Dear readers, today I’m following-up on an article that went out in the May 23, 2025 newsletter (Using Enzymes to Clean is Like Harnessing the Power of Nature!”)

Since its publication, I’ve heard from many of you asking about uses for the liquid that results when making this enzyme cleaner. For instance, this query was from Kathy:

“Hi Alice! I made the cleaner and then realized the instructions never mention what to do with the drained liquid that was 'set aside'. Is there a use for it?”

The picture that accompanies the recipe in the article even shows the liquid (greenish jar)! I was shocked that I’d forgotten to address this little detail, and really grateful that many of you called it to my attention.

So first I offer an apology for leaving this important information out, and second, I want to make amends by sharing it now. The list of things you can do with this powerful leftover liquid enzyme and the scrub is truly impressive!

AS A MULTI-PURPOSE CLEANER (add 1/2 cup of enzyme cleaner to 1 liter of water and mix).

WHEN DOING LAUNDRY (use 1/4 cup of enzyme in the machine).

FOR A THOROUGH BATHROOM CLEANING (1 part enzyme liquid to 10 parts water).

FOR REMOVING STUBBORN STAINS AND ODORS from colored fabrics and floors (use enzyme liquid undiluted).

TO CLEAN FRESH VEGETABLES AND FRUIT (1 part enzyme liquid to 10 parts water).

TO CLEAR CLOGS IN KITCHEN SINKS AND DRAINS (use liquid undiluted).

AS A NATURAL INSECT REPELLENT, especially for ants and cockroaches (use liquid undiluted).

FOR MOPPING FLOORS (1 part enzyme liquid to 20 parts water)

AS A PLANT FERTILIZER—house and garden (use 1 part enzyme liquid to 20 parts water, or use leftover mop water when cleaning floors!).

TO WASH CARS—they’ll look as if they have just been polished! (1 part enzyme liquid to 20 parts water).

TO CLEAN A DIRTY KITCHEN SINK (enzyme scrub alone).

TO CLEAN THE OVEN (enzyme scrub alone).

TO CLEAN VINYL HOUSE SIDING (enzyme scrub alone).

TO SCRUB AWAY BATHTUB RINGS (enzyme scrub alone).

And lastly, here’s an idea that might surprise you: AS A FACIAL CLEANSER AND TONER—no kidding! (1 part enzyme to 2 parts water).

    Alice Osborne
    DVO Newsletter Contributor since 2006
    Email the author! alice@dvo.com