This is a recipe that I have been using to clean our home for nearly 10 years now. I use it for cleaning pretty much everything.
The tea tree oil is anti-bacterial without being toxic. It is a bit of an initial outlay, but as you only use a few drops, it lasts for years. It also gives everything a wonderful clean smell.
The vinegar also has anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. It also helps fight mould.
The cleaner is easy to make: just mix the vinegar, water and a little tea tree oil (or essential oils of choice – mix and match to get your favourite scent), in a spray bottle.
There’s your all-purpose cleaner for just a few cents.
Save money, reduce chemical toxins in the home and reduce waste: the bottle gets reused over and over for years.
For tougher marks, this all-purpose cleaner can be combined with bicarb soda
Simply spray your surface, sprinkle on a little bicarb and wipe until the stains and tough grime is gone. A little bicarb goes a long way – don’t use too much otherwise you’ll end up with a powdery residue.
Other pure essential oils with anti-bacterial properties include eucalyptus, Manuka, rosemary, thyme, oregano, lemon myrtle or lavender, to name a few. Citrus oils smell great and are also quite inexpensive. Don’t use cheap synthetic oils, they don’t have the same properties as pure essential oils.
Homemade All-Purpose Cleaner
Make your own all-purpose cleaner with ingredients you have on hand in the kitchen
Materials
- 200ml plain white vinegar
- 300ml tap water
- a small squirt of dishwashing liquid
- 10-20 drops of tea tree oil or pure essential oil of choice (optional)
Tools
- 1 x 500ml spray bottle
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients in an empty spray bottle.
- Shake well.
Notes
You should not clean marble, granite, stone with vinegar as it can etch the natural stone. It is also best not to clean waxed flooring with vinegar as well.
Also, vinegar should never be mixed with bleach as this can give off toxic fumes.
Melissa Goodwin is a writer and the creator of Frugal and Thriving who has a passion for living frugally and encouraging people to thrive on any budget.