Homemade Cleaning

While there are some great “green” cleaning products out on the market right now, you may want to consider some homemade, all natural cleaning with things you already have in the house. It’s a cheaper and healthier way to keep your home clean. There are a TON of homemade cleaning recipes out there if you Google search, but here are a few of the basics for easy access.

Drain Unclogger

You can use baking soda and vinegar to unclog any drain in your house. Pour 1 cup of baking soda into the drain and follow it with 1 cup of hot vinegar. It will bubble and steam, but don’t worry, that’s normal. Once the bubbles die down, pour hot water down the drain to clear it completely. This same mixture can be used as a toilet cleaner, but you don’t need a full cup of each. Just sprinkle a little baking soda and vinegar in and swish around with a cleaning brush. (Green Living Ideas)

Glass Cleaner

Mix equal parts vinegar and hot water in a spray bottle and you’ve got a wonderful glass cleaner. You can also use plain water with a few drops of mild dish soap. Use a squeegee or old newspaper instead of paper towels to avoid streaks and cut down on waste. (Martha Stewart)

Furniture Polish

For finished wood, mix 2 parts olive oil with 1 part lemon juice in a bowl to make the polish. Dip a soft, dry cloth into the mixture and rub into the wood (in the direction of the grain). Use a soft toothbrush if you need to get in small spaces or between grains. Wipe off excess with a clean cloth. For unfinished wood, add 1 teaspoon lemon oil to 1 cup of mineral oil for the polish and follow the same steps as above. (eHow)

Mold/Mildew Remover

Add 2 teaspoons of tea tree oil to 2 cups of water in a spray bottle and shake it to blend. Spray directly on mold or mildew in your shower, on your shower curtain, or even on a moldy ceiling. Do not rinse. Make sure the area is well ventilated because the tea tree oil smell is very strong. I’ve also read that you can sprinkle a couple drops of tea tree oil on any area where bugs like to come in. It will keep them away from that area. (care2)

Air/Fabric Freshener

Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to a spray bottle of water. Spray anywhere to freshen up the air or make a room smell better.

Stain Remover/Metal Polisher

A wedge of lemon or fresh lemon juice can be used to get out any stain on a counter or to polish metal. Squirt lemon juice onto the stain and allow it to dry. A wedge of lemon is a great way to freshen up your sink too. Rub the lemon all over the metal in the sink. For tough stains, try sprinkling baking soda on the lemon before you begin. (CHEC)

Do you have any homemade cleaning recipes of your own? Share ‘em with us and we’ll post it on our site. Happy cleaning loves!