Green Cleaning Solutions

DIY Cleaning Recipes

Wouldn't it be nice if you didnt have to buy the expensive cleaning products like 409, Mr Clean, Pine Sol and bleach to keep your home clean?  Well the truth is, you don't have to!  You can make green cleaning solutions out of natural products that are actually safer for you and your family than the dangerous products on the shelves at the store.

BATHROOM CLEANERS: 

Bathtub and Tile Cleaner: In a jar or spray bottle, combine 1 2/3 cup baking soda with 1/2 cup vegetable oil-based liquid soap. Add 1/2 cup water and 2 tablespoons vinegar. Shake before using. Apply with a cloth or sponge and rinse well.

Toilet Bowl Cleaner: Mix 1/4 cup borax or baking soda and 1 cup vinegar in the toilet. Let it sit for 15 minutes (or longer, if necessary), scrub, and flush.

Drain Cleaner: Pour 1/2 cup baking soda into drain followed by 1 cup vinegar. Let it sit and fizz for 15 minutes, then rinse with hot or boiling water. May need to repeat or leave baking soda and vinegar in overnight.

Soap & Scum Remover: Sprinkle on baking soda, scrub with a cloth or sponge, and rinse. Vinegar or kosher salt also work.

Glass Cleaner: Combine 1/4 cup vinegar and 4 cups warm water in a spray bottle. Use to clean glass or mirrors with a dry cloth or piece of newspaper.

KITCHEN CLEANERS:

All-Purpose Cleaner: Using funnel, put 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon dish soap, and 2 tablespoons vinegar into your spray bottle. Give it a stir/shake. Let it sit for a minute, now fill bottle with warm water and shake it up. Give it a few more minutes to calm down, and add a few drops of essential oil if desired.

Stovetop Cleaner: Put a 1/3 cup baking soda in a bowl. Mix in enough warm water so that you get a nice moist paste. Put paste on sponge or brush and scrub away. Make it as you need it.

Garbage Disposal Cleaner: Take the pulp from a lemon (preferably one you've squeezed to use for something else) and toss it in the garbage disposal, along with a few thin strips of the peel. Run water and turn on disposal.

Read more about green cleaning on these great home cleaning articles and composting information.