June 12, 2013
Cleaning Concentrates – Why You Should Be Using Them
Truth be told I use an all-purpose cleaner most of the time when I’m cleaning. I like the simplicity of having one great cleaner to clean just about everything. Today I’d like to share my favorite cleaning concentrates with you. I’ll tell you why I like them and show you where you can find them for yourself if you’re interested.
First of all, what’s the big deal about cleaning concentrates? Why should you be using them?
- You get to mix up exactly how much cleaner you need. Gallon or spray bottle, just add water and you’re ready to start cleaning.
- Cleaning concentrates are cheaper in the long run and you’ll be running to the store a lot less.
- Less waste in packaging and shipping.
- Need a little extra cleaning power? No problem just add a little more of the concentrate.
What can you clean with a cleaning concentrate? Just about everything – check the label on your concentrate, but if you can clean it, you can probably use a cleaning concentrate.
- countertops
- floors
- windows
- doors
- trim
- porcelain
- laminate
- stainless steel
- chrome
- and hundreds more!
I’ve pulled together my seven favorite cleaning concentrates to share with you today. These are my favorites for a variety of reasons, but they are all formulas that I like, have used in my home and can recommend without any reservations. They are all safe to use around people and pets too!
1- white vinegar – yes, this is a cleaning concentrate. Add water and you’ll see that this simple and old-fashioned cleaner works amazingly well. Here’s a round-up of DIY homemade cleaners I’ve made – you’ll see that most of them include vinegar. Not into the pickle-y scent that vinegar brings? Add a couple drops of essential oils.
2- Mrs. Jones’ Soapbox – Soapy All-Purpose Dilutable cleaner (available in 3 sizes) I love how this leaves everything squeaky clean.
3 – Branch Basics Non-Toxic Concentrate Branch Basics is an remarkable cleaner that is intended to clean absolutely everything from pacifiers, carpet stains, laundry, and you can bathe in it! This cleaner is unscented, but works well with a drop or two of essential oils if you need a little scent as you tidy up.
4 – On Guard – This is a great concentrate to disinfect the bathrooms – it smells good (think spices and cloves) and suds up just like you’d expect a disinfecting cleaner to suds up.
5, 6 – Mrs. Meyer’s All-Purpose Cleaner (rosemary and bluebell are my favorite scents) Mrs. Meyer’s smells great and works just as well on cleaning just about everything.
7 – Caldrea All-Purpose Cleaner (palmarosa wild mint) I love this scent and the way it works on all surfaces and mixes up easily is amazing. It’s safe to use on granite and marble too!
Do you use a cleaning concentrate? Have a favorite to share?
Van Says
I’m in the market for some new cleansers, thanks for this list. Now to choose which one to try. Hmmm… I’ve used hot water and essential oil alone to mop up the floor again, the whole house smelled amazing and the floor (tile and wood) had no residue, it felt smooth and squeaky clean.
Susan Says
I like Mrs. Meyers. You don’t have to use much and it smells great. Will look into the others you listed. Thanks!
Brandy Says
I’m a big fan of Branch Basics. I can wash my produce, wash my clothes, clean my floors and even wash my face with it. It’s definitely multi purpose cleaner!
Natalie Says
Thanks for this entry – it’s timed perfectly for me! Which essential oils do you like to use in cleaning, and do you have a favorite brand?
Veneka Says
Branch Basics is wonderful! I love their concentrate and spray bottles. It cleans even the toughest marks so well. And the founders are amazing!
Andrea Says
When you use a concentrate and mix it up in a spray bottle, is there a shelf life? I’d hate to mix too much and waste it if it doesn’t stay effective. I’m a newbie to concentrated cleaners!
Becky Says
Post authorI haven’t had any issues with a shelf life, but I’d recommend using the water/concentrate mixture within a month or two.
xo, Becky
Jamie Jones Says
Thank you, Becky! Always such an honor to be included in one of your roundups. 🙂
Emily K Says
Becky,
What type of cleaner, concentrate or otherwise, do you use in the kitchen to use for ensuring no contamination. For example, cleaning after working with chicken or other meats. I am trying to find a good non-toxic (as non-toxic as I can get :)) for the kitchen.
I have always been very conscious of working with chicken because I got sick one time on chicken. It was at a resturant, but it has made me diligent when cooking with chicken myself. Thanks in advance for any ideas/advice you can give.
Becky Says
Post authorI use Method’s antibac kitchen cleaner or I do have Lysol’s Antibacterial Kitchen cleaner if I know there’s something yucky on there. I’ve been sick from chicken too – not fun!
xo, Becky
Jenna Says
love this list. but how DO you choose just one to start trying first? 😉
Becky Says
Post authorIt depends on your budget and what you’re looking for. If you like a great scent while you clean, go for the Mrs. Meyer’s or Caldrea. If you want something that can clean practically everything in your entire house and be used as a shampoo and veggie wash try the Branch Basics. If you love shopping homemade, go for Mrs. Jones. If you want to make your own, use the vinegar.
xo, Becky
Donna Says
I have a idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in which any harsh flumes can hurt me, so I am looking for cleaning products that work well without flumes. Can you give me any advise?
Becky Says
Post authorThe Branch Basics would be perfect for you!
Joanna Johnson Says
I hired a tile and grout cleaning company to cope with the mold in my bathroom and they told me baking soda and vinegar work great when it comes to killing the fungus.
Surprisingly, the baking soda did a great job! Here is the company: http://www.cleaninghousemelbourne.com.au/tile-and-grout-cleaning/
Natasha a Says
Would you use the doterra in the kitchen to disinfect too ( we have granite) or just the bathrooms…I bought some dr.bronners and mixed it with some water and tea tree oil but my husband is Leary of the bacteria that may still be there lol
Becky Says
Post authorI believe that it’s safe on granite, but I’m not 100% sure – you can also mix dish soap with rubbing alcohol for disinfecting qualities on your granite. I would mix about 8 -12 ounces of warm water with 3 ounces of mild dish soap and 1 ounce of rubbing alcohol. (rubbing alcohol’s ph is close to neutral so it’s considered safe on your granite)
Katie Says
I love hydrogen peroxide for cleaning up bacteria. It kills bacteria on contact and dissipates into water and oxygen. I use it all the time on my granite countertops with no ill effects.
Maria Says
I also use hydrogen peroxide mixed with essential oils. I works great on just about anything! Just make sure to keep it in a dark container. I usually just use the bottle it comes in. Any pump spray will screw on top easily. Lavender or peppermint are my favorite essential oils.
liz Says
LOVE Branch Basics. I use it for EVERYTHING. It even took out 10 year old carpet stains. I love that I can use it to clean the grimiest messes and but it’s gentle enough to put into a foaming pump bottle to use as a handwash. I haven’t found anything it hasn’t been able to handle yet.
Barbara Says
I wondering why you don’t have Dr Bronners on your list.
Becky Says
Post authorI love Dr. Bronner’s castile soap, but it’s an ingredient not a concentrate. Sals Suds is a cleaning concentrate from Dr. Bronner’s but I just didn’t have it on this review. I have some new favorites too since this post was created 🙂
Ronni Says
I have a few of the Mrs. Meyer’s all purpose concentrate – I got them on clearance at Target for $2.64! I have mixed according to directions in spray bottle and find that it leaves a streak even though I have put the exact amount of water needed to make the cleaner. I believe the streak is from the water and not from the cleaner. Any suggestions? Thank you.
Becky Says
Post authorIt could be from water – try distilled instead OR make sure your cleaning cloth/paper towel is rinsed out frequently too!
Catherine Says
Do you have the equivalents for Australia
Becky Says
Post authorI don’t, sorry!
Lucy Clark Says
doterra, meyers and vinegar all available in Australia, thanks for the list – doterra is definitely my favourite – it goes a long way and smells great. i use it in the kitchen and bathrooms..
Krisa Says
Has anyone done a price per ounce comparison for the cost conscience?
Karyn Franz Says
I’m curious which is the most economical? I use vinegar, but usually mix it 50/50 with water. At that rate, I’m wondering if it adds up to be more expensive than one of the others which you only need a few drops of?
Andrea Says
Is doterra safe to use to clean my pets sleeping area?
Becky Says
Post authorNot all oils can be used by pets – do a little research first 🙂
Kate Says
Do I rinse my floors after mopping with Mrs. Meyers (diluted) concentrate? I’ve only used no-rinse floor cleaners (like Method) before! Please advise!
b r Says
Post authorYou shouldn’t need to if the dilution is great enough. If you feel a film or like there’s still something there I would rinse.