Green and super clean

I had a rather productive day today, did the usual bed making, four loads of washing, sweeping and washing up. I whipped up a big batch of vegetable mix for the dogs, portioned that out and froze it. I noticed that some of my cleaning products were running low and needed replenishing , so today was the day.

• Two batches of washing powder - done


• Homemade liquid hand wash - done


• All purpose cleaner - done


• Scouring powder - ran out of bi-carb, will finish tomorrow


• Wool wash - I ran out of oomph and couldn't be bothered, added to tomorrows list

I always enjoy having a look at what others use to clean their homes, you can often pick up some new recipes and ideas. Here are my favourites and a new formula to try. Washing powder 4 cups of grated plain soap - I used my homemade laundry soap 2 cups borax - omit if using your grey water on the garden, it can be toxic to the plants 2 cups washing soda 1 cup bi-carb soda Grate the soap - I use an old food processor for this job.

Mix the other ingredients with the grated soap. I then mix the lot in the food processor (small batches at a time) to ensure it is thoroughly combined and in powder form. Much easier to dissolve this way.

I store the powder in recycled dog treat containers - I have a never ending supply from work

For a heavy duty powder - replace 2 cups of plain soap with a stain remover soap (Sard in Australia). I used my homemade soap that I added eucalyptus oil to. To use - dissolve two tablespoons of powder in a small amount of very hot water, mix it till the soap is soft and almost dissolved. I then fill my small container with more hot water and continue mixing till all dissolved. This should only take a couple of minutes. Then add to your machine. For fabric softener, I use three tablespoons of white vinegar and a few drops of lavender essential oil in the fabric conditioner compartment. Homemade liquid hand soap 1 bar of soap - any kind (this one is homemade goats milk soap) Vegetable glycerine 4 cups of water Essential oil of your choice Grate the soap and place in a saucepan with 4 cups of water Stir over a medium to low heat until the soap is dissolved, allow to cool a little. I then add some vegetable glycerine, between 1 teaspoon - 1 tablespoon. The amount you use will depend on how thick the mixture is. Remember that it will thicken more on cooling. I then add some essential oil, about 5 - 10 drops. I store it in old vinegar bottles and dispense into pump bottles. Shake well before use. If the mixture is too thick add more water. When using homemade soap this mixture seems similar to a castile liquid soap. I've made it with commercially made soap with very different results. More like a thick slimy mess. General purpose cleaner This recipe is based on one I found at Simple Savings. 1L water 200ml white vinegar 40ml detergent 40 ml eucalyptus or tea tree oil 3 tablespoons of washing soda I also add about 8 - 10 drops of Lemon Myrtle essential oil Mix all ingredients together, I store it in a old vinegar bottle, shake well before use. Can be use neat in a spray bottle or mix 1/2 a cup in a bucket of warm water to wash floors and walls. Remember to mark all reused bottles or containers clearly, to avoid any accidents. Blimey I've rambled on too long, check back tomorrow for the other two cleaning recipes. Hope you have a lovely day Cheers Lisa