Quick Tip: Citrus Vinegar DIY Drain Freshener

Today Sharon shares with us a quick tip for non-toxic household cleaning. Enjoy!

XO, KC

I was inspired by KC's citrus vinegar post to make my own. I'm a vinegar enthusiast. It's super versatile and I've been using it as my all-purpose household cleaner for a while now (I've completely given up on Alvin Corn... the alcohol does something weird with the air pressure in the bottle). So, adding the citrus element seems smart, especially since the vinegar scent needs something to take the edge off.

KC only used peels in her citrus vinegar, but I just dumped any old lime or lemon I squeezed right in
there and it's  worked fine. The large bottle of vodka in back is not for drinking but for making Febreeze. ;)

Well, my latest use is to start using the citrus vinegar to help clean my drain (my apartment was built in 1940 and garbage disposals were not standard). I dump a little bit of baking soda down the drain (it won't really go far, but will just sit on top of the mouth of it) and then slowly pour a bit of citrus vinegar until it's all gone. You will get a foaming reaction... just like the volcano science projects that use the same concept. I try to do this a couple times a month to keep things fresh.

Pinned: Success or Fail? Alvin Corn Cleaner

Today is the first post of a new segment... Pinned: Success or Fail? Now with so many DIYers trying things they pin on Pinterest it is so helpful to get the results & reviews they found. Which pins are awesome and what are your thoughts while trying out the things you are inspired by?

Alvin Corn Cleaner in refillable bottle

Pinned: Success or Fail? Alvin Corn Cleaner

I’m a DIYer mostly out of laziness and cost. Example: I started making my own Febreeze because I have a dog and go through it like whatever it is that people go through things quickly. Making it saves me multiple trips to Target each month and a lot on buying bottles of Febreeze (which isn’t cheap). I have also been making my own household cleaner out of vinegar and water. Super easy. But I’m not really thrilled about the smell and it could do better cutting grease. So when I came across this recipe for “Alvin Corn” cleaner (called that because it uses alcohol, vinegar and cornstarch) on Pinterest, I was intrigued. The pinner who pinned it raved about it. I had to try it and decided to share with you all whether this is a Pin Fail or a Pin Success.

Alvin Corn Recipe
1/4 c. rubbing alcohol
1/4 c. white vinegar
1 Tbsp cornstarch
2 c. warm water
Pin- http://pinterest.com/pin/47217496063223515/

Results: Pin Fail (mostly)
I followed the instructions and tried to mix it really well, but to no avail. The cornstarch clogs up the bottle and drips everywhere. I tried removing the filter at the bottom of my bottle, but that just made it worse. It is super annoying. However, the cleaner itself does seem to work better that just vinegar and water. The problem is just getting it out of the bottle. From now on I will just pour it on a rag to use it. This recipe filled up most of my bottle, so I’ve got a lot left to go through. But when it’s done I will try to do the recipe with either far less or no cornstarch.

Alvin corn photo where you can see the sediment

What about you? What’s your favorite homemade cleaning solution?

Sharon is part-time professor, sometimes DIYer, and full-time mother to a rescued French Bulldog. She lends her creative talents as a PR strategist and writer to small businesses and community organizations. You can follow her at @sharskee or http://pinterest.com/sharon_fain.