Since trying my hand at soapmaking many years ago, I have often thought about making other household cleaners. Most of the materials to make cleaners easily obtained, and in the quantities used, relatively cheap.
I have been cleaning out the bottles that my cleaners have come in, and setting them aside to reuse when I make my own. Some of the labels come off easily, and some don't, so I put cleaners of the same purpose in the appropriately labeled bottle. Problem solved.
I made a fresh batch of unscented Castile soap about a month ago so it would be ready to go when I need it. I use a regular hand held grater to grate the soap to add in each recipe.
Glass cleaner:
1 cup white vinegar
1 cup water
Mix water together in a spray bottle. Vinegar is an acid, so use it on marble or other stone as over time it will etch the surface. Otherwise, clean windows, mirrors, stovetops, counter tops, etc. The vinegar will cut grease.
All purpose cleaner:
1 teaspoon Borax
1/2 teaspoon washing soda
2 tablespoons white vinegar or lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon vegetable based detergent (I used grated Castile soap)
2 cups very hot water
Combine in a bowl or measuring cup (I used my large measuring cup) and stir until ingredients are combined. Pour into a spray bottle and clean away.
Liquid dish soap:
1/4 cup of Castile soap, grated
1 teaspoon white vinegar or lemon juice
2 cups very hot water
Combine soap and water, and stir until all soap is dissolved. An alternative to very hot water is to use cold water and heat the mixture on the stove, stirring often and never boiling, until all the soap is dissolved. after the mixture has cooled, add the vinegar or lemon juice, then pour into your waiting bottle.
Tile or linoleum floor cleaner:
Dissolve 1 - 2 teaspoons of the above liquid dish soap in 3 gallons of warm water and mop as usual. To rinse, add 1 cup of white vinegar to 3 gallons of cool water, apply to the floor (I use a clean towel soaked in it) and dry with towels.
