If you missed last week’s post, then you can read about Spring Cleaning: Organizing and Getting Started here.
Unless you find household cleaning products on sale or get them for free, they can be expensive, and the money you pay out starts to add up. I’ve compiled a list of simple cleaners that use products from your pantry to make effective cleaning solutions.
- 1/2 cup vinegar
- 3 cups warm water
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 10 drops essential oil (optional)
Directions:
Add vinegar to spray bottle, followed by water, baking soda and essential oils. Mix by gently shaking.
Homemade Windex
Mix the following in an empty Windex spray bottle:
- 1/8 cup (1 oz.) White Ammonia
- 1/4 cup (4 oz.) Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol
- 1 drop of laundry detergent
- Water – to fill the bottle
Homemade Clorox Clean-Up with Bleach
Mix the following in an empty Clorox Clean-Up bottle or a spray bottle:
- 1/4 cup bleach
- 1 teaspoon liquid laundry detergent
- Water – fill the rest of the bottle with water and shake
Tub & Shower Cleaner
Mix the following in a spray bottle:
- 4 ounces white vinegar
- 4 ounces liquid, blue Dawn detergent
Note: If you aren’t sure about measuring ounces, just do a one-to-one ratio of white vinegar and blue liquid Dawn detergent. I read one mention that 1/2 cup of each was enough to do the job.
Directions:
1. Heat vinegar in microwave until hot and pour into spray bottle.
2. Add the Dawn soap. It specifically needs to be the blue kind. Put the lid on and gently shake to incorporate.
3. Spray it on, scrub, and rinse. For tough soap scum build-up, spray the mixture on and allow it to sit as long as overnight, then scrub and rinse.
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 1 cup vinegar
Directions:
Mix the baking soda and vinegar and pour it into basin. Let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub with a brush and rinse.
Mold & Mildew Remover
Pour undiluted white distilled vinegar into a spray bottle, and spray mold and mildew stained areas. Allow the spray to sit on the mold and mildew for 30 minutes. Apply the vinegar spray again to the moldy shower surface using just enough to wet the surface. Wet a sponge and scrub the surface to remove the mold and mildew.
Floor Cleaner
Mix the following in a bucket and mop:
- 1 cup white vinegar (1/2 cup if cleaning wood floors)
- 2 gallons hot water
- Couple drops of essential oils (optional)
Tile Grout Cleaner
Mix the following ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well:
1 and 3/4 cups water
2 Tablespoon baking soda
1 Tablespoon + 1 tsp ammonia
1 Tablespoon vinegar
Directions:
Spray the grout generously and let the solution absorb into the grout. Using a scrub or tile brush, scrub the grout vigorously where you sprayed. Use a clean damp rag to wipe each line of grout right after you scrub to pick up the dirty liquid. Keep a bucket of warm water nearby to continuously clean the rag. Mop the floor when you’re done to remove the baking soda residue that may be left behind.
Furniture Polish
Mix the following in a spray bottle:
- 1 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
Directions:
Shake well, and apply a small amount to a cleaning rag or cloth. Spread evenly over furniture surface. Turn cloth to a dry side and polish dry.
Safety Tip:
Never combine ammonia-based cleaners with chlorine bleach or products containing bleach, such as powdered dishwasher detergent. The fumes they’ll create are extremely dangerous. Before doing any mixing, read the product labels first.
Here are other Spring Cleaning posts to help you save time and money:
Spring Cleaning: Organizing and Getting Started
Spring Cleaning: DIY Cleaning Products
Spring Cleaning: Speed-Cleaning Tips
Spring Cleaning: Professional Cleaning Tips and Tricks
Spring Cleaning: How to Keep Your House Clean All Year Long
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