DIY Cleaning Supplies

[HappyHoya]

I had the afternoon off yesterday and wanted to catch up on some deep cleaning. I was running low on window/glass cleaner, and completely out of paper towels. I knew I wanted to avoid the grocery store, and  I'd been meaning to try several DIY solutions for a while. I made a homemade window cleaner with vinegar, water, rubbing alcohol, and cornstarch. It works amazingly well and I didn't get a headache from the chemical smell that I sometimes get from commercial cleaners. I was able to do all the windows and sliding glass doors without stopping to seek out fresh air. I used old t-shirt rags for almost all of the cleaning jobs that really needed to get done. It took a little bit of thought to make sure I was cleaning things in an order so that I could use the same rags for the whole job (without making anything dirtier or spreading germs around), but it worked fine. I will definitely try other DIY cleaning products in the future!

[flamingo25]

I love DIY cleaning products! I use them almost exclusively.

There are a lot of great posts on Pinterest and you might also check out some books at the library (can't think of particular titles off the top of my head, but I'm sure you could find something).

We have to use industrial cleaners at my job (per state regulations) and they always give me a headache and smell gross. I can't believe I used to use that stuff in my house. Yuck.

[BooksAreNerdy]

We just use vinegar for everything. Mix it 50/50 with water in a spray bottle. We use it on countertops, wood floors, dining table, glass and mirrors. For glass and mirrors, you need two lint free towels, one for washing and a second to buff out streaks.

[mike3725]

We just use vinegar for everything. Mix it 50/50 with water in a spray bottle. We use it on countertops, wood floors, dining table, glass and mirrors. For glass and mirrors, you need two lint free towels, one for washing and a second to buff out streaks.

Agreed!   I use to hate the smell...but I got use to it pretty quickly.   We love using it to clean around the house.

[surfhb]

I peel a lemon or orange and put them in the bottle.    The oils in them make it smell pretty good

My next project is DIY detergent and softener, so if you have any recipes let us know :)

[CU Tiger]

http://www.budget101.com/content.php/4075

I am going to try this no-cook laundry soap. It sounds easy. If you google homemade laundry detergent or check YouTube for the same, there are many recipes, that use the same four ingredients in various proportions:

A bar of laundry soap, like Zote or Fels Naptha
Washing Soda
Mule Team Borax
Water

[resy]

I peel a lemon or orange and put them in the bottle.    The oils in them make it smell pretty good

My next project is DIY detergent and softener, so if you have any recipes let us know :)

do you mean in the bottle of vinegar?

[Firefly]

My all time favorite cleaner is mixing 3/4 water with 1/4 alcohol with a table spoon of Dawn original. Last for ever, works on everything and smells great

[Spondulix]

I peel a lemon or orange and put them in the bottle.    The oils in them make it smell pretty good

My next project is DIY detergent and softener, so if you have any recipes let us know :)

I always put a few drops of essential oil in the bottle. Cinnamon is great in the kitchen cause it keeps away ants, too. Just don't spray it on the floor cause it can be a little oily.

[Andy_in_Aus]

My all time favorite cleaner is mixing 3/4 water with 1/4 alcohol with a table spoon of Dawn original. Last for ever, works on everything and smells great

I've never heard this recipe before, I can't really get into the vinegar thing, so this might be a better option!