Multi-Purpose Cleaning Paste

GREEN CLEANING RECIPE

You might hear it called laundry butter because of its thick, creamy texture, but this paste is not just for laundry. It works as a multi-purpose scrub for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry stains and tougher outdoor jobs.

This one replace can replace

  • Grout cleaner and the need for bleach
  • Oven Cleaner
  • Heavy duty specialist cleaners
  • Laundry Wash
  • Dish Wash

Use cleaning paste when a spray is not enough and a soak is not practical:

  • Soap scum and bathroom build-up
  • Greasy sinks, splash-backs and stovetops
  • Cookware, baking trays and burnt-on food
  • Grout, tiles and shower floors
  • Robust laundry stain pre-treatment
  • Outdoor scrubbing jobs such as BBQ parts, pavers and outdoor furniture

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The Recipe

Why this works Makes / Yield

Ingredient(s)

  • Coconut Soap Flakes
    1/2 cup (78g)
  • Washing Soda
    1/2 cup (130g)
  • Borax
    1/2 cup (102g)
  • Boiling Water
    5 cups (1.25L)

What to do

  1. Add all dry ingredients to a large heatproof bowl or container, taking care to avoid inhaling any dust.Add all dry ingredients to a large heatproof bowl or container, taking care to avoid inhaling any dust.
  2. Allow the mixture to cool. As it cools, it will thicken into a paste.
  3. Optional texture step: Once cooled, blend with a stick blender or mash with a fork until smooth and creamy. Easier to spread and mix with scent, but doesn't change the cleaning performance.

Good to know

Boosting it for tougher jobs

For tougher jobs, you can add sodium percarbonate at the time of use only, never into the stored paste itself.

  1. Scoop the amount of paste you need into a separate bowl.
  2. Add 1–2 teaspoons of sodium percarbonate.
  3. Add a small amount of hot or boiling water slowly until it bubbles and activates.
  4. Apply, scrub, then rinse well.

⚠️ Do not store paste once sodium percarbonate has been added. Discard leftovers after use.

How to Use it

🌱 In the Bathroom

  • Baths, basins and ceramic sinks: use a small amount on a damp cloth or sponge, scrub gently, then rinse well. It's useful when soap scum or body oils need more than a spray.
  • Tiles and grout: apply directly to problem areas, or dilute a spoonful in hot water for a bucket clean. Scrub with a suitable brush, then rinse thoroughly.
  • Toilets: use for scrubbing the bowl when there's grime or residue. For mineral scale, rust marks or hard water staining, an acidic cleaner is usually the better choice.

🌱 In the Kitchen

  • Sinks and splash-backs: excellent for stainless steel sinks, greasy splashbacks and general kitchen build-up. Rinse well to avoid residue.
  • Pots, pans and baking trays: apply with hot water, leave briefly, then scrub. Avoid aluminium cookware, as alkaline cleaners can cause discolouration and pitting.
  • Stovetops and rangehoods: use carefully with a soft cloth or non-scratch pad. Always test first on coated or glossy finishes.

🌱 In the Laundry

Despite the name laundry butter, this paste isn't only for laundry. Here, it's best used as a targeted stain pre-treatment for robust fabrics.

  1. Dampen the stained area.
  2. Apply a small amount of paste.
  3. Rub gently with your fingers or a soft brush.
  4. Wash as normal.

Avoid using it on wool, silk, delicate fabrics or anything that may not tolerate alkalinity or rubbing. For coloured fabrics, test first.

🌱 Outdoor & heavy-duty cleaning

For BBQ parts, outdoor furniture, pavers and other washable outdoor surfaces, dilute a spoonful of paste in hot water, scrub, then rinse well. For very heavy build-up, that's where sodium percarbonate can help, see below.

Surfaces to avoid

Avoid use on:

  • Aluminium
  • Painted or varnished surfaces
  • Marble, unsealed stone and delicate finishes

Use care on coated appliances, induction cooktops and glossy surfaces and always test a small hidden area first if unsure.

Storage and shelf life

Store in a clearly labelled, sealed container once cool. Keep away from children and pets.

The paste stores well when kept sealed and dry between uses. If it changes smell, grows visible mould, separates unusually, or looks contaminated, discard it. If it dries out, add a little boiling water and remix.

Can I add essential oils?

Essential oils are optional and only needed if you want scent. They're not needed for cleaning performance. Avoid adding them if you're using the paste for oven cleaning or areas where strong scent isn't suitable.

Why this works

Coconut soap flakes
The main surfactant. Dissolves in the hot water and, as it cools, sets the mixture into a thick, spreadable paste while trapping and lifting oils and dirt.

Washing soda (sodium carbonate)
Main alkalinity agent. Breaks down grease and boosts the cleaning power of the soap.

Borax
Boosts cleaning performance and deodorises, adding extra scrubbing power for tougher build-up.

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