Retail cleaning products contain chemicals that can be harmful to your health. Here are some more natural alternatives, from by the curriculum for Herbert W. Armstrong Home Economics.
All-Purpose Cleaner
- 1 Tbsp Castile or dish soap*
- 2 cups water
Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle and gently shake to combine. Great for cleaning kitchen, bathroom surfaces, hallways and most furniture.
*If there’s residue, reduce the amount of dish soap
Disinfectant All-Purpose Cleaner
- 1 cup rubbing alcohol
- 1 cup water
- 10 drops Castile or dish soap
- 20 drops essential oil of your choice
Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle and gently shake to combine. Safe for granite and stone.
Air Freshener
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup cheap vodka
- 10 drops essential oil of your choice
Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle and gently shake to combine.
All-Purpose Shiner
- 1½ cups white vinegar
- 1¼ cups water
Pour vinegar and water into 22-ounce spray bottle. Shake gently to mix. To use, spray on and wipe off.
Dusting Spray Recipe
- 1 cup filtered water
- ½ cup white vinegar
- ¼ cup fractionated coconut oil or sweet almond oil
- Essential oil of choice (eucalyptus, lavender, etc.)
Add all ingredients to a spray bottle. Mix well before each use. Spray and wipe with a cloth. A little bit goes a long way. (Courtesy of Hinid Romanos)
Glass Cleaner
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup water
Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle and gently shake to combine.
Outdoor Window Cleaner for Cold Weather
- 3 cups rubbing alcohol
- 1½ Tbsp mild dishwashing liquid
- ¾ cup water
Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle. Use on outdoor windows if needing to clean in below-freezing weather.
Toilet Bowl Cleaner
- 1 cup Borax (sodium borate)
- ¼ cup vinegar or lemon juice
Pour into toilet bowl. Let sit for two hours. Scour thoroughly with a brush.
Kitchen Cleanser
- 3 parts warm water to 1 part baking soda
Mix ingredients together to form a paste. Removes stains. Use for cleaning oven.
Bathroom Cleanser
- ½ cup baking soda
- ½ cup dish soap
Mix ingredients together to form a paste. Removes soap scum.
Faucet Cleaner
- 4 tsp table salt
- ½ cup white vinegar
Dissolve salt in vinegar. With a sponge or soft cloth, wash faucets and handles to remove soap scum, mineral deposits and stains from chrome or plastic fixtures. Rinse thoroughly and polish dry with a clean cloth.
Microwave Cleaner
- 1 cup water
- ¼ cup baking soda
- 1 quart warm water
Put 1 cup water into a microwavable cup and microwave until it boils. Turn off the microwave and let the water sit for 1 minute as the steam softens dried-on food deposits. Dissolve baking soda in warm water. Use a sponge or cloth to wipe the interior of the microwave to clean and deoderize.
Drain Cleaner
- ½ cup baking soda
- ¼ cup vinegar
- ½ cup salt
Pour ingredients down the drain in order listed. Let sit for 15 minutes (the mixture will bubble and gurgle). Pour a kettle of boiling water down the drain.
Woodwork Cleaner
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 4 Tbsp white vinegar
- 1 quart warm water
Combine all ingredients in a bottle with a lid. Shake to mix. Dampen a cloth with the solution and wipe cabinets to remove grease, dirt and yellowing. Shake bottle frequently to keep the oil dispersed in the water. Dry with a clean cloth.
Lemon Oil Furniture Polish
- 1 quart bottle of mineral oil
- 1 Tbsp lemon oil
Add lemon oil to bottle of mineral oil. Shake to mix. Wipe on and off with a clean cloth.
NOTE: Lemon oil is available from herb shops or craft centers.
Oak Wood Polish
- 32 oz beer
- 2 oz beeswax
- 1 tbsp sugar
Combine all ingredients and heat. When polish is cool, apply to oak woodwork. Allow to dry before buffing to a shine with a soft cloth.
Fabric Softener
Add ¼ cup of white vinegar during the rinse cycle of your laundry. Clothes will feel softer and smell fresher (they will not smell like vinegar).