Natural Homemade Cleaners

Why use homemade cleaners? When you use your own homemade cleaners, you are being kind to the environment, and not exposing yourself or family to any unknown, hazardous chemicals. Homemade cleaners are also cheaper to use! Here are some good recipes for creating your own:

Basic Laundry Detergent
1 cup soap flakes
1/2 cup washing soda
1/2 cup borax

Liquid Laundry Detergent
1 cup of the above mix
2 Tbs. glycerin
2 cups warm water

For the detergent recipes, mix all ingredients and store in a lidded container. To use, measure 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup of the mix and add to the laundry. Launder as usual. Each of these recipes yields approx. 12 oz. Note: You can buy glycerin at many health food and drug stores.

Homemade Pretreating Stain Remover
1/2 cup ammonia
1/2 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup baking soda
2 Tbs. liquid soap
2 qt. water

Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle. Spray the liquid onto the stain and let it sit for a few minutes. Launder as usual.

Homemade Scouring Powder
1 cup baking soda
1 cup borax
1 cup regular salt

Combine the ingredients and keep them in a tightly closed container. Use as you would any commercial scouring powder.

Tile Cleaner
1 cup washing soda

Using a sponge or rag, rub washing soda onto the tiles, and rinse well.

Window cleaner
½ tsp. liquid soap
3 tbs. vinegar
2 cups water

Combine the ingredients and put them in a spray bottle. Use like any window cleaner. Tip: Use newspaper to dry your windows. It's cheaper than paper towels and it leaves windows shiny and streak free.

Disinfectant scouring powder
1 cup baking soda
1/4 cup borax.

Blend ingredients in a blender. Use as any scouring powder (baking soda doesn't scratch)

Multipurpose cleaner
1 tsp. Borax
½ tsp. washing soda
2 tbs. vinegar or lemon juice
½ tsp. liquid soap
2 cups very hot water

Combine all the ingredients in a spray bottle. Add the hot water and gently shake the spray bottle until all the ingredients are dissolved and mixed. Spray onto the area you want to clean, and wipe off with a sponge or cleaning rag.

Dust and Furniture Polish
1 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup lemon juice

Pour oil and lemon juice into a squirt bottle or jar. Stir to combine. To use, dip cloth into oil, blot the oil by folding the cloth together, and then dust your furniture. Leaves a beautiful finish!

Dog Shampoo
1 pint dishwashing detergent
1 pint water
1 pint apple cider vinegar
4 ounces glycerin

Mix all ingredients together.