Everyday Household Surface Cleaning Paste Recipe

Everyday Household Cleaning Paste

A clever little cleaning paste that is good for your home and good for the planet.

If you are looking for a good all round household cleaner that is gentle on your hands try this paste recipe out.

It is mild enough for sensitive hands - but we recommend wearing gloves for household cleaning jobs to stop your hands from drying out.

Try it on: Baths, Sinks, Taps, Oven Doors, Shower Screens, Chrome, Roasting pans and much more.

RECIPE:

1 tsp bicarbonate of soda

2 tsp eco washing up liquid

1/2 tsp castor oil

4 tsp of cornflour

a few drops of lime essential oil

METHOD

Combine the washing up liquid with the castor oil, bicarb and lime essential oil and blend well together. You will get a gooey paste, once it is smooth and homogenous with no lumps from the bicarb you can add the cornflour. Add a spoonful at a time and blend really well until you are happy with the texture. You don’t want the paste to be too dry or too sticky. You should be able to scoop some up on your finger so that you can apply it to your cloth.

Decant to a clean jar and label.

There are versions of this product on the market available for purchase and I have tried some of them. I find some of these products are a bit heavy on the bicarb which can irritate the skin. My recipe has about 10% bicarb and I still recommend wearing gloves. I have also added castor oil as it is a great cleanser, it is known as the ‘dirt magnet’ and will help to lift the grime. The washing up liquid will be acting as your surfactant (surface active agent that breaks down dirt and bacteria). I have chose lime essential oil as it has a fresh scent and powerful citrus cleansing properties. Feel free to try other essential oils but stay away from those that are precious or endangered.

Together all the ingredients provide good old fashioned gentle cleaning power.

TO USE:

Place a little of the paste (pea sized) on a damp cloth. Rub over area that requires cleaning. Rinse off with clean water.

As with all cleaning products this should be kept out of the reach of children and pets. It cannot be ingested or come into contact with the eyes (seek immediate medical advice). The paste will last for 6 months if stored in a dark cool place.

My top tip for buying Bicarbonate of Soda in large quantities is to try Matthews Foods - Scotland’s Premier Oriental Supermarket.