We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.
I love homemade cleaners. Not only are they usually much less toxic but they help you to hold on to money you already have. Over the years I have tried many recipes for many different types of cleaning projects with varying degrees of effectiveness. After a time of sub-par cleaning results I started creating my own recipes. I took the aspects that I thought worked well and put them to the test. This recipe for a really good all purpose cleaner is one such result!
This cleaner needs some time to make but I guarantee that it is worth the wait!
Part One: Gather pine needles and pack in a glass jar with a tight fitting lid (I used an old spaghetti sauce jar). Stuff as many as you can reasonably fit.
Fill the jar with 99% alcohol.
Place this jar on a sunny window sill for a week.
After the week is up, place the jar in a dark cupboard for two additional weeks.
After which time, strain liquid into a clean jar and dispose of the pine needles.
Part Two: Measure ½ cup of the pine/alcohol solution
½ cup of white vinegar
1 Tbsp dish soap (I use liquid)
Mix well and pour into a clean spray bottle. Fill the remainder of the bottle with water (slowly to avoid sudsing).
You can decide how strong of a concentration you would like. I use it as a general cleaner and on my counter tops, my kitchen sink, in my bathroom, for door handles and high touch areas.
CAUTION: This cleaner must be kept away from children and pets. Also, not safe for use on painted and delicate items. Use at your own discretion.
Temperance says
I tried this cleaner recipe and I love it! Not only does it work great but it smells amazing! It is nice not having to choose between a working cleaner and worrying about chemical residues from harsh cleaning products that could be dangerous for kids and pets. Thanks!
Ellen&Elizabeth says
That is so good to hear! We are so glad you like this recipe! Thanks for letting us know!
Mercedes says
This works so well! And previous commenter is right, the peace of mind that comes with not using heavy chemicals (without sacrificing quality) is fantastic!