DIY Eco- Friendly Household Cleaner

Posted by Alexandra C. | Tuesday April 10, 2012

I'm always on the lookout for ways to do anything on the cheap and easy. When whatever I am creating is not only cheap, fast and simple but also environmentally friendly, well then, that's what I call the jackpot! Lately, I've been scouring the internet for ideas on how to make an eco-friendly household cleaner and I came across this gem from blog Homemade Mamas that was surprisingly easy and required minimal labour and ingredients.

This cleaner is multi purpose and can be used for and in a few different places. Try it as a general floor or surface wash, dishes or even laundry stains. The one tricky part of this recipe is that your household cleaner needs to ferment for three months in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. This is because it contains citrus fruits which need to be fermented so that they can produce enzymes. The enzymes are that magic ingredient that help to blast away all the yucky stuff. It's going to be worth it though, because this cleaner is pretty strong so you'll only need to use a small amount diluted which means it's going to last you a while. Also, because it contains citrus fruits, it's going to smell yummy!

Here's what you need:

2 Litre airtight container (juice or pop bottle will do)
2 1/2 Cups of fruit peels, scraps (lemons, oranges, grapefruit, chose citrus fruits)
7 Tbsp brown sugar
4 Cups of water(for 2 litres of cleaner, for the purpose of ease, I halved this recipe and made only about a litre)

Step 1: Segment Fruits

For this recipe, you are only going to be using the peels and scraps of fruits. So, plan ahead! If you know that you will be using lemon juice, for example, for a recipe, save those scraps and make this as well. Might I suggest making some lemon squares? Or, segment the fruits and use the flesh of oranges and grapefruits to make a fruit salad and keep the scraps for this recipe.

Step 2: Cut Peels

Cut the peels and scraps of fruit into small enough pieces so that they will fit through the mouth of your bottle (this becomes tricky if you are using a pop bottle). Once ready, go ahead and add pour them into bottle.

Step 3: Add Sugar

Add the 7 tbsp of brown sugar to the bottle.

Step 4: Add Water

Pour the water into the bottle. Screw on the top and give it a good shake!

Final Product

Be sure to date your cleaner so you know to open again three months from now. Place it in a dark, cool place, I suggest a cupboard or pantry. For the first month, you should shake it everyday. After shaking, you'll want to open up the lid halfway to allow gas pressure to escape and store the bottle with the lid like this. If the lid is kept on too tight, gas will build up causing an explosive mess. According to the original recipe, if you see a black or white film on top, don't worry, it is just yeast building. Simply give your bottle a shake! When you reach the three month mark, strain the liquid with cheese cloth or a fine metal strainer.

Tip: Use this cleaner diluted. Depending on the toughness of the job, you only need about 2 tbsp per 2-3 litres of water. Of course, I will be sure to update you chicks on how my cleaner works in three months!

What are your eco-friendly or DIY cleaning tips and tricks?

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15 Comments

	on January 24, 2013 thepinksimsboard 2,344 said: Wellll... what happened????
	on August 17, 2012 street cleaning said: Eco-friendly cleaners does not cause any harmful effects on human being. Lemon, vinegar and baking soda are some easily available Eco-friendly cleaners. Use of these products may result in good cleaning.
	on May 14, 2012 lawrencesharon 1,325 said: This is really an amazing idea. Will surely check it out. Its good that you shared such an incredible research which we had never known before.
	on May 02, 2012 Bren 26,031 said: That whole site is awesome! I've started making this cleaner....I have vinegar in a mason jar and added orange and lemon peels and already this morning its smells soooo good!I will let it sit a few months then strain it into spray bottles :)
	on May 02, 2012 AlexJC 50 said: @Bren- awwww so clever haha, thanks for sending that over, I'm going to check this out!
	on May 01, 2012 Bren 26,031 said: @Alex I thought of you when I came across this facebook site and this in particular :) https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=367270403325295&set=a.249378811781122.77990.189287804456890&type=3&theater;
	on April 12, 2012 Aliza 14,011 said: Can't wait for the update on this! I agree with @ali @takoda @gonebatty @bren581 about the sugar inside of this. If I didn't read the header I would have thought you were fermenting a drink as well.
	on April 11, 2012 TashaCat 6,762 said: Surprised at the sugar... like everyone. I love the idea especially with the citrus. Orange oil is a great cleaner! But would I remember to open it and shake it? Wish I was not so into instant-gratification!
	on April 11, 2012 shuey 2,784 said: LOL takoda~ you are too funny. I am also intrigued Kepp us informed
	on April 10, 2012 annmarie 4,261 said: I'm intrigued. Can't wait to see how it turns out in 3 months. thanx for the post!