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All-Purpose Spray Cleaner For Just Pennies

posted by Annie B. Bond Aug 14, 2002 3:16 am
All-Purpose Spray Cleaner For Just Pennies
12 comments

By Annie B. Bond

Here is the formula I use at my home for all-purpose spray cleaning.

It is particularly handy to use this all-purpose spray to get all the baseboard heaters cleaned and free of dust. I like to avoid the fried dust smell that is so unhealthy to breathe.

This spray cleaner only costs 9 cents for 32 ounces, compared to $2.94 for the standard commercial version, and I can vouch for the fact that it works as well. Besides, it is safe to have around children and your own lungs.

Make up a batch of this fantastic all-purpose cleaner and store it in its own spray bottle, using this easy formula:

Basic All-Purpose Cleaner Formula
This formula makes 2 cups of formula, and it works on most types of dirt.

½ teaspoon washing soda (if you can find it; if not, skip)
2 teaspoons borax
½ teaspoon liquid soap or detergent
2 cups hot water
spray bottle

Combine the minerals, soap or detergent, and water in a spray bottle. Shake to blend.
Spritz the area every foot or so, and wipe clean with a clean soft rag as you go. For difficult dirt, spray and leave the cleanser on the surface for five minutes or so before wiping.

More on Non-Toxic Cleaning (158 articles available)
More from Annie B. Bond (3247 articles available)

12 comments

12 comments

add your comment »
12 comments add your comment
Jeff J.
  • Jeff J. says
  • Dec 23, 2009 4:36 AM

interesting

Susanne Tyler

Thank you for the really great all-over cleaner!! You always have some great & helpful hints-respect!

Adam R.
  • Adam R. says
  • Dec 2, 2009 11:44 PM

One of my favorite homemade cleaners is a window cleaner. I just use an old window cleaner bottle, it is probably eight years old. You could also purchase a plain spray bottle from a store for this. Whenever it is empty I just add about two inches of vinegar and fill the rest of the way up with water. This cleaner leaves no streaks and no harmful side effects either. Believe it or not, the best thing to wipe your windows with after spraying the vinegar/water mixture on is newspapers.


ginkgo biloba

Jessica S.

thank you

Nicole go

it makes me laugh when I see recipes for "safe" cleaning products and the picture has a person wearing rubber gloves! greatall purpose cleaner I found: www.quicknbrite.com, no gloves and no chemicals!

Adam H.

Borax should be found down your cleaning supply aisle, with the mops, buckets, and particularly, with the detergents. Here at our wally world, the detergent is on one side, and the borax, chlorox2, etc. is on the other side across from each other.

And it's like 2dollars and some change for a big box of it (well, it's not as big as the big box of "dry" detergent) - but it lasts a good month or two, used daily ;)


Any idea if this would work with/on/for automotive glass/windshields? :) Sounds like something I may try. Always up for some experimentation...only thing I may consider adding/changing, is adding regular car wash soap(armorall or something cheap without "waxing properties" added) rather than liquid dish soap (Dawn for example).

Talia A.

I also have an all purpose spray cleaner on my blog. http://backtobasics-talia.com

Mark S.
  • Mark S. says
  • Jan 21, 2009 4:27 AM

I've found a lot of useful information on healthy, non-toxic home products at
http://jandmstark.healthyhometour.com/
Seems like they have the "solution" to a "green" home and environment.

Chris O.

Is this cleaner food safe? Can I use it in the kitchen - on the cutting board? the high chair tray? thanks

Kath Worsfold

About the borax in this recipe - I bought some from a chemist (drug store) here in N.Z. - $12 per 100 grams - that's $120 per kg. So, I don't think your formula would cost "pennies". Is borax cheap in the U.S.?

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Disclaimer: Care2.com does not warrant and shall have no liability for information provided in this newsletter or on Care2.com. Each individual person, fabric, or material may react differently to a particular suggested use. It is recommended that before you begin to use any formula, you read the directions carefully and test it first. Should you have any health care-related questions or concerns, please call or see your physician or other health care provider.

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