General Tips for Making DIY Cleaners
Mix cleaning solutions in small batches. Since there are no preservatives added, mixing too much at once can cause the cleaner to lose potency.Add your favorite essential oil to give a fresh scent.Label every bottle including the ingredients. This is particularly important if you reuse spray bottles or something that could be mistaken as a food container.
Make Your Own Dishwashing Liquid
What You’ll Need
2 cups warm water3 tablespoons liquid castile soap2 teaspoons glycerine2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar10 drops essential oil of your choice
Combine the ingredients in a large spray or squirt top bottle. Give the bottle a good shake before each use.
Uses
Washing dishes Spot treating stains on carpets and upholstery Cleaning hard surfaces like counters and floors
Make Your Own Glass and Window Cleaner
What You’ll Need
1/2 cup distilled white vinegar1/4 cup isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol1 tablespoon cornstarch2 cups warm water
Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake well to mix and shake well before using each time.
Uses
Clean windows Clean glass-topped tables Clean mirrors
Make Your Own All-Purpose Cleaner
What You’ll Need
1 cup distilled white vinegar1 cup waterStrips of lemon zest
Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle. Store in a temperature-controlled space.
Uses
Clean hard surfaces like kitchen and bathroom countersFreshen trashcansRemove water spots on countersRemove fingerprints on walls
Make Your Own Dishwasher Detergent
What You’ll Need for Powdered Detergent
1 cup borax1 cup washing soda1/2 cup powdered citric acid1/2 cup kosher salt
Combine all of the powdered components, mixing well. Store in an airtight plastic container. Use one tablespoon of the detergent per dishwasher load.
What You’ll Need for Dishwasher Tablets
1 cup washing soda1 cup kosher salt1 cup baking soda3/4 cup lemon juiceSilicone candy molds or ice trays
In a mixing bowl, combine the washing soda, kosher salt, and baking soda. Add the lemon juice and stir well to make sure that all of the ingredients are equally moist. Add one tablespoon of the moist mixture to silicone candy molds (shape should fit in your dishwasher detergent cup) or ice cube trays. Allow the molded tablets to dry completely and harden. Remove from the molds and store in an airtight container. Use one tablet per dishwasher load.
Uses
Wash dishes in an automatic dishwasherAdd to pans with burned-on food for a pre-soak
Make Your Own Toilet Bowl Cleaner
What You’ll Need
2 cups baking soda1 teaspoon essential oil (tea tree, lavender, and pine all have disinfecting properties)Distilled white vinegar
In a sealable glass container (essential oils can pit metal and some plastics), combine the baking soda and essential oil stirring until all of the oil is well-distributed. This mixture will last for around 30 cleanings. When ready to use, add one tablespoon of the baking soda mixture to the toilet bowl. Pour in 2 cups distilled white vinegar. The solution will fizz up. Allow it to work until the fizzing stops or at least 15 minutes and then scrub the bowl with a toilet brush and flush.
Uses
Cleaning toilet bowlsFreshen sink and shower drains
Pantry Items That Will Make Your House Sparkle
Just a few essentials—like baking soda, distilled white vinegar, lemons, and toothpaste—can make your cleaning routine easier and more effective.
Baking Soda
This ingredient goes beyond cooking. It can deodorize, scrub, and clean.
Distilled White Vinegar
Distilled white vinegar is one of the most convenient ingredients for cleaning and has many uses.
Lemons
Lemons can do more than flavor food—these fruits can help clean and polish your home, too.
Toothpaste
This bathroom essential can go beyond its intended purpose. Below are three fresh ideas for using it around your home.
