My family and I started to become a part of the “Green Movement” by recycling, watching our energy usage (yes with kids you are always monitoring their light switching abilities!), and making our own cleaning products. Like any parent, you always worry about your small Children getting into the cleaning cabinet or “how much bleach can my nose and brain handle?” while we are hands and knees scrubbing the bathroom. These are simple recipes that I use, and now I feel comfortable with my kids using them because I know I won’t have to call poison control if they accidentally spray themselves:). What making yor own cleaning products also does for you is it totally saves you money! The Ingredients are similar, cheap, and you always have tons left over for future refills.
Good rule of thumb: Buy empty spray bottles when at the store ($.97-$3) because as a homesteader, they always come in handy and are reusable!
All-Purpose Cleaner:
I use the first one, but have used the second one. Both work great!
1st:
- 4 Tablespoons Borax
- 2 teaspoons Vinegar
- 2 teaspoons liquid dish soap
- Warm Water to fill a 32 ounce bottle
2nd:
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 2 Tablespoons Vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon liquid dish soap
- Warm Water to fill 32 ounce spray bottle
Granite Counter Cleaner:
I also use this on my stainless steel appliances.
1st:
- 1 Tablespoon Liquid Dish Soap
- Warm Water to fill 32 ounce spray bottle
- Spray and Wipe
2nd:
- 1/4 cup Rubbing Alcohol
- Couple drops of Liquid Dish Soap
- Spray and wipe
3rd:
- 1/2 cup ammonia
- Quart Warm Water
- Soak rag, wipe, and then dry with soft cloth
*NEVER USE VINEGAR ON GRANITE*
Wood Polish (move over Pledge!):
You can use a mason jar or spray bottle, really just a personal preference.
- 1 Cup Olive Oil
- 1/2 Cup Lemon Juice
- Spray, wipe, and polish with soft rag
- Or put in Mason Jar, dip rag and wipe surface, and then polish with dry, soft cloth
Bathroom Cleaner (Bye Bye Scrubbing Bubbles):
Toilet:
- 1/4 Cup Borax
- 1 Cup Vinegar
- Spray and wipe
Tub and Tile (non-stone):
- 1 2/3 Cup Baking Soda
- 2 Tablespoons Vinegar
- 1 Cup Water
- Spray and Wipe
Window/Glass Cleaner (Move over Windex!):
1st:
- 1/4 Cup Vinegar
- 4 Cups Warm Water
- Spray and Wipe (use newspaper to wipe for streak free finish)
2nd:
- 2 Cups Water
- 3 Tablespoons Vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon dishsoap
- Spray and wipe, newspaper is useful here too.