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).