This cleaner handles it all!

 We've covered your dirty dishes and laundry, but I completely forgot about this great hand cleaner that also works for sinks, toilets, countertops and just about anything that needs cleaned.  Both my boys use it as a body wash.  It is a gentle exfoliant that you can change the scent from manly to floral to citrus clean!  It can also be made as an unscented cleaner for those who have allergies.  Depending on what essential oils you use - it can be an antibacterial kitchen and bath cleanser too!  Thyme, Rosemary and Lemon are good oils for cleaning.  Lavendar and sage are both good for showering with.

In a glass bowl using a wooden or  plastic spatula (don't use rubber or metal) mix together the following:

 

1 C. Borax

1 C. Baking Soda

1/2 C. liquid castile soap

1/2 C. vegetable glycerin

1/4 C. vinegar (white, orange, or cider)

10-15 drops of your choice of essential oil

(I recommend thyme and lemon for kitchen, lavendar or rosemary for body wash/shower use)

Mix together to form a stiff paste.  If it will run through your fingers it is too thin - add more Borax and Baking Soda in equal amounts.  If you have to really dig to get it out it may be too thick and add more of the Glycerin and Castile. You can also add a little water - no harm.  Don't add more vinegar as this may add to the problem - it likes to make the baking soda like concrete!

Store in an airtight glass or plastic container.  I like the ones below from Lehmans Non Electric www.lehmans.com

 

I use a plastic tub for the shower - glass could break and damage the kids!  To use as  toilet cleaner drop a tablespoon or two in the toilet, add 1/2 C. of vinegar and let soak for 15-20 minutes.  Use your brush and flush!  You can also use it on the tub ring - just scoop some onto your sponge or brush, rub it on and let it sit briefly and it that ring will come off pretty easily without any gross chemicals!

My hubby uses this cleaner to take grease and other manly substances off of his hands after a day of well drilling and I like having it for after a day in the garden to get that grime off that the gloves didn't keep out - or for when I forgot to wear gloves!

This will also work in a pinch as a dishwasher detergent - use one to two tablespoons in the soap cup and add some vinegar to the bottom of the dishwasher.  I like to use a citrus vinegar for dish washing.

Change it to suit your needs, but keep it simple so hyou can remember what you did and repeat it - you will want more when your first batch is gone!  Happy Cleaning!