{charmed earth}

The Lifestyle blog of Katie Storms.: something simple, something sweet, something styled.

25 April 2010

Something Clean and Wonderful


My stove is filthy. Just filthy. There is no other word to describe it. And after about four weeks of avoiding it, I had to tackle it today. At this moment, I can proudly say the stove is sparkling clean, and it smells wonderful.

I finally got around to mixing up a bottle of "All-Purpose Household Cleaner" by the name of "Alice's Wonder Spray" from a book I borrowed from my friend Mary months ago. I was waiting on the Borax.

Now. The reason behind the book, Clean House, Clean Planet, is to take out the hazardous toxins and fumes from regular household cleaners. There's also another perk--this household cleaner is also a billion-percent better for your pocket book, a billion-percent better for mother earth, and a billion-percent better for your nose.

I've also been using flannel scraps, which I sewed together a few weeks ago, to wipe away the messes of my house--they keep me from using the kitchen towels for cleaning. The scraps were from a pillowcase I made for my Goddaughter. Oh. And I found the basket for ten-cents at the Rummage Sale on Saturday.



Part of the reason I waited so long was the need for a trigger spray-bottle. Reusing one wasn't wise, because I can't really get rid of all the bleach or whatever was in the pervious bottle. So buying one used proposed the same problems. And I searched for months for a glass one--I don't think they exist. Then I found one, in my basement, with the cleaning supplies; it had never been used. The plastic was still wrapped around it. Go figure. Lucky me.

I know. I know. You want to know how to make this wonderful "Alice's Wonder Spray." I don't mind sharing since the lady who wrote the book is not easy to reach--I tried calling all the numbers in her book and searching for her online without any luck.

Here's the recipe.

Ingredients: a clean 16-oz. trigger spray-bottle, 2 tablespoons of white vinegar (use Heinz), 1 teaspoon of Borax, hot purified water (I used tap), 1/4 cup of liquid soap or 1/8 cup of liquid detergent (like Dr. Bronner's, which I used, the peppermint smelling one), and an essential oil for extra fragrance (I used one I bought at the Soulard Farmer's Market one year--Clean House, Clean Planet suggests a lemon and lavender combination).

How to Make: Mix the vinegar and the borax (I use a funnel to get it all in). Mix it well. Then fill the bottle with the very HOT water. Mix again. Then add the liquid soap or liquid detergent. Then add the essential oils. Then spray and clean. Be sure to follow the order here when mixing ingredients. If you don't, the author suggests your bottle will clog and stuff. Just follow the order.

Note: If you want to use it to prevent mold and mildew, add 1 tablespoon of Borax.

What to Clean: your filthy stove top, hood, and oven. The handles on your fridge that are smothered with fingerprints. The faucet in your bathroom that is covered with water spots. The bathroom sink, toilet, and tub. The kitchen counters. Tiles, walls, and to deodorize the inside of your trash cans.

A word of Caution from Clean House, Clean Planet: "Borax is an eye irritant and can be harmful if swallowed. Keep this product out of reach of children. Do not use if you have open cuts on your hands and skin.

Happy Cleaning!

3 comments:

  1. Oh, so that's what those pieces of cloth are...I've been wondering for a few weeks. I hope you don't mind, but I used one to wipe some stuff down when regripping my golf club yesterday. Is that Charmed Earth?

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  2. I am finally getting around to printing out your recipe! Are you still loving this cleaner??
    Sonya

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  3. I am still loving it, Sonya! It smells so wonderful; I find myself cleaning my kitchen counters with it almost daily. And, yes, JV, that's Charmed Earth.

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