MAKE YOUR OWN SAFER AND INEXPENSIVE HOUSEHOLD CLEANERS

USING AND MAKING A CLEANER
· It may take longer because of needing to let the mixture “sit” before rinsing.
· You may use more “elbow grease.”
· The ingredients are still not completely safe, so follow these guidelines:
· Be careful mixing chemicals. Chlorine bleach and ammonia produce a toxic gas when mixed.
· Only make a month’s supply at a time, or the mixture may lose its strength.
· Mix where there is plenty of fresh air.
· Still store all cleaning solutions out of children’s reach or in a locked cabinet.
· Store in new containers bought for each specific mixture and keep in a permanent place. If using a recycled container your mixture may react with something left over inside it or be mistaken for a food or beverage.
· Label carefully, clearly and permanently.

Sometimes only a commercial product will do the job. Here are some tips to keep your household safe:
· Read the label for choosing the least poisonous product, storage, use, disposal and risks.
· Avoid aerosols; use sprays, powders, pastes or liquids.

GENERAL PURPOSE CLEANERS:
· Mix ½ cup of vinegar with 1gallon of water.
· Combine ¼ cup of baking soda and 1 tablespoon of water to form a paste.
· Combine 2 tablespoons of ammonia, 2 tablespoons liquid detergent and 1 quart of warm water.

FURNITURE POLISH:
Mix 2 teaspoons lemon oil and 1 pint of mineral oil.

AIR FRESHENER/ODOR REMOVAL:
· Simmer cinnamon sticks or sliced citrus in water.
· Spray a mixture of 1 teaspoon baking soda and 1 teaspoon lemon juice dissolved in 2 cups of hot water.
· Sprinkle carpets with baking soda at bedtime and leave overnight. Vacuum the next day.



BATHROOM CLEANER:
· ½ cup bleach and 1 cup of water, wiped on and left for 5 minutes will remove mildew from tile.
· Vinegar and water removes mildew from shower curtains and water spots from faucets.
· Borax and lemon juice cleans and deodorizes the toilet.
· ¼ cup of cornstarch, ½ cup ammonia and 1 cup vinegar on windows or shower doors for removing rust and lime deposits.

DRAINS:
· For a weekly drain cleaner mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda, ½ cup vinegar with 1 quart of warm water and pour down the drain. Let sit ½ hour and rinse with 3 quarts of hot water.
· To unclog drain: Mix 1 cup of baking soda, one cup salt, and 1 cup of white vinegar. Expect fizzing while it sits for 15 minutes. Then pour it down the drain and follow with a few cups of boiling water.

KITCHEN:
· Baking soda makes a good scouring powder for counters, fine china, coffeepots, and toasters.
· Vinegar in the rinse water removes spots on glassware.
· Oven cleaner: Sprinkle baking soda on stains. 5 minutes later scrub with a damp cloth.

WINDOW CLEANER: (Note - remove chemical cleaner with ammonia first, or you may get streaks when using vinegar solutions.)
· ½ cup of vinegar in 1 gallon of water, wiping off with newspaper.
· ¼ cup of ammonia in 1 gallon of water, wiping off with newspaper, again.

FLOOR CLEANER:
· Mix 1 cup vinegar OR ½ cup of ammonia in a bucket of water.
· If there is a wax or dirt buildup, use 2 cups of ammonia per gallon of water and let sit for 20 minutes before rinsing off.
· Dissolve 1/2cup of borax in 2 gallons of hot water.