Make your own cleaning supplies & Save

After finding the time to clean, my biggest problem is the toxic smell left behind from store bought cleaning products. The smell isn’t the only problem. Many of these products are adding toxic chemicals to our water supply. Those products that are advertised “as green” or “non toxic,” are typically not cheap. After some research and experimentation, I came up with some simple formulas for cleaning products that you can make safely at home. For about thirty dollars, you can have all the cleaning supplies you’ll need for a year. Below is a shopping list and a guide for how to make your own cleaning products.

Let us know how it works and if you have any other ‘cheap and green’ cleaning tips.

Shopping List for homemade cleaning supplies

  • 5 large spray bottles
  • A 12 lb bag of baking soda
  • 1.32 gallon jug of white vinegar
  • A small bottle of Dawn dishwashing detergent . (Dawn is an excellent grease cutter.)
  • 20 Microfiber towels (available for purchase at a warehouse club for under $11)
  • A bottle of mineral oil 10 oz.
  • A bottle of hydrogen peroxide 16 fl oz.
  • 1 indelible marker to label each spray bottle (Also, write the ingredients for each cleaning solution directly on the bottle. It makes it easier to refill.)
  • Feather duster
  • Measuring cups, spoons and one funnel. (All can be bought at a dollar store.)

Window cleaner (spray bottle#1)

1/2 teaspoon of Dawn 3 tablespoons of vinegar

2 cups of water

All purpose cleaner (Spray bottle #2)

1/2 teaspoon of baking soda Squirt of dawn 2 cups hot water

This is fantastic solution to use on just about anything, but do not use any vinegar-based solutions on marble. It will stain it. The one below works wonderfully on my marble countertops.)

Marble Cleaner (spray bottle #3)

2 cups of water
1 tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide

Furniture polish (spray bottle #4)

1/2 teaspoon of mineral oil 1/4 cup of vinegar

Add a squeeze of lemon or orange

Bath tub cleaner

1/2 cup baking soda big squirt of liquid detergent

This makes a creamy scrub and is far less noxious than what is on the market. Add some water sponge scrub in tub, rinse and wipe down

Toilet bowl cleaner

1/4 cup baking soda 1 cup vinegar

Put in bowl in order listed above. Let foam for three minutes and then scrub with a toilet brush and then flush.

Microwave Cleaner

Cut one lemon in half. Microwave on high for 2 minutes on a paper plate. Take lemon out. (Careful, it will be scorching.) Wipe down. This is great for splatter stains and getting that popcorn smell out