Take a pass on all the harsh chemicals and keep a little extra green in your wallet. Making natural cleaners at home with everyday ingredients is super-easy and inexpensive — and they’re safer to use.
You might be surprised how well standard pantry items can work when it comes to cleaning. With a little elbow grease, you’ll get those dirty jobs done and you can get rid of all those toxic cleaners (in an environmentally responsible manner, of course) from underneath your sink. With an arsenal of just three different formulas, you’ll be able to clean the entire house from top to bottom.
Step 1: Get your supplies
To make homemade cleaners, all you need are measuring spoons and measuring cups, a bowl and a large pitcher or bucket. As containers, you’ll want a few empty spray bottles.
Step 2: Raid the pantry
Making these cleaners only requires you to take a trip to your kitchen since you probably have everything you need. Go raid your pantry and gather up baking soda, white vinegar, water and liquid soap. That’s all you need!
Step 3: Make scouring paste
Mix 1 part water to 3 parts baking soda. Make small amounts as needed.
Step 4: Make window cleaner
Mix 1/4 cup white vinegar, 2 cups water and a few drops of liquid soap. Shake well.
Step 5: Make all-purpose cleaner
Mix 2 tablespoons baking soda, 1/4 cup white vinegar with 4 cups water. Blend well to dissolve the baking soda.
Step 6: Start cleaning
Now that you’ve got everything you need to clean, make sure to use them in the most effective way. Use the scouring paste on grout, tile, sinks or any hard surface that needs scrubbing. A toothbrush is the easiest way to get into tight cracks, while a sponge is good for large areas. Use the window cleaner on any glass surface. Apply the cleaner, then wipe clean with bunched-up newspaper. (Tip: Don’t clean windows when the sun is shining on them; you’ll get streaks.) Use the all-purpose cleaner on everything else! Spray floors, counters, showers, fixtures or any surface and wipe with a towel or sponge.
More home how-tos
How to organize your kitchen pantry
How to arrange your dishwasher efficiently
How to stop a running toilet
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