peroxide naturally cleans and shines. And this squeaky-clean concoction only costs pennies per bottle.

What You'll Need:

  • 125 ml cup vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Borax or Borax substitute
  • 1 tablespoon hydrogen peroxide
  • 500 ml hot water
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Spring of rosemary (optional)
  • Essential oil (optional)
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spray bottle

Directions:

  1. Gather the ingredients needed for making the all-purpose cleaner.

  1. Measure and add the Borax (or substitute) to a mixing bowl, and cover with the hot water. Whisk until incorporated.

  1. Measure and add the hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, and lemon to the bowl. Give the mixture a gentle stir.

  1. Use a spouted measuring cup to pour the cleaner into the spray bottle and top with a few drops of your favourite essential oil or a sprig of rosemary, which gives the all-purpose scrubber a slight scent. Now you're all set to spray on work surfaces or sinks and then wipe clean.

Check out our guide to DIY cleaning supplies for more ideas like this!

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Sarah Lipoff
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