Cleans Everything Cleaner (Even Grout!)

I remember inheriting my grandmother’s old cast iron skillet. It was coated in layers of what I thought was impossible-to-remove grime. Commercial cleaners barely made a dent, and I was about to give up. Then, thumbing through her recipe book, I found a handwritten note mentioning a homemade cleaner that “lifts anything.” Skeptical but desperate, I mixed up a batch, and to my astonishment, that skillet gleamed like new! The sense of accomplishment, the connection to my grandmother, and the discovery of a truly effective, inexpensive cleaner made that moment unforgettable. Now, I want to share this incredible cleaning solution with you.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
• Total Time: 25-30 minutes
• Yield: 2 Gallons
• Dietary Type: Vegan, Cruelty-Free, Eco-Friendly

Ingredients

• 4 cups water
• 1/2 cup borax
• 1/2 cup washing soda (Sodium Carbonate)
• 1/3 of a Fels-Naptha soap bar, grated
• Water, to make 2 gallons

Equipment Needed

• Large pot
• Grater
• Spoon or whisk
• Funnel
• Squirt bottles (like dish soap bottles)

Instructions

1. Begin by bringing the 4 cups of water to a boil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. While the water is heating, use a grater to finely grate 1/3 of the Fels-Naptha soap bar. This ensures it dissolves more easily and quickly.
3. Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to medium and carefully add the grated Fels-Naptha soap to the pot.
4. Next, add 1/2 cup of borax and 1/2 cup of washing soda (sodium carbonate) to the pot. Important note: Do NOT use baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) as it will not produce the desired results.
5. Stir the mixture continuously until the soap is completely melted and the borax and washing soda have fully dissolved. The mixture should start to thicken and take on a consistency similar to honey.
6. Now, begin adding additional water in increments of 2 cups at a time. Continue to heat the mixture gently while adding the water. Stir constantly to ensure everything remains well combined.
7. Pay close attention to the mixture’s consistency. It’s crucial that the mixture doesn’t separate. If separation occurs, continue heating it gently while stirring until it returns to a thick, homogenous liquid. This may take a few minutes, so be patient.
8. Continue adding the water, 2 cups at a time, until you have added enough to reach a total volume of 2 gallons.
9. At this point, the cleaner should be thick and somewhat goopy. Remove the pot from the heat and allow the mixture to cool completely.
10. As the mixture cools, it will transform into a thick gel-like consistency. This is exactly what you want!
11. Once the gel has fully cooled, transfer it into squirt bottles using a funnel. The gel may be quite thick, so you may need to gently squish it through the funnel. Note: Avoid using spray bottles, as the gel-like consistency is best suited for squeeze bottles similar to those used for dish soap.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Grate the soap finely: This will help it dissolve much faster, preventing lumps. A food processor with a grating attachment is a great shortcut.
• Don’t skip the stirring: Continuous stirring prevents the ingredients from settling and sticking to the bottom of the pot, ensuring even dissolution.
• Troubleshooting separation: If the mixture separates, don’t panic! Keep heating and stirring patiently until it emulsifies again.
• Adjusting thickness: If your cleaner is too thick, add a little more water. If it’s too thin, try heating it for a few minutes longer to evaporate some of the liquid.
• Essential Oils: Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil (like lavender, lemon, or tea tree) for a pleasant scent and added cleaning power. Add these after the mixture has cooled to preserve the fragrance.
• Pre-treating Stains: For tough stains on laundry or grout, apply the cleaner directly and let it sit for 15-30 minutes before scrubbing or washing.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This cleaner is incredibly versatile and can be used for a variety of cleaning tasks.

• Laundry: Use about 1/2 cup per load in your washing machine.
• Dishes: Add a small squirt to your dishwater.
• Dishwasher: Use in the pre-wash cycle only.
• Bathroom: Apply directly to surfaces, scrub, and rinse.
• Grout: Pour directly onto grout, scrub lightly, and rinse thoroughly.

Store the cleaner in a cool, dry place in the squirt bottles. It should last for several months. Because it’s a homemade cleaner with natural ingredients, it may experience some minor separation over time. Just shake the bottle well before each use. There’s no need to refrigerate.

Nutritional Information

Since this is a cleaning product, not a food item, nutritional information isn’t applicable in the traditional sense. However, it’s worth noting that this cleaner is free of harsh chemicals commonly found in commercial cleaners, making it a healthier and more environmentally friendly option.

Variations & Substitutions

• Scent Boost: Infuse your cleaner with different essential oils for customized scents. Experiment with citrus, floral, or woodsy blends.
• Vinegar Boost: For extra degreasing power, add a tablespoon of white vinegar to the mixture during the cooking process.
• Gentler Formula: If you have sensitive skin, consider using a milder soap alternative to Fels-Naptha, such as castile soap. You may need to adjust the quantities slightly to achieve the desired consistency.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Why can’t I use baking soda instead of washing soda?
A: Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and washing soda (sodium carbonate) have different chemical properties. Washing soda is much more alkaline and a stronger cleaning agent, necessary for this recipe’s effectiveness.

Q: My cleaner separated. Is it still usable?
A: Yes, it’s still usable! This can sometimes happen with homemade cleaners. Just shake the bottle vigorously before each use to re-emulsify the ingredients.

Q: Can I use this cleaner on all surfaces?
A: While this cleaner is generally safe for most surfaces, it’s always a good idea to test it on an inconspicuous area first, especially on delicate materials like painted wood or natural stone.

Q: How much cleaner should I use per load of laundry?
A: Start with about 1/2 cup per load, and adjust as needed depending on the size of your load and the level of soil. For heavily soiled items, you may need to use a bit more.

Q: Is this cleaner safe for septic systems?
A: Yes, this cleaner is generally considered safe for septic systems because it doesn’t contain harsh chemicals like bleach or phosphates, which can disrupt the delicate balance of bacteria in your septic tank.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it—a powerful, all-purpose cleaner that’s incredibly easy and inexpensive to make. I hope this recipe brings you the same sense of satisfaction and accomplishment that it brought me when I first unearthed it. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations to create your perfect cleaning solution. I encourage you to give this recipe a try, share your experiences, and rediscover the joy of a truly clean home, naturally!