Homemade Cleaning Supplies

Homemade Cleaning Supplies

In an effort to do our part for our environment as well as our pocketbook, I began researching and trying different homemade cleaning supplies.

First, a little about vinegar.

Vinegar has been a mainstay of the old cleaning recipes, and for good reason.  Vinegar kills bacteria, mold, and germs.
If after reading this, you think I’m “vinegar crazy”, try visiting vinegartips.com (my favorite is the laundry section).

I wanted to share a few of my favorite recipes here.  First, let me give you your shopping list.

Supplies

Baking Soda – I buy the largest size they have

White Distilled Vinegar – I buy this in a gallon size jug

Liquid Soap (I like Castile Soap – Lemon)

4 clean spray bottles (You can reuse some that you have – as long as they weren’t full of chemicals.  Or, you can go to your local dollar store and buy them for cheap.)

Creamy Soft Scrubber

Simply pour about 1/2 cup of baking soda into a bowl, and enough liquid detergent to make a texture like frosting.  Scoop the mixture onto a sponge, and wash the surface.  This is the perfect recipe for cleaning the bathtub and shower  because it rinses easily and doesn’t leave grit.

I like to use a pump and scrub brush (you can find them at most grocery stores where the cleaning products are.  Or try your favorite superstore).  I put my “frosting mixture” into the brush and put it on the grout area in the shower and lightly scrub and leave it for about 5 minutes.  Then I spray straight vinegar onto it and clean with a sponge.  Rinse well.  You’re going to be amazed!

All-Purpose Cleaner

1/2 teaspoon liquid soap

2 cups of hot tap water

Combine these ingredients into a spray bottle and shake lightly.  Apply and wipe off with a sponge or rag.  I use this to clean baseboards.  I add vinegar to the mix if I am cleaning the kitchen or bathroom.

Clean the Microwave

Mix 1/2 vinegar and 1/2 cup of water in a microwave safe bowl.  Bring it to a rolling boil inside the microwave.  Baked on food will be loosened, and odors will disappear.  Wipe clean.

There are plenty of other recipes out there.  If you have one that is your favorite and you would like to share it, please comment.  I can’t think of anyone who isn’t interested in saving a little money!

*  I am not making any claims.  These recipes are from my personal use.  I encourage you to try them out for yourself.