Homemade Cleaners

It's Spring cleaning time! Have you noticed that cleaning products are expensive? I have been looking for ways to cut back some of our expenses. This is one area that we can definitely save. I have found 2 very helpful websites that give recipes using ingredients that can already be found in your home. They are http://www.mormonchic.com/ and http://www.thefrugalshopper.com/ . These cleaners work just as good and maybe even better than the store bought ones and they only cost cents to make. For most of them you just need a squirt bottle which you can get for a buck at Dollar Tree. Here are the ones that I use. Make sure to test the product in a small area first. Happy Cleaning!

All-Purpose Cleaner: Use for walls, trim, bathroom and kitchen counters, appliances, and furniture and carpet stains.
1/4 cup Baking Soda and 1 quart of Water

Disinfectant: Use on countertops, food prep areas, anywhere the germs live, great for toilet bowls
1Tbsp Chlorine Bleach to 1 quart of Water
(It's not effective after 2-3 days so, always mix fresh and don't put more in the spray bottle then you intend to use).

Window Cleaner/Degreaser: windows, glass, mirrors, stove, oven, and greasy fingerprints
1Tbsp Vinegar to 1 quart of Water

Drain Cleaner- This truly works.
1/2 cup Baking Soda, 1/2 cup White Vinegar, boiling Water
Pour the baking soda down the drain. Add white vinegar and cover the drain if possible. Let set for 5 minutes. Pour the boiling water down the drain. How it works: the vinegar and baking soda break down fatty acids into soap and glycerin, allowing the clog to wash away. You can also use a plunger for additional help with stubborn clogs. Do not use this cleaner if you have used a commercial/store bought drain cleaner and definitely don't use them together!

Wood Furniture Cleaner and Polish
1 cup Olive Oil and 1/3 cup Vinegar. Mix together until well blended. Use a clean, soft cloth to apply to the furniture

Lime and Mineral Deposit Remover- My favorite thing
Soak some paper towels in vinegar. Apply the paper towels to the lime deposits around the faucets. Let them set for about an hour. Then, simply wipe the faucet clean. It will make your faucets look brand new! You can also use vinegar to clean your shower head. Simply fill a sandwich baggy with vinegar, place it over the showerhead and secure it with a rubberband. Let set for an hour and then wipe it clean. I did this last night.

Chrome and Stainless Steel Cleaner
Dip a soft cloth in undiluted white vinegar. Wipe the surface.

Oven Cleaners
1. Use Baking Soda and very fine Steel Wool. Wipe off the scum with a damp sponge. Rinse well and dry.
or
2. While the oven is still warm sprinkle water on the spill, then sprinkle salt on it. When the oven cools, scrape the spill away and wash the area.

Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Pour 1/2 cup Chlorine Bleach into the bowl. Let stand for 30-45 minutes. Scrub with a toilet brush.

*Not responsible if any damage occurs when using these cleaners. Use at your own discretion.