Make Your Own Household Cleaning Products

by Sherry Holetzky | More from this Blogger

17 Jan 2006 06:52 PM

Do you want to limit chemicals in your home? Are you looking to save money? Maybe you have simply found yourself in the middle of cleaning but didn't have enough cleanser. In any of these situations, you can use the following recipes to make homemade cleaning products from stuff you probably already have around the house.

Carpet Deodorizer

Mix three parts baking soda with one part baby powder or other fragranced talc. Add three tablespoons of cornstarch and mix well. Shake onto carpet with a sifter or a strainer that has very small openings. Allow to stand for about ten minutes then vacuum as usual. If carpet is damp, allow cleanser to absorb moisture. Vacuum once dry.

Glass Cleaners

Add one half cup of white vinegar to one half gallon of water. You can use tap water or bottled. Pour into a spray bottle and spray directly onto windows and mirrors.

Another option is to add ¼ teaspoon of dishwashing liquid and two tablespoons of vinegar to one and one half cups of water. Pour into spray bottle. This recipe is for heavier grime, such as kitchen windows that are exposed to grease in the air. Double the recipe as necessary.

Scrubbing Agent

This cleanser scrubs with less fear of scratching and removes soap scum and build up much like popular name brand "soft" abrasives do. Pour ¼ cup of baking soda into a container and stir in liquid hand soap until the mixture achieves the consistency of softened cream cheese (you can also use dishwashing liquid or liquid laundry detergent, but they don't rinse away as cleanly or as easily). Apply mixture with a rag or sponge, scrub, and rinse well.

*You must still take care when storing these household cleaners. Be sure to store them out of reach of children and to label them appropriately. Always store in clean containers instead of used ones, to avoid any chemical interactions. You can pick up inexpensive spray bottles and other containers at dollar stores and discount stores.

Learn more about Sherry Holetzky

Sherry Holetzky is a work at home mom and freelance writer. Married to her best friend, Sherry and her husband are raising their family in a quiet rural setting in the beautiful Ozark Mountains.

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Shoshanna Grey (2785) 10 Feb 2006 03:03 PM

I'm about to adopt a baby who will probably be crawling by the time he comes home. I'm really excited about this post because it gives me some options that are much safer for my little one - and probably will save me some money too! Not that I'd let him drink this stuff, but it's much less harmful than commercial products and makes me feel a little safer. Thanks for the great article.

Sherry Holetzky (11404) 10 Feb 2006 07:35 PM

Even if baby doesn't touch cleaning supplies, they do leave residue on surfaces, etc... Thank you for your comments. I'm glad the article was useful.

Best wishes for you and new baby!