Make Your Own Natural Home Cleaning Products

These days, the dangers of chemical cleaners are reported daily in magazines and news programs. However, so called "natural cleaners" can be costly to buy, most even more so than the chemicals ones. You can keep a clean house with natural cleaners, the kind your grandmother always knew about, and save money in the process!

TO CLEAN YOUR WOOD SURFACES: To clean and condition the wood surfaces in your home, mix two tablespoons of olive oil and one tablespoon of lemon juice. Use a clean cloth and apply in a circular motion. To repair scratch marks on wood furniture, match with a crayon approximately the same color as the furniture, color over the marks, then blow with your hair dryer on low setting. Buff with a soft cloth and the scratches will disappear.

TO CLEAN GLASS: Mix one-fourth cup of white vinegar, one tablespoon of cornstarch, and one quart of warm water. Spray onto glass surfaces. Wipe with old newspapers. (Old newspapers don't streak like paper towels do.) Never clean your windows in direct sunlight, as they dry too quickly and can cause streaking.

TO CLEAN TUBS, SINKS, AND TILE: Make a paste of warm water and baking soda and using a sponge gently clean your tubs and tile. Rinse well and buff to shine.

TO MAKE YOUR OWN LAUNDRY DETERGENT: Use one bar of bath soap, grated; one cup of Arm and Hammer Super Washing Powder (a laundry booster), one-half cup of borax and hot water.To make, pour grated soap in a pot, cover with water and let simmer until all the soap is melted. Pour into a five gallon bucket and add Arm and Hammer powder and borax. Add hot water to fill the bucket and stir. A paint stick works well. Let sit overnight to gel. Put into your own containers. This detergent really gets your clothes clean and is much less expensive than commercial cleaners and much healthier for your environment.

TO MAKE YOUR OWN FABRIC SOFTENER: Mix two cups of white vinegar, two cups of baking soda, and four cups of water. (Pour vinegar in slowly as it will fizz.) Put into a plastic bottle, cover and shake. Use one-fourth cup in your laundry's final rinse.

TO MAKE FLOOR CLEANER: Mix one tablespoon of ammonia, one tablespoon of laundry detergent, and two cups of water. Put into a spray bottle, and spray floor in a section at a time and mop over with a damp mop as you go. It does a great job.

Making your own household cleaners will save you a bundle at the grocery store and be much healthier for your home and family. Avoid the fumes and skin irritation you get from using chemicals, and help the environment at the same time.