RSS

TIP #40: Part 1 - Make your own cleaning solutions

I'm sure you find that a cleaner doesn't work as well as you'd like for it to or you run out of a cleaner and don't have time to go to the store. Here are some homemade solutions to help you. Although I have other tips on my blog, here are some more...

All purpose cleaner:
Mix 1/2 C vinegar with 1/4 C baking soda (or 2 t borax) in 1/2 gallon water. Store & keep. Great for water deposit stains on shower stalls, bathroom & kitchen fixtures, mirrors, etc.

Air Freshener:
Baking soda or vinegar with lemon juice in small dishes absorbs odors around the house.
Having plants helps reduce odors in the home.
Cooking odors? Simmer 1 T vinegar in 1 C water on stove top while cooking.
Fish or onion smells on utensils & cutting boards? Wipe with vinegar and wash in soapy water.
Keep fresh coffee grounds on the counter top in a bowl.
Grind up a slice of lemon in the garbage disposal.
Simmer water & cinnamon sticks or cloves on the stove top.
Place bowls of fragrant dried herbs and flowers in a room.

Bathroom mold:
Mix one part hydrogen peroxide with 2 parts water in spray bottle and spray areas with mold like grout. Wait a least 1 hour before rinsing or taking a shower.

Carpet stains:
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray directly on stain & let sit for several minutes. Then clean with a brush or sponge using warm soapy water.
For fresh grease spots. sprinkle corn starch onto spot & wait 15030 minutes before vacuuming.
For heavy duty, mix 1/4 C salt, 1/4 C borax & 1/4 C vinegar. Rub paste into carpet and leave for a few hours. Vacuum.

Cleaning teakettle or coffee maker, add 2 C water and 1/4 C vinegar. Bring to boil or run through the coffee maker. Wipe with paper towel or cloth and rinse with water. 

Cleaning your drains:
For light cleaning, mix 1/2 C salt in 4 ltrs water, heat but not boil 7 pour down drain. For stronger cleaning, pour about 1/2 C baking soda down drain, then 1/2 C vinegar. After 15 min pour in boiling water.

To reduce static cling, dampen your hands, then shake out your clothes as you remove them from the dryer.

Polish or clean your floors:
Vinyl or Linoleum: Mix 1 C vinegar & a few drops of baby oil in 1 gal water. For tougher jobs, add 1/4 C borax. Using sparingly on linoleum.
Polish wood: mix 1 C vegetable oil & 1 C vinegar. Rub in well.
Damp mopping wood: Mix 2 C vinegar & 2 C warm water in spray bottle. Add 15 drops of 100% peppermint oil (like from Young Living). Shake then spray to mop.
Brick & stone: 1 C vinegar in 1 gal water. Rinse with clean water.

0 comments:

Post a Comment