Tips Before You Get Started

• Mix in a well-ventilated area


• Label containers and store in a safe place


• Use containers with tight fitted lids


• Don’t reuse old containers from other cleaners


• Don’t mix bleach and ammonia


• Don’t store in food containers


• Test an area before using any cleaner

Quick Tips

• Dusting- Re-use dryer sheets for dusting instead of the new Pledge or Swiffer cloths.


• Linoleum Floor- Use club soda to clean


• Fabric Softener- Add vinegar to the rinse cycle


• Microwave Cleaner- Mix 2T baking soda or lemon juice and 1 cup water in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for five minutes or until the liquid boils and condensation builds up inside the microwave. Wipe down.


• Chrome Cleaner- Toothpaste is great for cleaning chrome


• Dishwasher Rinse- 1 1/2 white vinegar added to the rinse compartment of your dishwasher

The following recipes are safe and non-toxic.

• Glass Cleaner
• 1 gallon water


• 1/2 cup white vinegar


• 1/2 teaspoon liquid dish detergent

or

• 1 cup rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol


• 1 cup water


• 1 tablespoon white vinegar


• Mix and add to a spray bottle
• Wood Floor Cleaner
• 1/2 cup white vinegar


• 1/2 cup vegetable oil


• Mix well
• All-Purpose Cleaner
• 1 tsp. borax


• 1/2 Tsp. washing soda


• 2 Tbl. lemon juice


• In a spray bottle, combine the ingredients with 1 cup of hot water and shake.
• Furniture Polish
• In a spray bottle mix 1 cup vegetable or olive oil


• 1/2 cup lemon juice


• Shake well and apply a small amount to a cloth.
• Multi-Purpose Deep Cleaner
• 1 cup household ammonia


• 1/2 cup white vinegar


• 1/4 cup baking soda


• 1 gallon warm water


• Mix well

As you can see, homemade cleaners are simple and frugal to make. They are safe and effective too. Replacing even one of your conventional cleaners with a greener alternative can make a difference. You’ve got to ask yourself if you’re “killing yourself” trying to clean your house with commercial chemicals.