How to Make Household Cleaners from Supplies Around the House

Long before the plethora of options in the cleaning supply popped up, our grandparents were using cleaners made from materials around the house. These cleaners are making a resurgence today because they're better for the environment and cost less. Make the switch to green cleaners today to make a difference.

I personally became interested in working with homemade cleaners when I became pregnant. Many sites say that several store name cleaners are safe for use during pregnancy, but I didn't feel like taking any risks.

I found an added benefit after making the switch. I felt like I'd outwitted the advertising executives who had tried all these years to lure, bribe, or sometimes scare me into using their newest and greatest product.

Inexpensive items you probably already have on hand can be made to make these less toxic cleaners: lemons, baking soda, and vinegar to name a few. To be extra frugal and green, by the ingredients in bulk when possible to avoid excess packaging and make ahead. Besides costing less to make and being better for the environment, creating your own household cleaners mean you know exactly what ingredients the cleaner has and don't have to deal with all the toxic ingredients included in brand name cleaners.

All-purpose cleaners:

Vinegar is a popular all purpose cleaner ingredient.

1 parts white vinegar
3 parts cool tap water
Pour both ingredients in a new spray bottle and shake.

This costs pennies a bottle to make. And, don't worry about a lingering vinegar smell, the smell will disappear after the vinegar dries.

Baking soda can be used to clean just about anything, and as an all-purpose cleaner.

4 tablespoons baking soda
1 quart warm water

Dissolve the baking soda in the water for an all-purpose cleaner.

Bathroom cleaners:

Vinegar and baking soda are combined to create this toilet bowl cleaner.

Sprinkle some baking soda into the bowl part of the toilet and then squirt with the vinegar finish by using the toilet brush.

Vinegar and baking soda team up again to remove tile buildup.

Apply vinegar straight to sponge or rag and wipe down the surface. Then use baking soda like a scouring powder. Rinse thoroughly.

Laundry detergent:

Buying laundry detergent can especially break the bank. Sometimes a bottle of laundry detergent can cost over $20!

1 bar shaved soap
1/2 cup borax
1/2 cup washing soda (like Arm and Hammer super washing soda)

Shave any bar of soap at home and then simply mix all the ingredients and store. This yields about 16 ounces. Use about 1 tablespoon per load, or more for a heavily soiled load.