HOMEMADE CLEANING SOLUTIONS

It is fairly simple to make your own cleaners at home. They are safer and work just as well as some of the store-bought versions. In addition, most of the ingredients are inexpensive and ones that most people have in their homes already.

Here is a list of common household products used in homemade cleaners: baking soda, lemons & limes (and juice), borax, white vinegar, isopropyl alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, cornstarch, salt, mayonnaise, and toothpaste.

Here are a few popular alternatives you can make at home instead of buying pre-made products at the store. It's important to have cleaning supplies on hand because you want to make sure your home is in sparkling condition before all showings and open houses, a task many sellers stop doing after awhile.  

 

You don't need to spend tons of money on store-bought cleaners. By keeping a few ingredients on hand you can make just about any cleaner you might need.

Copyright 2010 by Elizabeth4five

• All-Purpose Cleaner:
  Measure ½ cup vinegar, ¼ cup baking soda, and ½ gallon of water. Mix well and store in spray bottle, labeled.
• Air Freshener:
  Put baking soda in perforated containers or in dishes, and place around the home. Remove before showings.
• Garbage Disposal Cleanser: 
  Grind up lemon halves in the disposal after you are done juicing them.
• Carpet Stain Remover:
  Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray on stain, let it sit for 5 minutes, and scrub with brush or sponge and warm, soapy water.
• Deodorizer:
  Sprinkle carpets with baking soda an hour or two before vacuuming.
• Unclog Drains:
  Pour ½ cup baking soda into the drain. Pour ½ cup vinegar into the drain and allow it to fizzle. Let sit for 15 minutes and then flush with hot or boiling water.
• Mold & Mildew Remover:
  Apply full-strength lemon juice or vinegar with a sponge.
• Rust Remover:
  Sprinkle salt, followed by lime juice, onto the spot and let soak for a few hours, and then scrub.
• Gentle Cleanser:
  To clean surfaces that are prone to scratching, use baking soda with a damp sponge.
• Toilet Bowl Cleaner:
  Mix ¼ cup baking soda and 1 cup vinegar. Pour into toilet and let it sit for several minutes. Scrub with brush.
• Wallpaper Remover:
  Mix equal parts vinegar and hot water and apply with a sponge or spray bottle. Scour wallpaper before applying.
• Water Ring Stain Remover:
  Apply mayonnaise or toothpaste with a damp cloth or sponge. Let sit for a few minutes. Then buff the surface with a soft cloth.
• Window Cleaner:
  Mix 2 teaspoons white vinegar with 1 quart of water in a spray bottle. Tip: Some cleaning professionals recommend using newspapers instead of paper towels to wipe windows and mirrors.

These are just a few basic cleaning solutions. There are tons of them out there, but many contain these basic ingredients, with the addition of one or two others. These are great products to use when cleaning those backsplashes. You want them to shine for showings. A good grout cleaning can keep you from having to replace a backsplash. They are also great for all the different types of flooring you may have in your home. A good cleaning can make floors look almost brand new. 

 

These are just two of the many household ingredients that can be used to make your own cleaners.

Copyright 2010 by Jessica Mullen

One Final Tip 
Having all these supplies in one location, such as a plastic tote/basket with handles, will make quick clean-ups faster and easier.  So now you can no longer use the excuse that you ran out of cleaning supplies as a way to procrastinate the task of cleaning!