These common ingredients can be used to do a host of jobs around the house, replacing some of the most dangerous cleaners you use. Why buy lots of chemical products when just a few simple products will do the work? Here are some recipes that really work!
"Yes, it is possible."
Cedarwood Dusting Aid 1/2 cup oil soap (e.g., Murphy’s Oil soap) 3/4 cup water 5 drops sweet orange essential oil 15 to 20 drops cedar essential oil Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well. Spray onto wood and wipe clean with a soft, dry cloth.
Window Cleaner 1/2 cup vinegar a few drops of liquid soap Mix ingredients in a spray bottle and use on glass surfaces. Dry and polish with a wadded up newspaper.
Window Cleaner II 1/4 – 1/2 tablespoon liquid castile soap 3 tablespoons vinegar 2 cups water Spray bottle Put all the ingredients into a spray bottle, shake and use as you would a commercial brand. The soap in this recipe is important. It cuts the wax residue from the commercial brands you may have used.
CopperCleaner vinegar salt water Mix equal parts vinegar and salt and apply to surface with a sponge or immerse object in solution. Rinse thoroughly with water afterwards, otherwise it will corrode. Apply a little vegetable oil with a cloth and rub for a shiny appearance. (Don't use on lacquered finishes).
All Purpose Cleaner 1 quart warm water 1 teaspoon liquid soap 1 teaspoon borax 1/4 cup white vinegar Mix together ingredients together, put in a spray bottle and use on counter tops, floors, walls, carpets, upholstery, etc.
Dishwashing Blend Liquid castile soap 5 drops lemon or lemongrass essential oil 6 drops lavendar essential oil 5 drops bergamot essential oil Fill a clean 22 oz plastic squirt bottle with castile soap. Add the essential oils. Shake the bottle before each use. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of the liquid to dishwater and wash as usual.
Oven Cleaner 1/2 cup baking soda 1/2 cup vinegar kettle of boiling water This recipe will free minor clogs and is a great preventive medicine. Pour the baking soda down the drain first, then the vinegar. Let it bubble for a few minutes. Then pour down the tea kettle full of boiling water. Repeat if needed. If the clog is stubborn, use a mechanical snake.
Scouring Powder baking soda or 1/2 lemon dipped in Borax, then rinse.
Disinfectant Spray 2 Cups Water 1/4 Cup White Vinegar 1/4 tsp. Tea Tree Oil 1/4 tsp. Lavender Oil Combine and store in a spray bottle. Shake occasionally. Use wherever a disinfectant spray is needed.
Bathroom Cleaner baking soda soap Use baking soda instead of your scouring powder. Sprinkle it on porcelain fixtures and rub with a sponge. Add a little soap to the sponge for more cleaning power. Rinse well to avoid leaving a hazy film.
Mirror Cleaner 1-1/2 cups vinegar 1/2 cup water 8 drops citrus essential oil of choice Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well before use. Spray solution onto mirror and wipe with a dry cloth or towel.
Toilet Bowl Cleaner baking soda and soap vinegar sponge Don't bother with strong disinfectants or acids. Use a non-chlorinated scouring powder or baking soda and soap to clean the toilet throughly and often.
