Cleaning Recipes

Here are the basic ingredients I use to make all my cleaners. (I also use lemon, but it is optional) All these ingredients are inexpensive and eco-friendly. The washing soda may be the only one that is more difficult to find. I get mine at Ace Hardware, but other hardware and drug stores also carry the product.




Laundry Detergent:
(many detergent recipes use the same ingredients, but with different amounts and ratios to water....find what works best for your laundry)

1/2 Cup Borax
1/2 Cup Washing Soda
1 Bar Soap grated with a cheese grater (I use FelsNaptha laundry bar)
1-2 Gallons of water

Boil Water and add grated soap. After soap is melted, add borax and washing soda. Stir until dissolved. Pour liquid into bucket or container and let cool for 24 hours. Finished product will be lumpy-liquid. Shake before each use. Use 1/2 cup per load.
Depending on your water (hard or soft) and your laundry needs, you may need to use anywhere from 1-2 gallons of water. Less water will result in a more concentrated detergent that requires less detergent per load.
This website has helpful tips when making your soap: http://tipnut.com/10-homemade-laundry-soap-detergent-recipes/

All-Purpose Cleaner

This makes about 2 cups of formula, and it works really well cleaning dirt and grime.

•1/2 teaspoon baking soda or washing soda
•2 teaspoons borax
•1/2 teaspoon liquid soap or detergent
•2 cups hot water

Combine all the ingredients and the water into a spray bottle. Shake well. The washing soda or baking soda makes this formula a great grease cutter.

All-Purpose Cleaner

• 2 cups Vinegar
• 1 tsp Washing Soda or Baking Soda
• 2 tsp Borax
• 5 cups Water
• Squirt of Lemon

Floor Cleaner

• 1/4 c Dish Soap
• 2 c Vinegar
• 1/4 c Lemon Juice (optional)
• 6 c Water

This doesn't leave a residue and creates a nice shine. It also doesn't take much effort to cut through the grease.

For Toilets and Sinks
Salt and Baking Soda are wonderful for sinks and toilets. As you clean, it also deodorizes.

For Tough Stains in the Tub
Cut one lemon in half, sprinkle with salt, and use this to scrub. The salt acts as an abrasive, and the lemon cuts through scum.

Carpet Deodorizer

• 1 Cup Baking Soda
• 10 Drops Essential Oil (optional)

Mix together and sprinkle on carpet. Leave for 1 hour, then vacuum up.
I have not purchased commercial cleaners for quite some time, and it has saved me hundreds of dollars. I also love that my surfaces are safe for my children and pets.
Stay tuned next Wednesday when I will be featuring bread recipes and freezer meal recipes!