All-Purpose Cleaner

Pour ammonia and washing soda into a clean gallon size plastic jug. Add 2 C warm water, close jug. Shake to mix. Fill with the rest of the warm water. Close and label. Keep out of the reach of children.

To Use: For large jobs, pour 1/2c solution into a bucket, fill with warm water and scrub walls or floors. To avoid streaks, wash walls from the bottom up, working in small sections and change water frequently. No rinsing is necessary if you make sure your water stays clean. A good rule of thumb is to make the water as hot as you can comfortably stand and then change it when it has cooled off. For small jobs, fill a spray container with solution and use full strength on appliances, tile, and for spots on any washable surface.

cook's notes

This is the type of cleaner that is supposed to do everything around the house, and it does -- it cleans countertops, painted woodwork, tile, appliances, vinyl floors, and even SOME painted walls.

It's good for vinyl wallpaper but NOT on delicate wallpaper. This is not a wimpy cleaner, so if you're timid, try a bit of the solution on an out-of-the-way place just to be sure that it won't harm the surface you want to clean.