GENERAL CLEANERS
Surface Cleaners
1 tsp vegetable oil-based soap/detergent
1 tsp borax
Squeeze of lemon
1 qt warm warm
OR
1/4 c baking soda
1/2 c borax
1/2 c vinegar
1 gal water
OR
1/2 c vinegar
1 qt warm water
OR
1/4 c white vinegar
1 tbsp cornstarch
2 qt warm water
Window/Glass Cleaners
2 tsp vinegar
1 qt warm water
OR
2 tbsp borax
3 c water
OR
Squeeze of dishwashing liquid
1 gal water
*Use newspaper to wipe clean for a streak-free shine!
KITCHEN / BATHROOM CLEANERS
Oven Cleaners
1/4 c baking soda
2 tbsp salt
Hot water, as needed to make paste
OR
2 tbsp vegetable oil-based soap/detergent
2 tsp borax
1 qt warm water
Drain Cleaners
Pour 1/4 c baking soda in drain, followed by 1/2 cup vinegar
Cover drain, let sit for 15 min, follow with 2 quart boiling water
OR
Pour 1/2 c borax in drain, followed by 2 c boiling water
Toilet Bowl Cleaners
1/2 c borax
1 gal water
For stains, coat with paste of lemon juice & borax
Let sit 20 min.
Scrub and flush
OR
Pour 1/4 c baking soda into bowl
Drizzle with vinegar
Let sit for 30 min
Scrub and flush
FLOORS/RUGS
Floor Cleaners
1/2 c vinegar
1 gal warm water
OR
For wood:
1/8 c vegetable oil-based soap/detergent
1/4 to 1/2 c vinegar or lemon juice
1/2 c fragrant herb tea
2 gal warm water
* Polishing floors with club soda or skim milk make them sparkle and shine!
Rug Cleaners
1/4 c vegetable oil-based liquid soap/detergent
3 tbsp (or more) water
Whip in bowl with egg beater
Rub foam into problem areas
Rinse well with water
OR
Sprinkle corn meal, baking soda or cornstarch on dry rugs and vacuum
FURNITURE
Polish
1/8 c food-grade linseed oil
1/8 c vinegar
1/4 c lemon juice
OR
3/4 c olive oil
1/4 c vinegar
OR
2/3 c olive or vegetable oil
1/3 lemon juice
Scratches
1/2 c lemon juice
1/2 c vegetable oil
OR
For water marks: Plain white toothpaste
METAL POLISHES
Brass
1 tsp salt
1 tsp flour
Enough vinegar to make a paste
Chrome
Rubbing alcohol
OR
1 tsp ammonia
4 c hot water
OR
white flour on a damp rag
Copper
1 tbsp salt
Wetted with equal parts vinegar and lemon juice
Silver
1 qt warm water
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
Small piece of aluminum foil
Mix liquids and soak
OR
Plain white toothpaste