By Chad Hays
Avoid the harsh chemicals and odors of store-bought cleaners and try these natural cleaning recipes around the house. These easy-to-make recipes will save you money and are much less toxic than traditional cleaning products.
All-Purpose Cleaner
Mix ½ cup vinegar and ¼ 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, and etc.
Carpet Stain Remover
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.
Dishwasher Soap
Mix equal parts of borax and washing soda, but increase the washing soda if your water is hard.
Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Mix ¼ 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 (1 part) will also work.
Air Freshener
Commercial air fresheners mask odors 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. Grind up a slice of lemon in the garbage disposal. Simmer water and cinnamon or other spices in a stovetop pot.
Disinfectant
Mix 2 teaspoons borax, 4 tablespoons vinegar and 3 cups hot water. For stronger cleaning power add ¼ teaspoon liquid castile soap. Wipe on with dampened cloth or use non-aerosol spray bottle.
Stainless Steel Cleaner
Clean with a cloth dampened with undiluted white vinegar, or olive oil. For stainless cookware, mix 4 tablespoons baking soda in 1 quart water, and apply using a soft cloth. Wipe dry using a clean cloth. For stainless steel sinks, pour some club soda on an absorbent cloth to clean, then wipe dry using a clean cloth.
Window Cleaner
Combine ¼ cup vinegar, ½ teaspoon natural liquid soap and 2 cups water in a spray bottle and shake to blend. Spray on the glass, working in small sections so that the solution doesn’t have time to dry before you’re able to wipe it clean.
Floor Cleaner and Polish
Vinyl and linoleum: Mix 1 cup vinegar and a few drops of baby oil in 1 gallon warm water. For tough jobs, add ¼ cup borax. Use sparingly on linoleum.
