DIY Eco- Friendly Household Cleaner
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?
Facebook Comments
15 Comments
 | I can't wait to see how it turns out. Keep us posted :) |
 | I went and researched this I was really curious.It says the mix is also good to clean your face and really good to water plants with...It also said that gases will build up in the bottle and it can explode lol be careful Alex! |
 | Very interesting. The sugar is surprising, but I can see how it would work. Very interested to see how this works at the 3 month mark! |
| I was surprised to see sugar in the recipe as well.LOL Takoda I thought that as first as well that Alex was making a fermenting drink...The citrus is awesome for cleaning.I am so curious to hear the results in three months!Actually I have tons of lime/lemon and oranges right now I may just try this myself!Thanks alex |
 | This is so cool, but isn't it also the recipe for jail house hooch.LOL |
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