Hey guys! How’s it going out there in the world? I just wanted to share a little update on a little special something I have discovered in the form of an all natural all purpose cleaner.
When I say all natural, I mean 100% all natural ingredients , and when I say all purpose, I MEAN 100% ALL PURPOSE!
Seeking more natural alternatives to the multitude of chemical laden cleaning products we currently use; I made a concoction and started a little trial, all the while thinking it wouldn’t come to much.
Boy, was I completely wrong, this concoction is better than any commercial product I have been a slave too. It throughly cuts grease and lifts dirt fast. It’s scent is natural and pleasant. It’s antibacterial properties are second to none and the ingredients 100% food grade and natural.
Also, it its so easy to make.
Ready to use wonder-cleaner all purpose spray
You will need:
A tall mason jar
Citrus peels
White vinegar
Sprigs of woody aromatic herbs (optional)
Trigger action spray bottle
Water
Method:
Put the citrus peels and herbs in the jar and fill the jar to the top with white vinegar. Store in a cupboard for 2 weeks before using.
After two weeks – strain liquid into a trigger action spray bottle between 1/3rd to 1/2 of its volume and top with water until full. Shake well before use.
Return the remainder of the concentrated solution to the cupboard and use for refills.
Now, the story doesn’t end there. This wonder-cleaner can also be used for a number of other uses.
As a natural scourer, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the area and splash with wonder cleaner concentrate, give the area an encouraging scrub while it is bubbling away and then leave the mixture for 10-15 minutes. Repeat if necessary until the stubborn mess is removed.
For a double whammy wood cleaner and polish (varnished wood only) – use a 1:1 ratio of wonder cleaner concentrate and olive oil in a small bow, whisk with a fork until appearance is creamy yellow and dip a rag in the mix and wipe down the wooden surfaces until clean and shiny. Let the mixture absorb and nourish the wood, after an hour or so buff off any excess oil. Mix and Repeat process as necessary to keep your wooden surfaces in tip top condition.
As a luscious leather cleaner and conditioner, mix 3 parts in a mist spray bottle, 1 part concentrated wonder cleaner, 1 part olive oil and 1 part water, adding in a few drops of your favourite essential oil (optional). Shake vigorously for about 30 seconds before every use, the spray should appear as a milky liquid – this is what you want to see with every spray as it means the oil is well dispersed in the liquid. Clean with quick wiping actions covering the entire surface and try to avoid saturation and too much liquid pooling in any one spot for too long. You don’t want dried uneven water spots on your leather! I also clean my olive coloured suede ankle boots with this mix and a towelling cloth, they come up beautifully.
For my leather cleaner I add in about 10 drops of patchouli and 5 drops of lavender as I like a strong spicy fragrant scent, but the mixture will work just as well with less, or without the essential oil. This mix is great for cleaning musty leather jackets, handbags, shoes, as well as leather furniture. As it has antibacterial properties it is great for eliminating any stinky bacteria growing on your leathers and inhibiting mould growth. The olive oil also nourishes and protects the leather from drying out and cracking, and can be used as often as you like.
This concoction is life changing and the fact that you can prepare it in concentrated form means that there is always enough on hand for any of the above jobs.
The concentrate is best used within the month... but I have found a large mason jar will only last us about 2-3 weeks on average.
It’s been about two months since we converted to this chemical free solution and we use the ‘all purpose spray’ multiple times a day on anything that needs a quick spray and wipe. The wood polish is whisked up every couple of days and primarily used on high traffic areas like the dining table, and the leather cleaner is used at least once a week to freshen our shoes and monthly on other leather items.
I dare you to give it a go! Let me know how you get on in the comments below.
Pepperbox Couture 