GENERAL CLEANERS

Surface Cleaners

1 tsp vegetable oil-based soap/detergent

1 tsp borax

Squeeze of lemon

1 qt warm warm

OR

1/4 c baking soda

1/2 c borax

1/2 c vinegar

1 gal water

OR

1/2 c vinegar

1 qt warm water

OR

1/4 c white vinegar

1 tbsp cornstarch

2 qt warm water

Window/Glass Cleaners

2 tsp vinegar

1 qt warm water

OR

2 tbsp borax

3 c water

OR

Squeeze of dishwashing liquid

1 gal water

Use newspaper to wipe clean for a streak-free shine!

KITCHEN / BATHROOM CLEANERS

Oven Cleaners

1/4 c baking soda

2 tbsp salt

Hot water, as needed to make paste

OR

2 tbsp vegetable oil-based soap/detergent

2 tsp borax

1 qt warm water

Drain Cleaners

Pour 1/4 c baking soda in drain, followed by 1/2 cup vinegar

Cover drain, let sit for 15 min, follow with 2 quart boiling water

OR

Pour 1/2 c borax in drain, followed by 2 c boiling water

Toilet Bowl Cleaners

1/2 c borax

1 gal water

For stains, coat with paste of lemon juice & borax

Let sit 20 min.

Scrub and flush

OR

Pour 1/4 c baking soda into bowl

Drizzle with vinegar

Let sit for 30 min

Scrub and flush

FLOORS/RUGS

Floor Cleaners

1/2 c vinegar

1 gal warm water

OR

For wood:

1/8 c vegetable oil-based soap/detergent

1/4 to 1/2 c vinegar or lemon juice

1/2 c fragrant herb tea

2 gal warm water

Polishing floors with club soda or skim milk make them sparkle and shine!

Rug Cleaners

1/4 c vegetable oil-based liquid soap/detergent

3 tbsp (or more) water

Whip in bowl with egg beater

Rub foam into problem areas

Rinse well with water

OR

Sprinkle corn meal, baking soda or cornstarch on dry rugs and vacuum

FURNITURE

Polish

1/8 c food-grade linseed oil

1/8 c vinegar

1/4 c lemon juice

OR

3/4 c olive oil

1/4 c vinegar

OR

2/3 c olive or vegetable oil

1/3 lemon juice

Scratches

1/2 c lemon juice

1/2 c vegetable oil

OR

For water marks:  Plain white toothpaste

METAL POLISHES

Brass

1 tsp salt

1 tsp flour

Enough vinegar to make a paste

Chrome

Rubbing alcohol

OR

1 tsp ammonia

4 c hot water

OR

white flour on a damp rag

Copper

1 tbsp salt

Wetted with equal parts vinegar and lemon juice

Silver

1 qt warm water

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

Small piece of aluminum foil

Mix liquids and soak

OR

Plain white toothpaste