I’d gone to the supermarket for my weekly grocery when an old granny approached and asked me to pick the Soda Crystal Soda, placed on the top shelf next to where I’d just picked up a ready-mixed powder. Not a big deal, I gave it to her and was just about to leave, but she went on chatting, asking if I’d tried using the Soda Crystal.
I was interested and listened as she told me all kinds of stories on how she uses it. Finally, she made me write the recipe. After I bought all the ingredients, I made the recipe, and since then, I stopped buying commercially ready-made cleaning products.
This has been very handy during the pandemic because it kept my home disinfected and clean. Its an effective cleaner, and it has saved me a lot of cash over time!
You can use it on the tables, cabinets, the interior and exterior of your fridge, sinks (enamel, porcelain and stainless), countertops and even your floor. But before you use it, test it in a hidden area, to make sure it doesn’t damage the material.
White vinegar works on alkaline substances by dissolving scale, inhibiting mould, and cutting soap scum. A mild acid, it’s terrific for removing stains from coffee, rust, and tea. It’s typically sold at a 5% concentration, but it’s more effective at higher concentrations, so pay attention to the fine print.
Castile soap is available in liquid or bar form and helps to rinse dirt away. It’s made with olive oil or a vegetable base and is available unscented or scented.
Baking Soda works best on proteins, grease, and animal messes, and because it’s only slightly abrasive, it can scour surfaces without fear of scratching. It’s also a natural deodorizer and less expensive than commercial scrubbing powders.
Hydrogen peroxide is simply water with an extra oxygen molecule (H₂O₂). It breaks down into harmless oxygen and water, so it’s a more eco-friendly alternative to chlorine bleach.
Borax is an alkali that’s good for cutting grease, oil, and dirt.
Tea tree oil is naturally antibacterial, very potent, does not exceed the recommend drops, or puts it directly on your skin.
Soda crystals have a multitude of uses, from removing stains to unclogging drains. Try using your soda crystals for:
- Remove limescale and detergent build-up, as well as deodorizing your machine.
- Pour a cupful of crystals down your sinks each week with hot water to help break-up any blockages. And yes, soda crystals are fine to use with septic tanks.
- Make a firm paste and wipe it on the burnt-on food. Leave overnight and wash off in the morning. Minimal scrubbing required!
- Use it to clean clothes; it can help to remove stains and soften water. Just add a tablespoon to your detergent.
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 tsp white vinegar
- 1/2 tsp liquid castile soap
- 1 tsp borax
- 20 drops of tea tree essential oil
- 2 cups of hot water (just off the boil)
- 75 ml water spray bottle
- 1/2 tsp washing soda crystal
METHOD
- Mix the vinegar, washing soda crystal, borax and castile soap in a large measuring cup. Slowly add the hot water.
- Allow it to cool before adding the tea tree oil
- Pour into the water spray bottle, and it’s ready to use.
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