How to make your own enzyme cleaner!

So lately I've been on this kick to make my own house cleaning products. After revising my laundry detergent post and seeing how amazingly cheap it is to make, I wanted to make some more cheap products around the house because I go through that stuff like water! After numerous hours of searching and experimenting I found a recipe for Citrus Enzyme cleaner. Words can't describe how excited I was. (Mostly because when you cloth diaper it is good to have an enzyme cleaner to get the "funk" smell out of them and that stuff isn't cheap!)

This cleaner is very comparable (pretty much identical!) to other enzymes sprays such as BacOut. This spray runs about $9 per bottle NOT CONCENTRATED! The ingredients are enzyme cultures, Lime extract, Stabilizers, Surfactants, and water (so basically lime, water, and sugar). After researching enzyme cleaner I found out that pineapples have the most enzymes and make a better cleaner.

So I guess you guys are ready for the recipe:

What you will need is:

1. A container with a lid that can hold 2 liters (I used an old milk jug)
2. 1 1/2 to 2 cups of fruits scraps (such as lime peels)
3. 7 tbsp of brown sugar (this is to feed the enzymes)
4. 1 tsp of yeast (doesn't matter which kind)
5. 1 liter of water
6. funnel
7. 2 weeks time!

How to make it:

1. Cut up your fruit scraps so that they will fit into the opening of your container (I used pineapple and lime!) and put them into a measuring cup to measure out about 2 cups of fruit scraps.
2. Stuff the fruit into your container and add the yeast and the brown sugar into the container using a funnel.
3. Pour in your 1 Liter of water through the funnel to collect any extra sugar and yeast.
4. Screw the lid on and shake the container to mix everything together.
5. Loosen the lid to let any gas buildup flow out of the container.
6. Label with the date you made it and the date for 2 weeks from the day you made it (this is when it will be ready for use).
7. Store in a cool, dark place (such as your pantry).
8. Shake the container everyday for the first week making sure when you put it up for storage that the lid is loosened (We don't want explosions people!).
9. Once the two weeks are up strain your enzyme cleaner and store for further use.

How to use it:

• All purpose cleaner = 1 part enzyme to 10 parts water.
• Stains and Odors = just dilute
• Dishes and Laundry = 1/4 of enzyme
• Drain blockages and smell = concentrated or use strained fruit scraps
• Mopping floors = 1 part enzyme to 20 parts water
• Face cleaner = 1 part enzyme to 2 parts water
• Insect repellent = unse diluted
• Clean washing machine = 2 cups enzyme in detergent drawer (run through normal cycle at 98 degrees F)
• Glass cleaner = 1 part enzyme to 3 parts water

If you would like to watch how I made my enzyme cleaner you can view it here:

Check back in two weeks for my review on this cleaner and it's wonderfulness!

♥ Mrs. Suzie

Make your own Laundry Soap!

Liquid Detergent:


What you'll need:

• Box of Borax Natural Laundry Boost
• Box of Arm & Hammer Washing Soda
• 1 bar of soap, preferably a stain removing laundry soap but soaps like Dove or Ivory will work
• Scented oil of your choice (optional)
• 1 gallon container with a lid (ex. milk jug)
• Funnel

Instructions:
**Note: This will make 1 gallon (32 Loads)

1. Cut off a fifth of soap and grate with a cheese grater (the 4/5 of soap will not be used).
2. Put the grated soap in a sauce pan with 2 cups water. Heat until soap melts.
3. Add 1/4 cup Washing Soda and 1/4 cup Borax. Stir until dissolved. Remove from heat.
4. Pour 3 1/4 cups of hot water into container with funnel. Add soap mixture and stir. Add 11 1/4 cups of hot water and stir. Add 1/2 tsp. scented oil (you can add more or less depending on your preference).
5. Let sit for 24 hours until thickened and gel like. Be sure to shake every so often


Shake your bottle well before each use. Use 1/2 cup of detergent for large loads.


Dry Detergent:


What you will need:

• Box of Borax Natural Laundry Boost
• Box of Arm & Hammer Washing Soda
• 2 bar of soap, preferably a stain removing laundry soap but soaps like Dove or Ivory will work
• Container with a lid (can hold 4 cups or more)

Instructions:

1. Grate 2 bars soap and add to storage container.

2. Add 1 cup of Borax with 1 cup of Washing Soda in storage container. You can dump the soap mixture into a food processor with the blade attached to grate down into smaller pieces which is better for front loading washing machines. You can also add 1 cup of oxygen cleaner to add extra stain fighting to your detergent.

3. Make sure all powders and soap are mixed together well.

Use 1 Tbsp. for small loads and 2 Tbsp. for large loads. Makes 32 loads.

To watch how I made my detergent check out my video here:

♥ Mrs. Suzie