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Make Your Own Cleaning Products

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Homemade Cleaning Products

How would you like to make your own cleaning products that are very inexpensive? The grocery store aisles are covered with cleaning products for this, and cleaning products for that. If you believe every commercial you see on TV, you need a separate product for each and every surface in your home. Well I'm here to tell you that it just is not true. Not only can you clean your home safely and effectively, but if you use the homemade recipes in this page, you'll safe a ton of money, and with your new-found knowledge of frugal and natural cleaning, you'll be doing yourself and the earth a favor by using natural basic products and not products that may harm your health.

So enjoy these recipes to make cleaning products that harness the natural power of these common, cleaning products. Your health and your pocket book will thank you, and then you can make very short work of your chores.

Baking soda is an abrasive. It is used to polish and whiten. It does a great job scrubbing. Baking soda has a high pH, and is a natural and effective deodorizer, that does not mask, but actually eliminates odors at the source, by changing the pH and neutralizing the odor in it's tracks.

Because baking soda is abrasive cleanser that is excellent at dissolving dirt, mildew, grease, and even wax. It also acts as a natural deodorizer, use it for:
- paste, baking soda is great for removing dirt and grime
-4 tablespoons baking mixed with 1 quart warm water and shaken makes a great all purpose spray you can use on anything from the bathtub to the fridge
-add 1/2 cup of baking soda to the rinse cycle instead of fabric softeners as well as help remove odors from clothes.
-wet stains on the oven and then shake baking soda over them, scrub with steel wool and watch even old rust stains disappear
-place a box in the refrigerator and freezer to absorb odor
-sprinkle it your carpet before vacuuming to eliminate food and pet odors.
-neutralize food and cat litter odors by sprinkling it at the bottom of the garbage and litter box
-use it to clean and polish metals and plastics

Chores or Career?

Anne Taintor,Inc. 01445 Magnet, Mind, Numbing Chores, 3-3/8-Inch, Square

Amazon Price: $5.55 (as of 06/02/2012)

Cleaning with Vinegar

White vinegar is an acid. It's unique properties make it an effective grease cutter, and it will stop mold and mildew in it's tracks. Vinegar is non-toxic and does not leave any residue. or smell). We go through gallons of it each week washing hardwood, vinyl or linoleum floors. Be careful to use only plain white vinegar, and not any flavored or apple cider variety. Since it is an acid, do not use it on any stone or marble surface as it will actually etch the surface.

Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and deodorizer and is a great all purpose cleaner. The strong smell will disappear when it dries. Use it by:
-mix 1 part water to 1 part vinegar for an all purpose cleaner that you can use on the stove, appliances, & counter tops, stone and brick surfaces
-add ½ cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle instead of fabric softener
-pour vinegar around the inside rim of the toilet bowl and scrub to get rid of rings
-mop the flour in the bathroom with a vinegar diluted with water
-add a couple teaspoons to a spray bottle filled with water for window cleaner

Make yourself at home

Blue Q - Make Yourself at Home Magnet Set

Amazon Price: $22.22 (as of 06/02/2012)

Extra thick to really stick. 5 Strong fridge magnets that add some humor to domestic bliss.

Cleaning with Lemons

Wow, I get to give birth and change diapers

Lemons are acidic, using lemons adds antibacterial and antiseptic properties and is also a natural bleaching agent, use it for:
-dissolving soap scum and hard water deposits
-clean & shine brass and copper with lemon juice. A lemon cut in half and dipped in salt is good for cleaning spots off copper fixtures
-put a whole lemon peel through the garbage disposal to freshen the drain and kitchen
-pour lemon juice on white linens & clothes and allow them to dry in the sun to bleach away stains

Instead of cleaning house

I just turned off the lights

"Instead of Cleaning House I just turn off the Lights" Retro Humor Tea Coffee Mug Cup Art New housewife maid

Amazon Price: (as of 06/02/2012)

* "Instead of cleaning the house, I just turn off the lights."
* Make a bold statement with this humorous retro coffee mug.
* Made of ceramic
* Holds up to 12 oz
* Microwave and dishwasher safe

Combination Power

-Lemon juice mixed with vinegar and or baking soda make great cleaning pastes. A lemon cut in half and sprinkled with baking soda makes a great abrasive cleaner you can use to scrub stubborn dishes, surfaces, and stains
-Pour ½ cup baking soda down drain, add ½ cup white vinegar, and cover the drain. Wait 15 minutes and then pour 1 gallon of hot water down the drain to get rid of build up.
-make a super toilet cleaner with ¼ cup baking soda and 1 cup vinegar, pour it into toilet and let sit for 5 min. before scrubbing with a brush
-1 1/2 Tablespoons of Baking Soda with 2 Tablespoons of Borax mixed together can replace automatic dishwasher detergent.
-1 cup olive oil blended with ½ cup lemon juice makes a furniture polish for your hardwood furniture.

Bathroom Cleaners

Soft Scrub
For homemade soft scrub cleanser, mix 1/2 cup of baking soda with enough liquid detergent to make a cleansing liquid. You can apply the cleanser and scrub with a sponge to clean. This works very well in sinks or the bathtubs. Simply rinse it off when you are done cleaning and it washes off easily and will not leave any grit behind.

For Bathroom Mold
Mold in bathroom tile grout is a common problem and can be a health concern. Mix one part hydrogen peroxide (3%) with two parts water in a spray bottle and spray on areas with mold. Wait at least one hour before rinsing or using shower.

Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Mix 1/4 cup baking soda and 1 cup vinegar, pour into basin and let it set for a few minutes. Scrub with brush and rinse. A mixture of borax (2 parts) and lemon juice (one part) will also work.

Tub and Tile Cleaner
For simple cleaning, rub in baking soda with a damp sponge and rinse with fresh water. For tougher jobs, wipe surfaces with vinegar first and follow with baking soda as a scouring powder. (Vinegar can break down tile grout, so use sparingly.)

Tips for the Bathroom

- Bars of soap too small to use effectively can be pressed into the sides of new bars softened by recent use.
- If you have more than one bath to clean, keep separate cleaning supplies in each bathroom, that way you can clean the bath at a moments notice.
- Buildup on shower doors: Wipe with lemon oil. Removes buildup and keeps doors protected longer from future buildup.

Window & Glass Cleaner

- 1/2 teaspoon liquid detergent
- 3 tablespoons vinegar
- 2 cups water
Mix all ingredients in to a spray bottle. Use this product just as you would with a commercial glass cleaner.

OR

Mix 2 teaspoons of white vinegar with 1 liter (qt) warm water. Use crumpled newspaper or cotton cloth to clean. Don't clean windows if the sun is on them, or if they are warm, or streaks will show on drying. The All-Purpose Cleaner also works well on windows. Be sure to follow the recipe, because using too strong a solution of vinegar will etch the glass and eventually cloud it.

Metal Cleaners

Aluminum
Using a soft cloth, clean with a solution of cream of tartar and water.

Brass or Bronze
Polish with a soft cloth dipped in lemon and baking-soda solution, or vinegar and salt solution. Another method is to apply a dab of ketchup on a soft cloth and rub over tarnished spots.

Chrome
Polish with baby oil, vinegar, or aluminum foil shiny side out.

Copper
Soak a cotton rag in a pot of boiling water with 1 tablespoon salt and 1 cup white vinegar. Apply to copper while hot; let cool, then wipe clean. For tougher jobs, sprinkle baking soda or lemon juice on a soft cloth, then wipe. For copper cookware, sprinkle a lemon wedge with salt, then scrub., A simpler method is to apply a dab of ketchup on a soft cloth and rub over tarnished spots.

Gold
Clean with toothpaste, or a paste of salt, vinegar, and flour.

Silver
Line a pan with aluminum foil and fill with water; add a teaspoon each of baking soda and salt. Bring to a boil and immerse silver. Polish with soft cloth.

Stainless Steel
Clean with a cloth dampened with undiluted white vinegar, or olive oil. For stainless cookware, mix 4 tbs baking soda in 1 qt water, and apply using a soft cloth. Wipe dry using a clean cloth. For stainless steel sinks, pour some club soda on an absorbant cloth to clean, then wipe dry using a clean cloth.

Removing Crayon from walls:

use damp sponge and colgate toothpaste. Rub carefully.

Carpet Freshner

Use baking soda as a carpet freshener. Just sprinkle some baking soda on your dry carpet and let it sit about 15 minutes before vacuuming to freshen it nicely.

Carpet Stains
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray directly on stain, let sit for several minutes, and clean with a brush or sponge using warm soapy water.
For fresh grease spots, sprinkle corn starch onto spot and wait 15 - 30 minutes before vacuuming.
For a heavy duty carpet cleaner, mix 1/4 cup each of salt, borax and vinegar. Rub paste into carpet and leave for a few hours. Vacuum.

All Purpose Cleaner

- 1/2 tsp. baking soda
- a dab of liquid soap
- 2 cups hot tap water
Combine these ingredients in to a spray bottle and mix thoroughly..

Another Mixture
Mix 1/2 cup vinegar and 1/4 cup baking soda (or 2 teaspoons borax) into 1/2 gallon (2 liters) water. Store and keep. Use for removal of water deposit stains on shower stall panels, bathroom chrome fixtures, windows, bathroom mirrors, etc.
Another alternative is microfiber cloths which lift off dirt, grease and dust without the need for cleaning chemicals, because they are formulated to penetrate and trap dirt. There are a number of different brands. A good quality cloth can last for several years.

Clean those dirty, dusty, mini-blinds in your house in a snap!

Fill the bathtub with warm, soapy water and let the blinds soak. If they are white blinds add a little bleach to get rid of any stains.

Cleaning Furniture

Furniture Polish
For varnished wood, add a few drops of lemon oil into a 1/2 cup warm water. Mix well and spray onto a soft cotton cloth. Cloth should only be slightly damp. Wipe furniture with the cloth, and finish by wiping once more using a dry soft cotton cloth.
For unvarnished wood, mix two tsps each of olive oil and lemon juice and apply a small amount to a soft cotton cloth. Wring the cloth to spread the mixture further into the material and apply to the furniture using wide strokes. This helps distribute the oil evenly.

Marks on walls and painted surfaces
Many ink spots, pencil, crayon or marker spots can be cleaned from painted surfaces using baking soda applied to a damp sponge. Rub gently, then wipe and rinse.

Stickers on walls
Our children covered the inside of their room doors with stickers. Now they are grown, but the stickers remained. To remove, sponge vinegar over them several times, and wait 15 minutes, then rub off the stickers. This also works for price tags (stickers) on tools, etc.

Wallpaper Remover
Mix equal parts of white vinegar and hot water, apply with sponge over the old wallpaper to soften the adhesive. Open room windows or use a fan to dissipate the pungent vinegar smell.

If you live in a two story house

keep a second vacuum cleaner upstairs; who likes to lug those things up and down stairs? Having 2 makes it easier to whip off some vacuuming when the mood strikes.

Air Freshner

Commercial air fresheners mask smells and coat nasal passages to diminish the sense of smell.
- Baking soda or vinegar with lemon juice in small dishes absorbs odors around the house.
- Having houseplants helps reduce odors in the home.
- Prevent cooking odors by simmering vinegar (1 tbsp in 1 cup water) on the stove while cooking. To get such smells as fish and onion off utensils and cutting boards, wipe them with vinegar and wash in soapy water.
- Keep fresh coffee grounds on the counter.
- Grind up a slice of lemon in the garbage disposal.
- Simmer water and cinnamon or other spices on stove.
- Place bowls of fragrant dried herbs and flowers in room.

Deodorize
- Plastic food storage containers - soak overnight in warm water and baking soda
- In-sink garbage disposal units - grind up lemon or orange peel in the unit
- Carpets - sprinkle baking soda several hours before vacuuming
- Garage, basements - set a sliced onion on a plate in center of room for 12 - 24 hours

Cleaning in the Kitchen

Funny, I don't remember asking your opinion

Chopping Block Cleaner
Rub a slice of lemon across a chopping block to disinfect the surface. For tougher stains, squeeze some of the lemon juice onto the spot and let sit for 10 minutes, then wipe.

Coffee and Tea Stains
Stains in cups can be removed by applying vinegar to a sponge and wiping. To clean a teakettle or coffee maker, add 2 cups water and 1/4 cup vinegar; bring to a boil. Let cool, wipe with a clean cloth and rinse thoroughly with water.

Dishwasher Soap
Mix equal parts of borax and washing soda, but increase the washing soda if your water is hard.
If you want to use a commercial dishwashing soap, try Ecover Ecological or Trader Joe's powders, which contain no bleach or phosphates.

Dishwashing Soap
Commercial low-phosphate detergents are not themselves harmful, but phosphates nourish algae which use up oxygen in waterways. A detergent substitution is to use liquid soap. Add 2 or 3 tablespoons of vinegar to the warm, soapy water for tough jobs.

Disinfectant
Mix 2 teaspoons borax, 4 tablespoons vinegar and 3 cups hot water. For stronger cleaning power add 1/4 teaspoon liquid castile soap. Wipe on with dampened cloth or use non-aerosol spray bottle. (This is not an antibacterial formula. The average kitchen or bathroom does not require antibacterial cleaners.)
To disinfect kitchen sponges, put them in the dishwasher when running a load.

Drain Cleaner
For light drain cleaning, mix 1/2 cup salt in 4 liters water, heat (but not to a boil) and pour down the drain. For stronger cleaning, pour about 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain, then 1/2 cup vinegar. The resulting chemical reaction can break fatty acids down into soap and glycerine, allowing the clog to wash down the drain. After 15 minutes, pour in boiling water to clear residue. Caution: only use this method with metal plumbing. Plastic pipes can melt if excess boiling water is used. Also, do not use this method after trying a commercial drain opener--the vinegar can react with the drain opener to create dangerous fumes.

Lime Deposits
You can reduce lime deposits in your teakettle by putting in 1/2 cup (125ml) white vinegar and 2 cups water, and gently boiling for a few minutes. Rinse well with fresh water while kettle is still warm.

Oven Cleaner
Moisten oven surfaces with sponge and water. Use 3/4cup baking soda, 1/4cup salt and 1/4cup water to make a thick paste, and spread throughout oven interior. (avoid bare metal and any openings) Let sit overnight. Remove with spatula and wipe clean. Rub gently with fine steel wool for tough spots. Or use Arm & Hammer Oven Cleaner, declared nontoxic by Consumers Union.

Scouring Powder
For top of stove, refrigerator and other such surfaces that should not be scratched, use baking soda. Apply baking soda directly with a damp sponge.

Water Rings on Wood
Water rings on a wooden table or counter are the result of moisture that is trapped under the topcoat, but not the finish. Try applying toothpaste or mayonnaise to a damp cloth and rub into the ring. Once the ring is removed, buff the entire wood surface.

Dishwasher Tip
For more effective dishwashing, add a few tablespoons of vinegar along with the dishwashing detergent when washing dishes. The vinegar cuts the grease and leaves dishes sparkling.

Tips for the Kitchen

- For more effective dishwashing, add a few tablespoons of vinegar along with the dishwashing detergent when washing dishes. The vinegar cuts the grease and leaves dishes sparkling.
-To clean up spills in your oven, sprinkle the spills immediately with salt. When the oven has cooled, brush away the burnt-on food with a damp sponge.
- Odor producing mold and bacteria in garbage cans: sprinkle 1/2 cup Borax in the bottom of the garbage can.

Homemade Laundry Cleaner and Tips

Fabric softener
To reduce static cling, dampen your hands, then shake out your clothes as you remove them from the drier. Line-drying clothing is another alternative.

Laundry Detergent Mix 1 cup Ivory soap (or Fels Naptha soap), 1/2 cup washing soda and 1/2 cup borax. Use 1 tbsp for light loads; 2 tbsp for heavy loads.

Laundry Tips

- To remove perspiration stains in clothing, soak in warm vinegar and water.

- Microwaves can be used to emergency disinfect clothes, such as a child's cap that another kid has put on, as long as they have absolutely NO metal in the zippers, buttons, rivets etc. ALWAYS place a cup of cold water next to the article to absorb the heat and microwave on high until the water is steaming.

Floor Cleaner & Polish

Vinyl and Linoleum
Mix 1 cup vinegar and a few drops of baby oil in 1 gallon warm water. For tough jobs, add 1/4 cup borax. Use sparingly on linoleum.

Wood
Apply a thin coat of 1:1 vegetable oil and vinegar and rub in well.

Painted Wood
Mix 1 teaspoon washing soda into 1 gallon (4L) hot water.

Brick and Stone Tiles
Mix 1 cup white vinegar in 1 gallon (4L) water; rinse with clear water.
Most floor surfaces can be easily cleaned using a solution of vinegar and water. For damp-mopping wood floors: mix equal amounts of
white distilled vinegar and water. Add 15 drops of pure peppermint oil; shake to mix.

Remove spilled nail polish from wood furniture:

Don't wipe it up! The solvents in nail polish soften most finishes, and wiping may take off the finish. Instead, let the polish dry completely; then gently scrape it off with a credit card. Wax the surface, using superfine steel wool.

Do you need help keeping things organized?

Here's some books that may help.

Other Odds & Ends Cleaning

and to think, I'm only using 1/10 of my brain

Mothballs
The common mothball is made of paradichlorobenzene, which is harmful to liver and kidneys. Cedar chips in a cheesecloth square, or cedar oil in an absorbent cloth will repel moths. The cedar should be 'aromatic cedar', also referred to as juniper in some areas. Cedar chips are available at many craft supply stores, or make your own using a plane and a block of cedar from the lumberyard.
Homemade moth-repelling sachets can also be made with lavender, rosemary, vetiver and rose petals.
Dried lemon peels are also a natural moth deterrent - simply toss into clothes chest, or tie in cheesecloth and hang in the closet.

Oil and Grease Spots
For small spills on the garage floor, add baking soda and scrub with wet brush.

Paint Brush Cleaner
Non-toxic, citrus oil based solvents are now available commercially under several brand names. Citra-Solve is one brand. This works well for cleaning brushes of oil-based paints. Paint brushes and rollers used for an on-going project can be saved overnight, or even up to a week, without cleaning at all. Simply wrap the brush or roller snugly in a plastic bag, such as a used bread or produce bag. Squeeze out air pockets and store away from light. The paint won't dry because air can't get to it. Simply unwrap the brush or roller the next day and continue with the job.
Fresh paint odors can be reduced by placing a small dish of white vinegar in the room.

Rust Remover
Sprinkle a little salt on the rust, squeeze a lime over the salt until it is well soaked. Leave the mixture on for 2 - 3 hours. Use leftover rind to scrub residue.

Shoe Polish
Olive oil with a few drops of lemon juice can be applied to shoes with a thick cotton or terry rag. Leave for a few minutes; wipe and buff with a clean, dry rag.

Healthy Cleaning Habits

it's ok. I didn't want real life anyway.

Exchange Indoor Air
Many modern homes are so tight there's little new air coming in. Open the windows from time to time or run any installed exhaust fans. In cold weather, the most efficient way to exchange room air is to open the room wide - windows and doors, and let fresh air in quickly for about 5 minutes. The furnishings in the room, and the walls, act as 'heat sinks', and by exchanging air quickly, this heat is retained.

Minimize Dust
Remove clutter which collects dust, such as old newspapers and magazines. Try to initiate a 'no-shoes-indoors' policy. If you're building or remodeling a home, consider a central vacuum system; this eliminates the fine dust which portable vacuum cleaners recirculate.

Use Cellulose Sponges
Most household sponges are made of polyester or plastic which are slow to break down in landfills, and many are treated with triclosan, a chemical that can produce chloroform (a suspected carcinogen) when it interacts with the chlorine found in tap water. Instead try cellulose sponges, available at natural foods stores, which are biodegradable and will soak up spills faster since they're naturally more absorbent.

Keep Bedrooms Clean
Most time is spent in the bedrooms. Keep pets out of these rooms, especially if they spend time outdoors.

Clean from the Top Down
When house cleaning, save the floor or carpet for last. Allow time for the dust to settle before vacuuming.

Squidoo

Make Your Own Cleaning Products

Homemade Cleaning Products

Contents at a Glance

Contents at a Glance

Cleaning with Baking Soda

Chores or Career?

Anne Taintor,Inc. 01445 Magnet, Mind, Numbing Chores, 3-3/8-Inch, Square

Cleaning with Vinegar

Make yourself at home

Blue Q - Make Yourself at Home Magnet Set

Cleaning with Lemons

Instead of cleaning house

I just turned off the lights

"Instead of Cleaning House I just turn off the Lights" Retro Humor Tea Coffee Mug Cup Art New housewife maid

Combination Power

Bathroom Cleaners

Tips for the Bathroom

Window & Glass Cleaner

Metal Cleaners

Removing Crayon from walls:

Carpet Freshner

All Purpose Cleaner

Clean those dirty, dusty, mini-blinds in your house in a snap!

Cleaning Furniture

If you live in a two story house

Air Freshner

Cleaning in the Kitchen

Tips for the Kitchen

Homemade Laundry Cleaner and Tips

Laundry Tips

Floor Cleaner & Polish

Remove spilled nail polish from wood furniture:

Do you need help keeping things organized?

Here's some books that may help.

Other Odds & Ends Cleaning

Healthy Cleaning Habits

Which is your least favorite cleaning job?

1

Fluticasone Propionate

2

Try Fluticasone Propionate!

3

Look at Fluticasone Propionate Nasal Spray Too

4

Floors

5

Laundry

6

Dishes

7

Kitchen

8

Bathrooms

9

Dusting

10

Windows

11

Natural soap

12

HEPA vacuum cleaner

13

Cobwebs and Dusting

14

Carpets

15

Spaces Behind Heavy Objects

16

Lyndhurst Laundry Service

17

humbertsanitary.com

18

jewelocean.com

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carpet cleaning clearwater fl

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cobrarolloff.com

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Whiten your teeth naturally