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How to make your own home cleaning mixtures
Take a walk down your supermarket’s cleaning supplies aisle, and what do you see? Probably shelves upon shelves of expensive chemicals for cleaning different areas of your home and garden. If you took the advice of marketing executives and sales people and purchased different items to clean sinks, floors, walls, stoves and every other area of your home, you’d go bankrupt. There are inexpensive solutions to pricey cleaning products, however, and these can be made from cheap supermarket staples you’re likely to already have in your kitchen cabinets.
Window Cleaners - If you’d like your windows to sparkle, don’t buy blue or green tinted solution from the grocery store. Instead, mix one part vinegar to two parts water and pour into a spray bottle to apply. For an extra strength window solution, try mixing three tablespoons of ammonia to one part vinegar and two cups of water. For lint free windows, use coffee filters or newspaper to clean instead of a cloth.
Carpet deodorizer -If your carpet and furniture are starting to smell of pet and people odors, including cigarette and cooking smells, try baking soda. There are many powders on the market that can be sprinkled on furniture and rugs to neutralize odors, but these can be costly. Instead, use baking soda. Apply liberally to the carpet, leave on for a couple of hours and vacuum.
Stain removers – If you spill on carpets, furniture or clothing and a stain is left behind, don’t panic. Make up a solution of one part vinegar, one part mild dishwashing liquid and two parts water. Pour this onto the stain and blot until the stain is lifted. For a greasy stain, first pour baking soda or cornstarch directly on the stain and leave for an hour to absorb the grease. Vacuum the powder and use your homemade spot cleaner for any residue left behind.
Fabric Softener – Why buy dryer sheets or fabric softening liquid when you have a much cheaper, not to mention environmentally friendly, method already in your cabinets. Mix one part baking soda to two parts vinegar and run through your washing machine’s rinse cycle. Your clothes will come out soft and smelling fresh.
Clean mildew from shower and tub – mix one part vinegar and one part water and pour into a spray bottle. Spray onto walls and tile and wipe with a sponge to remove.
Scouring powder – Combine equal parts salt and baking soda. This makes a great scrub for the kitchen and bath.
All Purpose Household Cleaner – For a product that cleans walls, counters, floors and many other areas, try filling a large jug with one half gallon water, one half cup of vinegar and one quarter cup of baking soda. This can be poured into spray bottles and stored for a couple of months.
Air freshener – Rather than purchase a floral or woodland scented air freshener that will only mask the odors in your home, try this homemade odor neutralizer: Mix two cups vinegar to one half cup water and pour into a saucepan. Simmer until the liquid is almost gone. The vinegar will help to clean and deodorize the air in your home.
Grout cleaner – Clean dirt and mildew out of bathroom or kitchen grout with a solution of one part hydrogen peroxide to one part water. Spray this onto the grout and let it sit for 30 minutes. Sponge off and repeat if necessary.