9 DIY Natural Cleaners

9 DIY Natural Cleaners

These mix-it-yourself cleaners use environmentally friendly ingredients — like baking soda and vinegar — and are quite inexpensive. If you’ve run out of your favorite cleaning solution, don’t run to the store; try one of these standbys instead.

1. GLASS CLEANER

Great for: Windows and mirrors

Ingredients:

• 2 cups water
• 1/2 cup white or cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol (70% concentration)
• 1 to 2 drops of orange essential oil, which gives the solution a lovely smell (optional)

How to use: Combine ingredients and store in a spray bottle. Spray on a paper towel or soft cloth first, then on the glass. Hint: Don’t clean windows on a hot, sunny day because the solution will dry too quickly and leave lots of streaks.

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2. HEAVY-DUTY SCRUB

Great for: Rust stains on porcelain or enamel sinks and tubs

Ingredients:

• Half a lemon
• 1/2 cup borax (a laundry booster; find it in the detergent aisle)

How to use: Dip the lemon into the borax and scrub surface; rinse. (Not safe for marble or granite.)

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3. GREASE CLEANER

Great for: Oven hoods, grills

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup sudsy ammonia mixed with enough water to fill a one-gallon container. (Sudsy ammonia, which has detergent in it, helps remove tough grime.)

How to use: Dip sponge or mop in solution and wipe over surface, then rinse area with clear water.

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4. ALL-PURPOSE CLEANER AND DEODORIZER

Great for: Kitchen counters, appliances, and inside the refrigerator

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons baking soda
• 1 quart warm water

How to use: Pour solution on a clean sponge and wipe.

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5. LAST-RESORT CLOTHING STAIN REMOVER

Great for: Badly stained washable or bleachable garments

Ingredients:

• 1 gallon hot water
• 1 cup powdered dishwasher detergent
• 1 cup regular liquid chlorine bleach (not ultra or concentrate)

How to use: Mix and pour ingredients into a stainless steel, plastic, or enamel bowl (not aluminum). Soak garment for 15 to 20 minutes. If stain is still there, let it soak a bit longer, then wash garment as usual.

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6. WHITE RING REMOVER

Great for: Anywhere you’ve accidentally left a water ring (but not on unfinished wood, lacquer, or antiques).

Ingredients:

• One part white non-gel toothpaste to one part baking soda

How to use: Dampen a cloth with water, add toothpaste mixture, and rub with the grain to buff over the ring. Then take a dry cloth and wipe off. Use another soft cloth for a final shine. Polish as you normally would.

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7. DISHWASHER STAIN REMOVER

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup powdered lemon or orange drink

How to use: To remove rust from the inside walls, pour the powder (which contains citric acid or citric acid crystals) into the detergent cup and then run a regular cycle. Repeat as necessary.

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8. BRASS CLEANER

Great for: Non-lacquered cabinet pulls, bathroom appointments, and more

Ingredients:

• White vinegar or lemon juice
• Table salt

How to use: Dampen a sponge with vinegar or lemon juice, then sprinkle on salt. Lightly rub over surface. Rinse thoroughly with water, then immediately dry with a clean soft cloth.

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9. MARBLE CLEANER

Great for: Natural stone countertops

Ingredients:

• A drop or two of mild dishwashing liquid (non-citrus-scented)
• 2 cups warm water

How to use: Mix the detergent and water. Sponge over marble and rinse completely to remove any soap residue. Buff with a soft cloth; do not let the marble air-dry. Caution: Never use vinegar, lemon, or any other acidic cleaner on marble or granite surfaces; it will eat into the stone.

Related: DIY – Homemade Grout Cleaner

SAFETY TIP:  Never combine ammonia-based cleaners with chlorine bleach or products containing bleach, such as powdered dishwasher detergent. The fumes they’ll create are extremely dangerous. Before doing any mixing, read the product labels first.

Source goodhousekeeping.com