How to Make Your Own Cleaners

Do you ever wonder what is in those cleansers that you buy at the store? More importantly, do you ever wonder what is in them to make them so expensive yet not very good in the cleaning department?

Did you know that you have most of the same items that are in commercial cleansers right in your very own home? And they don't cost as much! So why not attempt to be both economical and 'green' minded by making your own. After all, if you can't pronounce the names for those chemicals they can't exactly be good for either you or the environment.

Laundry Detergents. First, let's start off with laundry detergent. An average person can spend up to $600 a year in the stuff. So why not cut the costs with a fewer cheaper versions. The main ingredient is Castile or Fels Naptha Bar Soap. One bar can make up to 5 gallons of laundry detergent.

#1

1C grated Fels Naptha Soap(found in grocery stores)

1/2C washing soda (also found in grocery stores)

1/2C Borax

2T glycerin

2C water

Mix the first 3 ingredients and then add glycerin and water. Use ½-3/4C per large load. Best in cold and warm water

#2

5 gallon bucket

water

1 bar Fels Naptha or Castile soap, grated

1C washing soap

4-1/2 gallons hot water

Place grated soap in a small saucepan and cover with water. Heat on low until dissolved. Fill the bucket with hot water and add soap. As it cools, it will thicken. Use 1-2C per large load.

#3-Powdered Version

1C grated Fels Naptha or Castile soap

1/2C washing soda

1/2C Borax

Light load=1T Heavy/soiled load=2T

Laundry Softener.

2C white vinegar

2C baking soda

4C water

Combine slowly and carefully over sink. The baking soda and vinegar will fizz. Pour into a plastic bottle, cover and shake. You might want to re-use that softener bottle.

Use 1/4C in final rinse or in a "Downy" ball.

Stain Remover.

#1

1/2C ammonia

1/2C white vinegar

2T liquid laundry detergent (use homemade)

2 qts water

Mix well and store in spray bottle

#2

1/4C borax or washing soda

2C cold water

Sponger on and let dry or soak fabric in Borax mixture before washing in soap and cold water.

#3-For heavily stained clothing

*Only for white cotton, nylon and polyester

1/2C homemade liquid laundry detergent

1/2C electric dishwasher detergent

1/2C non-chlorinated bleach OR ammonia (not both)

Soak clothes in washing machine overnight or until stains disappear. Launder as usual.

There are also homemade 'recipes' for other cleansers:

Window Cleaner: #1-1T cornstarch and 1 qt warm water

#2- Mix and put into a spray bottle: 1/2t liquid soap (detergent), 3T vinegar, and 2C water.

#3-1/2C white vinegar and 1 gallon (16C) warm water.

*Use newspapers when washing windows. No streaks and no lint.

Scouring Powder: Blend and store in container. 1C baking, 1C borax and 1C salt.

Floor Cleaner: Will also work on wooden floors as well. 1C vinegar and 2 gallons of water

Brass, Copper and Pewter Cleaner: Equal parts salt and vinegar; then thicken with flour

General Cleaner: #1- 4T baking soda in 1 qt warm water

#2 -Mix and pour into spray bottle: 1/4C baking soda, 3/4C household ammonia, 1/2C white vinegar, 1-gallon (16C) warm water

Disinfecting/Deo. Cleaner: 1/2C Borax and 1 gallon hot water

Mildew Cleaner: 3/4C bleach in 1-gallon cold water

Oven Cleaner: Baking soda and vinegar

Drain Cleaner: Pour 1/2C baking soda and 1C vinegar down the drain. Let it set for 20 minutes and then flush with warm water.

Woodwork Cleaner: Use cold tea on any wood stains

Dusting: #1 Use old dryer sheets (these are also especially good for cleaning/shining shoes)

#2 1C cooking oil and 1/2C lemon juice in a squirt bottle. Stir or shake. Dip cloth into oil; blot the oil by folding the cloth then dust.

Toilet Bowl Cleaner: #1Drop a denture cleaner tablet into bowl and let sit.

#2 Add 1C vinegar or 1T household ammonia and let sit overnight, scrub and flush

Carpet Deodorizer: Sprinkle with baking soda or cornstarch. Vacuum after 30 min.

Tub and Tile Cleaner: 1/4C baking soda and 1/2C white vinegar

Dishwasher Cleaner: To keep odors out of dishwasher, add 1/2C vinegar. If dishwasher is dirty: empty dishwasher and add Tang drink crystals. Run on light cycle. Do this twice a year.

Dishwasher Detergent: 1T baking soda with 1T borax. If you use this on a regular basis, add 1/2C vinegar to rinse cycle ever few loads.

Good luck and be 'Green'!