Multi-Purpose Cleaning Paste Recipe

I learnt this recipe years ago from a soap maker, and it has been a permanent fixture under my sink ever since.

You might hear it calledΒ laundry butterΒ 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.

Use it when you would normally reach for a cream cleanser, bathroom scrub, stain pre-treater or heavy-duty degreaser.

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Recipe & Instructions

πŸ«™ Makes:Β Approx. 1 to 1.5 litres of pasteΒ  πŸ•Β Time:Β 3 minutes + cooling time


INGREDIENTS

  • Coconut Soap Flakes:Β 1/2 cup
  • Washing Soda:Β 1/2 cup
  • Borax:Β 1/2 cup
  • Boiling water:Β 3–4 cups


METHOD

  1. Add all dry ingredients to a large heatproof bowl or container, taking care to avoid inhaling any dust.
  2. Carefully pour over the boiling water and stir until everything has dissolved.
  3. Allow the mixture to cool. As it cools, it will thicken into a paste.


Optional texture step:

Once cooled, blend with a stick blender or mash with a fork until smooth and creamy. This makes it easier to spread and easier to mix with optional scent, but it does not change the cleaning performance.

Important:
This can look like buttercream icing, so store it clearly labelled and well away from children and pets.

Answers to Common Questions

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How to use it
Apply a small amount to a damp cloth, sponge or non-scratch scourer. Rub gently in a circular motion to lift dirt and build-up. For tougher marks, let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe clean and rinse well with a damp cloth.

Have a read of How to use Laundry Butter cleaning paste

Avoid use on

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

If unsure, test on a small hidden area first.

Boosting it for tougher jobs
For tougher jobs, you can add sodium percarbonate at the time of use only.

  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.

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

Shelf life
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.

Adding essential oils
Essential oils are optional and only needed if you want scent. They are not needed for cleaning performance. Avoid adding essential oils if you are using the paste for oven cleaning or areas where strong scent is not suitable.

Get What You Need

Including a pre-mixed laundry powder, so you can enjoy all the benefits whilst saving your ingredients for other products.

  • The Recipe Hub

    WHAT TO MAKE
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  • The Learning Hub

    WHY IT WORKS
    Plain-language deep dives into each
    ingredient: what it is, where it comes from, and why it earns its place under your sink.

    Meet the ingredients