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DIY Homemade Surface Degreaser Recipe

Ingredients

  • 240 ml of distilled white vinegar
  • 240 ml of water
  • 120 ml of rubbing alcohol (at least 70% concentration)
  • 1 teaspoon of liquid dish soap
  • 15-20 drops of essential oil (optional for scent)
  • Spray bottle for storage and application

Steps and instructions

  1. Gather all the ingredients and the spray bottle.
  2. In a bowl, mix the distilled white vinegar, water, and rubbing alcohol together.
  3. Add the liquid dish soap into the bowl and stir gently to avoid creating too many suds.
  4. If desired, add in the essential oil drops and stir until well combined.
  5. Using a funnel, carefully pour the mixture into the spray bottle.
  6. Secure the spray bottle's lid and shake gently to combine all the ingredients.
  7. Label the bottle clearly with "Surface Degreaser" and the date it was made.
  8. Before use, test on an inconspicuous area to ensure it doesn't discolor or damage the surface.
  9. To use, spray onto the surface and wipe clean with a cloth.
  10. Store in a cool, dry place out of reach of children and pets.

Tools for making

  • Bowl - A mixing bowl to combine the ingredients.
  • Funnel - A funnel to easily pour the mixture into the spray bottle without any spills.
  • Spray Bottle - A spray bottle for storing and applying the surface degreaser.
  • Cloth - A cloth to wipe the sprayed surface clean.

Recipe variations

  • Use lemon juice instead of vinegar for a citrus-scented degreaser.
  • Replace rubbing alcohol with vodka for a milder option.
  • Experiment with different essential oils such as lavender, tea tree, or eucalyptus for varying scents.
  • Add a tablespoon of baking soda for extra grease-fighting power.
  • Include a few drops of lemon or orange essential oil for an uplifting aroma.
  • Replace the liquid dish soap with castile soap for a more natural alternative.
  • Add a teaspoon of borax for enhanced cleaning properties.
  • Infuse the vinegar with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a pleasant herbal scent.
  • Double the recipe to make a larger batch for convenience.
  • Adjust the amount of water to create a stronger or milder degreaser depending on your needs.

Recipe overview

This DIY Surface Degreaser recipe provides a straightforward and eco-friendly way to keep your surfaces squeaky clean. Made with simple, household ingredients like distilled white vinegar, rubbing alcohol, and liquid dish soap, this degreaser effectively cuts through grime, leaving your surfaces spotless. Adding a few drops of your favorite essential oil can provide a pleasant scent, making your cleaning process more enjoyable. This recipe is not only cost-effective but also allows you to control what goes into your cleaning solution, ensuring a safer environment for you and your family. Remember to always test the solution on a hidden area first to ensure it doesn't discolor or damage the surface. Happy cleaning!

TimeApprox. 10 min
ServingsThis recipe makes approximately 500 ml of surface degreaser.
CaloriesApprox. ,
Print recipe

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of vinegar?
    Yes, you can use other types of vinegar like apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar as a substitute for distilled white vinegar. However, keep in mind that the scent and potency may vary.
  2. Can I use tap water instead of distilled water?
    While distilled water is recommended to avoid any impurities or minerals that may be present in tap water, you can use tap water as an alternative if distilled water is not available.
  3. What can I use instead of rubbing alcohol?
    If rubbing alcohol is not accessible, you can substitute it with vodka or hydrogen peroxide. However, note that the effectiveness of the surface degreaser may vary.
  4. Can I skip the essential oil?
    Yes, adding essential oil is optional. It is primarily used to add a pleasant scent to the degreaser. If you prefer an unscented degreaser, you can omit the essential oil.
  5. Can I use a different type of soap?
    Yes, you can use a different liquid dish soap if you don't have the specified one. However, make sure to choose a mild soap that does not contain harsh chemicals or bleach.
  6. How long does the surface degreaser last?
    When stored properly in a cool and dry place, the surface degreaser can last for several months. However, it is recommended to make a fresh batch every few months for optimal effectiveness.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Spray bottle - Needed for storing and applying the surface degreaser.
  • Bowl - Used for mixing the ingredients together.
  • Funnel - Helps to pour the mixture into the spray bottle without any spills or mess.
  • Cloth - Used for wiping and cleaning the surface after applying the degreaser.

Origin stories

Surface degreaser, as we know it today, is a product of scientific advancements made during the Industrial Revolution. As machinery became more common, so did the oil and grime associated with them. Consequently, the need to keep machines and working surfaces clean led to the development of surface degreasers. The homemade version, like the one outlined in our recipe, is a more recent trend. It emerged as a response to growing environmental and health concerns related to the harsh chemicals found in commercial degreasers. Many people started creating their own natural, eco-friendly versions using simple household ingredients like vinegar, essential oils, and dish soap. The effectiveness of these homemade solutions not only proves that cleanliness does not necessitate harshness, but also pays homage to our ancestors who cleaned with natural ingredients before the advent of synthetic detergents.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.

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