Inexpensive, Homemade and All-Natural Cleaning Products

If you dislike using toxic substances in your home, try making your own cleansers with basic household ingredients. They're not only healthier but usually much cheaper.

Cleaner for windows, mirrors, and stainless steel

1. Mix: 1 part white vinegar with 4 parts tap water in spray bottle.

2. Mix: 1/2 cup white vinegar, 1 pint of rubbing alcohol and 1 teaspoon dishwashing liquid with enough water to make 1 gallon of cleaner.

Surface cleaners

1. Mix equal parts vinegar and salt (all-purpose cleaner but is especially good for brass and copper).

2. Mix 4 tablespoons baking soda in 1 quart warm water in place of Mr. Clean-type cleanser or use baking soda on a damp sponge in place of Ajax or Comet.

3. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in spray bottle for countertops and floors or undiluted vinegar for tougher jobs like grease or soap scum.

4. Mix 1/2 cup vinegar and 1/4 cup baking soda (or 2 teaspoons borax) into 1/2 gallon water. Use for removal of water deposit stains on shower stall panels, chrome fixtures, windows, bathroom mirrors, etc.

5. To clean your microwave, place a (microwave safe) cup of water with a teaspoon of baking soda in it. Run microwave for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove cup and wipe out inside of microwave with a damp cloth.

Dishwasher rinse aid

Add vinegar to the rinse compartment of the dishwasher. Wash as usual for a spot-free shine.

Oven cleaner

Sprinkle spills with salt while oven is hot, should scrape off when cool.

For all-over cleaning, place shallow dish filled with ammonia inside cold oven. Close door and let sit overnight. Grease and gunk will turn soap-like and scrub off easily.

Drain cleaner

Pour a 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain followed by a 1/2 cup of vinegar. Close the drain opening or cover it. Let the mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes and pour a full kettle of boiling water down.

Natural fabric softener (especially good for those with sensitive skin)

Add ½ cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle in place of store bought fabric softener.

Porcelain cleaner

Mix a cream of tarter and water together to form a paste. Spread on the porcelain, wait an hour and rub gently to remove surface stains.

Toilet bowl cleaner

Pour vinegar into the toilet and let sit 30 minutes. Sprinkle baking soda on a brush and scour. It cleans and deodorizes.

Hardwood furniture polish

Mix 1 cup olive oil with ½ cup lemon juice and polish furniture.

Wood floor cleaner

Mix 1/2 cup of vinegar and 1/2 cup vegetable oil and apply to the wood floor in a thin even layer. Then buff/rub the surface.

Carpet cleaner

1. Mix 1 part vinegar with 10 parts water. Spray on and blot up.

2. Red wine stain: Soak with club soda and blot OR rub in baking soda and vacuum.

3. Grease spots: Rub a liberal amount of baking soda or cornstarch on spot, let absorb overnight and vacuum.

4. Odors: Sprinkle with baking soda or cornstarch, let sit 15 minutes, and vacuum