Easy DIY cleaning products

Easy, cheap, and most important chemical-free cleaning products

If you are sick of the usual and toxic cleaning products, then you are more than welcome to try these cheap and simple DIY products. On-hand ingredients will likely be less expensive than buying commercial cleaners, and they will not leave you with product packaging to discard. It is important that your household avoids exposure to harsh chemicals or toxic ingredients.

Basic ingredients

• White vinegar: undiluted white vinegar is ideal for tougher cleaning problems involving hard water deposits or soap scum. You can use it inside the toilet bowl or to clean showerheads that have been clogged with mineral deposits. You just have to place 1/4 to 1/2 cup vinegar in a plastic food storage bag and secure the bag over the showerhead with a rubber band. Let it stand for 2 hours to overnight, then rinse;
• Diluted white vinegar: dissolves dirt, soap scum, and hard water deposits from smooth surfaces. You can also use it as a fabric softener substitute if you have family members with sensitive skin;
• Rubbing alcohol: you can use it on windows, mirrors, chrome fixtures and for a shiny finish on hard-surface ceramic tiles;
• Ammonia: clear ammonia creates stronger window cleaner, as well as better all-purpose cleaning recipes. Try to find a non-sudsing type because suds may look as if they're working, but they are tough to rinse and remove;
• Baking soda: has natural deodorizing properties and it's also a powerful replacement for harsh commercial scouring powders.

Recipes

• Spray cleaner: mix in a spray bottle 1 cup white vinegar and 1 cup water;
• Glass cleaner: mix in a spray bottle 1 cup rubbing alcohol, 1 cup water, and 1 tablespoon white vinegar;
• Strong all-purpose cleaner: mix in a spray bottle 1 tablespoon clear non-sudsing ammonia, 1 tablespoon clear dishwashing liquid, and 2 cups water;
• Strong glass cleaner: mix in a spray bottle 1 cup rubbing alcohol, 1 cup water, 1 tablespoon clear, non-sudsing ammonia.