Five Eco-Friendly, Homemade Cleaners That Work Great and Save You Money
One: Scratch furniture polish off of the shopping list. You can, instead, make one at home that works just as well as any you can purchase on the grocery store shelf, and it smells better too. You only need three ingredients: A spray bottle, olive oil, and lemon juice. Pour one-eighth of a cup of lemon juice into your spray bottle and then add one-fourth of a cup of olive oil to the mixture. Shake well each time before using. Do not spray directly onto wood or furniture, but instead put on a lint-free, soft cloth and wipe in a circular motion.
Two: Homemade window cleaner rivals any you can purchase in a store. This concoction evaporates quickly, which is a plus, but as with any spray, it is best to use when the sun is not directly facing the window you are cleaning, to avoid unnecessary streaking. Again, you only need a minimal of ingredients to create this eco-friendly cleaner: You need one-quarter cup of water, one-quarter cup of rubbing alcohol, and one-quarter tablespoon of white vinegar. That’s it.
Three: You can make your own dishwasher soap too, and if you use all three ingredients, your dishes might even look better than they ever have. For each load you put in, use one teaspoon of Borax and one teaspoon of washing soda (not baking soda, which some people use but can leave a cloudy residue). Use white vinegar in the rinse cycle. If your manufacturer instructions direct you not to use vinegar, use cornstarch instead. You are now well on your way to streak and cloud-free dishes.
Four: If you are really serious about striving to create homemade products versus purchasing store bought ones that are wracked with chemicals, try making your own laundry detergent. It takes several ingredients, which is not as convenient as your traditional store-bought method, but it does not take long to make, is very cost-effective, and it is much better for the environment as a whole. You need four items and a food processor. The first ingredient is Borax, and you will need one cup of it. Then you add one cup of washing soda, one cup of baking soda, and one bar of bath soap (or Fels Naptha, which is meant for laundry). Cut your soap into small chunks to process faster, if you wish. Grind it all up in the food processor and use two tablespoons full for each load of laundry (one tablespoon for a half-load).
Five: Bathtub cleaner. If you are looking to remove mildew or soap scum, mix together white vinegar and baking soda to create a paste. Apply and allow to remain in place for five to ten minutes and then wipe with a cloth or sponge. Rinse any excess with warm water. If you are looking for a cleaner to make those chrome faucets shine, use one teaspoon of white vinegar in three-quarts of water; spray and wipe clean. If you are looking to scrub the tub, simply use wet borax on a sponge or rag and wipe around the inside of the tub and then rinse clean. Your tub should be easy to keep sparkling with these remedies that are very cost-effective, and certainly better for the environment than traditional bathtub cleansers that are loaded with chemicals.
With a little time and preparation, creating and using homemade cleansers can prove very satisfying as you help to improve the air (and ground) around you, and save money at the same time.
