Did you know 10 pantry staples can create 10 awesome homemade cleaners? Get the recipes for these easy, natural DIY cleaning products.
Hopefully all this de-cluttering is getting you all excited for the deep, deep cleaning that is going to happen soon! I don’t know how it is for you, but with every box of stuff I get rid of I feel like another little load has been lifted off my shoulders. We are still going to take some time in the next week for more weeding and purging, but in the meantime I thought it would be a good idea to also start gathering some of the necessary tools you’ll need to get your space spic & span.
I have always had a bad habit of thinking that more cleaning supplies would result in a cleaner house. At one point we had so many mops and brooms in our broom closet that my husband finally exploded in exasperation: “You do realize that none of them actually clean the floor for you, right?” he snapped.
The thing is, until he said that, I actually thought they might.
As hard as it was to finally accept the sad reality that there are no magic mops, I am happy to report that we are now down to one broom, one dustpan, and one mop in our broom closet, and that is just exactly enough.
A key component of The Big Spring Clean is to STOP bringing in more things, so I am going to challenge you to use the supplies you have on hand as you complete this challenge. If you–like me–have accumulated mass quantities of cleaning supplies, use those up before you run out and buy something new. Using what you already have is about as green & thrifty as you can get.
For anything you do still need, you might be surprised to discover that you probably already have the right ingredients right in your own kitchen or laundry cabinet. I have been amazed to find that a combination of just a few common household products that can tackle almost every cleaning task. In fact I’ve discovered that just 10 different products–most of which I already have on hand–can be combined in 10 different ways to make 10 different awesome, green, & super thrifty cleaners. 10x10x10….how cool is that?
Mix all ingredients together in a medium bowl to make a paste; use scrub brush or sponge to apply to tub, shower walls, & sinks. (Be sure to test a small area to make sure paste does not scuff tub surface; if so, eliminate the salt from the mixture! Rinse well with water and a wet rag, then dry with a clean rag or old towel.
Turn off flow valve to toilet & flush 1 or 2 times until water is drained. Pour in baking soda, then slowly pour in vinegar, being sure to get vinegar to cover as much of the bowl surface as possible, then add essential oil. The baking soda will react with the vinegar–this is normal! Use your toilet brush to scrub surface & remove any rings or stains. Turn water back on and flush.
Dampen rag & squeeze out excess water. Dip damp rag into furniture polish, the wipe on surface of furniture. Buff off with an old dry towel. Can also be used to polish stainless steel!
Mix vinegar, water, & essential oil together in spray bottle. Spray on glass & use squeegee, crumpled newspaper (Tip: use newspapers that are at least 2 weeks old to avoid black fingers!), or a lint-free rag to get a streak-free shine. Also works well to shine chrome and countertops after you’ve disinfected them.
Whisk all ingredients together well in large bowl, then pour into spray bottle. Spray on, then wipe surface clean with a damp cloth. Can be used to clean and disinfect almost any surface!
Mix ingredients in spray bottle. Mixture will foam up; when it stops bubbling, put on cap and spray stainless steel surface, then wipe clean & dry with lint-free rag. To add extra shine, use furniture polish above.
Mix first three ingredients well & store in airtight container. To use, add 1 tablespoon to each of the 2 compartments in your dishwasher and 2 tablespoons of vinegar to your rinse compartment.
Mix vinegar & baking soda together in bucket; add hot water, Borax, washing soda, & essential oil and mix until all powder is dissolved. Use mop or sponge to wipe down floor; wipe dry with clean dry towel.
This homemade laundry detergent is so cheap and easy to make that you will kick yourself for not trying it until now. Place Ivory soap in a large microwave safe bowl. Heat in the microwave for 2 minutes, until soap turns to foam. Quickly stir foam until it becomes small soap chips, then mix well with borax and washing powder. Allow to cool completely, then store in airtight container. Use 1-2 tablespoons per load. (Tip: This detergent works best in warm or hot water; for cold water washing you may want to first dissolve in 1/4 c. of hot water.)
Add 1/4-1/2 cup vinegar with several drops of your favorite essential oil to the rinse cycle (or simply place in fabric softener compartment of your front load washer.)
So that’s it….10 ingredients mixed up 10 different ways to create 10 different cleaners. Are you psyched yet?
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WOW...
This is great info and informative information. I use vinegar and baking soda for my bathroom floor, shower and glass (etc). It works great. You've shared completely guidelines about cleaning products. I've benefited from your article. I've got to know more about the clean. Thanks for sharing the post!!!
Very interesting article...Thanks for sharing
Superb! Loved the read...loved the useful tips for home cleaning too! Thanks for sharing this up here. Coincidentally, baking soda, vinegar, detergent, hot water, and some other ingredients mentioned in this blog can also used for DIY carpet cleaning. So it makes so much sense to buy a product and use it for cleaning almost everything in your home.
An entire rule for cleaning house. Supportive Information. I value your diligent work. It will be useful for each maid. What is your conclusion about the new standard vinegar and sunrise dish chemical as a tub/shower more clean? What is your opinion about the new well known vinegar and day break dish cleanser as a tub/shower more clean? Is that sheltered to utilize? Much appreciated in Advance.
Hey Ruth, I am very happy you list complete lists of home made cleaning solution and suggestions. i will definitely share with my circle.
Thanks
Ruth, that's a complete lists of Eco friendly cleaning solutions and suggestions. I also personally suggests to use home made cleaning solutions as it not only help to maintain environment but also keeps our belongings safe.
Thank you so much for this amazing list of stuff! We’ve recently been using a Houston residential cleaning company for our tile & grout, carpet and upholstery. They do an absolutely amazing job but I’d be interested to see what kind of results I can get with your suggestions. About how often do you have to make new batches of cleaning products?
It’s really a great and useful piece of information. I am happy that you shared this useful information with us. Please keep us up to date like this. Thanks for sharing.
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Organic ingredients for house cleaning are my favorite. Leave your house fresh and smelling great!
We use nothing but organic to satisfy our clientele.
I should add to my previous comment that I use the Even Better Moisturizer that came out in 2011. I have not tried to the serum and see no need to because I have experienced such dramatic improvement with the Even Better Moisturizer. I may try their foundation next. I was not a Clinique customer. I worship them now. I can do a cardio sessions without looking like a tomato when I heat up.