Trial Number 431

Basic cleaning performance testing was conducted using ASTM G122 as the bases for cleaning. 

Several "do-it-yourself" home formulations were evaluated for performance on several substrates and typical soils for all purpose cleaning. All Purpose Cleaner Formulations:

Home Formulation 1 - Dissolve 4 tbls baking soda in 1 qt warm water for a general cleaner

Home Formulation 2 - Vinegar and salt, mix together into a paste for a good surface cleaner (another version is mix salt and water together with a little vinegar)

Home Formulation 3 - Liquid castile soap (small amount) and baking soda/borax with lots of water for floors walls or counters

Home Formulation 4 - Liquid castile soap (medium amount) and baking soda/borax for tubs, sinks, cat boxes or anything that can be well rinsed.

Home Formulation 5 - Baking soda and water, make a paste for all purpose cleaner

Home Formulation 6 - 3 tbsp vinegar, ½ tsp washing soda, ½ tsp vegetable based liquid soap (Murphy’s), 2 cups hot 2cups hot water and put in spray bottle or bucket. Apply and wipe clean. General cleaner

Home Formulation 7 - 2 tbsp borax, ¼ cup lemon juice, 2 cups hot water. Combine in spray bottle and use as all purpose

Home Formulation 8 -Fill a spray bottle with ½ part vinegar and ½ part water. Add some lemon juice for scent

Home Formulation 9 - Mix liquid soap with 1 tbs of baking soda. Add lemon juice and water.

Cleaning: Spray cleaner on the coupons
30 secs Manual Wipe
Cleaning at 68 F
Contaminant: Huckers Soil
Substrate: 2"x 4"x 0.06"
Ceramic Coupons
Painted Steel Coupons
Plastic Coupons

Many of the mixtures left behind a lot of residue when using the standard laboratory procedures for commercial cleaning products. Modification of the cleaning process may improve the effectiveness of these "do-it-yourself" formulations.

Home formulation 1 and 9 showed some signs of effectiveness, removing over 60% of the all-purpose soil.