Keeping It Clean: DIY All Purpose Spray

It's been a while since I've given a good cleaning recipe and with the buzz all over the boards about DIY cleaners, I think it's high time I share another.

There are a million different cleaners available on the market for a million different things.  Yet the one that most of us is most interested in is an All Purpose cleaner.  After all, there's something seemingly easier about using a cleaner that cleans darn near everything.  Not only are they convenient, most aren't terribly pricey either.

The problem with store bought cleaners isn't really the price though.  It's the ingredients.  I mean, do you have ANY idea what's in those store bought cleaners?  Nothing you really want your kids or pets around, for sure.  It was that thought that led me to start making my own.

Now there are several recipes available all over the internet.  However, it took some playing around with a few recipes and tweaking things to my liking to come up with the perfect all purpose cleaner. Not only is it safe and effective, it actually is cheaper to make it than buy.   And it only takes a few minutes to make.  Perfect for people who are big on green cleaning but short on time.

Sugar Crumbs Quick and Easy All Purpose Cleaner

First, you'll need a few basic ingredients.

• 1/2 cup of vinegar
• 2 tbsp of baking soda
• a squirt or so of Castile Soap
• a few drops of Tea Tree Oil

In a small bowl, combine the vinegar and baking soda.  Allow it to sit until the fizzing stops.  (Feel free to giggle over the reaction.  It always brings me back to elementary school, volcano days!)

Once it stops fizzing, transfer the mixture to an empty spray bottle.  Fill the bottle nearly to the top with HOT water.  Make sure it isn't completely full, though, as you need room for the last ingredients. Then add the castile soap and the tea tree oil.  Close the bottle and shake. 

And there you have it!  Super easy but totally effective home made cleaner.  If you don't like the smell, you can always add a few drops of essential oil to the mix.  Essential oils are readily available at craft stores.

Can't find an essential oil that you like?  Or can't find one at all?  The bloggers at We Heart This have a recipe that utilizes liquid potpourri that is available at nearly any department store!

Happy Friday, folks!  Keep it Clean!