Mix SUGAR and SOAP in boiling water and don’t spend any more money at the market.
- Why mix sugar and soap?
Degreasing power of soap: Soap (in bar or flake form) has detergent properties that facilitate the removal of grease and dirt.
Slightly abrasive action of sugar: Sugar crystals, both soluble and sufficiently rough, can help to gently exfoliate or strip. Combined with soap, they reinforce the effectiveness of cleaning, especially for slightly dirty surfaces.
Thanks to the heat of boiling water, the sugar dissolves in part, forming a slightly thick texture. Result: a cleaning product that is more economical than many detergents sold in stores.- Recipe for the “sugar-soap” cleaner
Ingredients
1 liter of water
1 soap (preferably Marseille soap or neutral soap, about 100 g)
4 tablespoons of sugar (white or brown, your choice)
Optional:
A few drops of essential oil (lemon, lavender, tea tree, etc.) to perfume and strengthen the antibacterial action.
1 tablespoon of baking soda, if you want an even more degreasing effect.
Equipment
A large enough saucepan
A wooden spoon or spatula for mixing
A container (bottle or pump bottle) to store the preparation
Step-by-step preparation
Boil the water: Pour 1 liter of water into your saucepan and bring to the boil.
Grate or cut the soap: The smaller it is in pieces (or shavings), the easier it will dissolve.
Add the soap: Gradually add the soap shavings to the boiling water while mixing gently.
Add the sugar: Once the soap is well dissolved, add 4 tablespoons of sugar. Mix gently to help it dissolve.
Reduce the heat: Let it simmer over low heat for a few minutes, just long enough for the mixture to become homogeneous.
Remove from the heat: Turn off the hob and let it cool.
Add your optional ingredients (essential oils or bicarbonate) and mix one last time.
Transfer to a clean container (a bottle or an old detergent bottle / pump soap).
Let it cool completely before using. As it cools, the texture may thicken slightly. If you find it too compact, simply add a little hot water and shake.
- How to use it?
For dishes:
Pour a small amount onto a sponge or directly into your basin of dishwater. The sugar helps remove stains, while the soap degreases.
To clean floors:
Dilute a cup of this mixture in a bucket of hot water. Use a scrub brush or mop as usual.
To remove stains from laundry:
Apply a little mixture directly to the stain, rub gently and leave for a few minutes before putting the garment in the washing machine.
For kitchen and bathroom surfaces:
Spray or apply with a sponge to remove dirt from sinks, taps, worktops or tiles.