Some items in the pantry like baking soda, vinegar and other items found in groceries are effective homemade multi-purpose cleaners, and they are very cheap, costing next to nothing. The next time you need to polish the sink or wipe down the windows, you don’t have to go to the store, just raid the cupboards and make your own homemade cleaner. Using homemade products is a fast, inexpensive, and effective way to clean.
Homemade cleaning solutions use simple chemicals and raw materials to remove stains, eliminate odors, and in some cases, disinfect surfaces. Surfaces can be kept shiny. For daily cleaning, these homemade products may be useful. These DIY cleaners cover everything from homemade all-purpose cleaners to natural glass cleaners and solutions for dirty hardwood floors.
The necessary ingredients (most of which should already be in your home) and instructions for mixing cleaners are also included. Ready to start mixing and cleaning? Let’s read the recipes below.
- Scented All-Purpose Cleaner
What you’ll need:
One part white vinegar
One part water
Lemon rind
Rosemary springs
Mix the ingredients above, pour into a spray bottle, shake, and let sit for a week before using. You can then use the homemade cleaning solutions as an all-purpose cleaner to remove hard water stains, clean garbage cans, wipe down wall stains, and more. In addition to its fresh scent, the lemon zest can enhance its cleaning power.
Do not use acidic cleaners on granite, as they will etch the stone. Some manufacturers advise against using vinegar on their equipment.
- Kitchen Cleaner and Deodorizer
What you’ll need:
4 Tablespoons of baking soda
Warm water
To clean kitchen counters, appliances, and the inside of the refrigerator, all you need is baking soda. To deodorize, use the homemade cleaning solutions with baking soda mentioned above or pour baking soda directly from the box down the drain or garbage can to eliminate odors. To remove stains from stainless steel, use a paste of baking soda and water. Apply with a damp cloth, rubbing gently toward the grain of the metal. Rinse with water and wipe dry.
- Natural Marble Cleaner
What you’ll need:
2 drops of mild dishwashing liquid
2 cups of warm water
These homemade cleaning solutions can be used to clean marble. To make this cleaner, simply mix two drops of dishwashing liquid with water the next time you clean a natural stone worktop. Place a sponge over the marble and rinse thoroughly to remove aOne thing to remember, never use acidic cleaners such as vinegar or lemon on marble or granite surfaces.
- Clothing Stain Remover
What you’ll need:
1 gallon of hot water
1 cup of powdered dishwasher detergent
1 cup regular liquid chlorine bleach (not concentrated)
For heavily soiled, but washable white clothing that has not been able to be cleaned by other methods, try making homemade cleaning solutions by mixing the above ingredients in a stainless steel, plastic, or enamel bowl (no aluminium). Soak the garment for 15-20 minutes. If the stain still remains, let it soak a bit longer and wash the cloth as usual.
- Homemade Glass Cleaner
What you’ll need:
2 cups of water
2 tablespoons of white vinegar
2 tablespoons rubbing alcohol
Pour all the ingredients into a spray bottle and give it a little shake to combine. To use, spray the homemade cleaning solutions into a microfiber cloth and apply them to the surface. Your glass will be clean and leave no smudges or fingerprints. If you want the solution to be a bit scented, you can also add 5 drops of peppermint essential oil.
- Shower Cleaner
What you’ll need:
1/4 cup of baking soda
1 cup of water
For a natural cleaner for your shower, mix the ingredients in a bowl that is microwave-safe and heat it for 30 to 60 seconds. After that, put the homemade cleaning solutions into a spray bottle. Spray shower surfaces and wait three to five minutes, then use a microfiber cloth to clean.
- Natural Heavy-Duty Scrub
What you’ll need:
1/2 lemon
1/2 cup of borax powder
This powerful cleaner can remove rust stains from sinks and bathtubs made of porcelain or enamel. Scrub the surface with a lemon dipped in borax, then rinse. Remember, these ingredients are not safe for marble or granite.
Homemade cleaning solutions can be equally as efficient as commercial ones. It’s advisable to test any cleaner in a hidden location to determine if it’s safe for your surface, especially if you’re using it for the first time. Always keep children and pets away from cleaning products.