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How to Make an Eco-Friendly All-Purpose Cleaner

Jul 24, 2014 ● By Megy Karydes

Is it just us or does it seem like everyone is cleaning house these days? Maybe it’s because the weather has been so unpredictable and cooler days like today make it bearable to clear out the garage (finally), basement (finally), kitchen (finally), bathroom…ok, you get the picture.

Neighborly Shop, an adorable indie gift shop in Chicago’s North Center/Lincoln Square/Ravenswood neighborhoods, hosted a Green Cleaning Tricks event this past April around Earth Day. Among the things attendees learned were how to make eco-friendly cleaning supplies from regular, everyday household ingredients including al all-purpose cleaner. Want to try it out for yourself? Here’s how:

Eco-Friendly All-Purpose Cleaner

½ cup vinegar

2 teaspoons borax (sodium borate, readily available at places like Target)

½ gallon water

Few drops of essential oil like lemon or peppermint if you’d like (not necessary)

Mix together and use on any bathroom or kitchen surface (but do NOT use on wood).