Homemade cleaning supplies can be just as effective as those sold at the store. Plus, they are often less expensive to make and safer than store-bought products. Let’s look at four cleaners you can make at home using items out of your pantry.
Before you start, there are a couple of things to keep in mind:
- Never mix ammonia with bleach or a product that contains bleach. Mixing the two creates chloramine gas which is toxic and potentially deadly.
- Always label any homemade cleaner with the ingredients used. You need to know what the mix contains in case a child or pet accidentally gets into it.
Four Recipes for Homemade Cleaning Supplies
#1 All-Purpose Cleaner
All-purpose cleaners have multiple uses around the house. Use this formula to clean trash cans, scrub wall marks, and remove hard water stains. Do not use this formula on granite or marble as the acid can harm the stone’s surface.
Combine these ingredients to make your homemade version:
- One part white vinegar
- One part water
- Sprigs of rosemary
- The rind of a lemon
Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar and water before adding the rosemary sprigs and lemon rind. Close tightly and let it sit for a week to infuse the rosemary and lemon scents.
Vinegar has acetic acid in it. This mild acid helps dissolve grease, dirt, grime, and mineral deposits. It also kills bacteria. It’s one of the most common ingredients used in homemade cleaning supplies.
#2 Homemade Cleaning Supplies for the Kitchen
Baking soda is a great cleaner that dissolves grease and dirt. It’s also an effective deodorizer because it’s mildly alkaline and can clear acidic odor molecules from any surface.
Here are three ways you can use baking soda to clean your kitchen:
- Mix a solution that contains 4 tablespoons of baking soda and 1 quart of water. Pour into a spray bottle and use it as a general surface cleaner.
- Pour baking soda into the drain or garbage disposal to neutralize odors.
- Make a paste of baking soda and water. Apply it to a damp cloth and use it to clean water spots from metal sinks and surfaces.
#3 Glass Cleaner
You need an effective glass cleaner among your homemade cleaning supplies. Here’s an effective solution for mirrors and windows.
- 2 cups of water
- 1/2 cup of white vinegar
- 1/4 cup of 70% rubbing alcohol
- 1 or 2 drops of your favorite essential oil (optional)
Combine these ingredients into a spray bottle. Spray it on glass and remove it with a paper towel or soft cloth. Avoid cleaning windows on a sunny day in direct sunlight as this solution dries quickly and may leave behind residue.
#4 Homemade Hand Sanitizer
Keeping your hands free of bacteria is easy with this homemade hand sanitizer recipe.
- 2 parts 91% isopropyl alcohol
- 1 part aloe vera gel
- 3 or 4 drops of your favorite essential oil or lemon juice
Clean your counters with a mild bleach solution before mixing this recipe. Mix with a clean spoon and whisk. Mix well until completely blended. Place in the dispenser. Rub sanitizer into hands until dry.
Homemade cleaning supplies cost less than their commercial counterparts. Plus, in many cases, they are safer to use and better for the environment.
Precision Home Inspectors provides inspection services to Hampton Roads in Virginia. Contact us to book an appointment.