Homemade Cleaning Recipes
- Thread starter Lee
- Start date
Marylyn_TX
New Member
I make my own laundry detergent. It works fine and is very inexpensive, although sometimes it is hard to find the Arm & Hammer washing soda.
1 bar Zote (some people use Fels Naptha. Zote works better for me and is cheaper, too, which is a plus.
)
1 cup Arm & Hammer washing soda
1 cup Borax
Grate the soap & add the powders, then mix together. I run the mixture through our blender in small batches on the lowest setting to cut the soap shavings down. It should be the texture of corn meal when it's done. Putting it through a sifter worked even better, but it makes clouds of soap all over the kitchen. I got tired of breathing it, and wearing it, and having to sweep it up. LOL
If you miss the "clean" smell from using regular detergents, you can add a bar of Ivory bath soap, or a couple of drops of the essential oil of your choice.
1 bar Zote (some people use Fels Naptha. Zote works better for me and is cheaper, too, which is a plus.
)1 cup Arm & Hammer washing soda
1 cup Borax
Grate the soap & add the powders, then mix together. I run the mixture through our blender in small batches on the lowest setting to cut the soap shavings down. It should be the texture of corn meal when it's done. Putting it through a sifter worked even better, but it makes clouds of soap all over the kitchen. I got tired of breathing it, and wearing it, and having to sweep it up. LOL
If you miss the "clean" smell from using regular detergents, you can add a bar of Ivory bath soap, or a couple of drops of the essential oil of your choice.
Found this on a website a long time ago, but it's the best!
Carpet Cleaner for Steam Cleaners
1/4 c lemon scented ammonia
1/4 c white vinegar
3 tsp clear Joy dishwashing soap (You could use any clear dishwashing soap I'm sure)
hot water
Stir together 1st 3 ingredients in gallon container (I use a milk jug) and fill to top with hot water. Just use at you would regular cleaner in your machine. Really works!
Carpet Cleaner for Steam Cleaners
1/4 c lemon scented ammonia
1/4 c white vinegar
3 tsp clear Joy dishwashing soap (You could use any clear dishwashing soap I'm sure)
hot water
Stir together 1st 3 ingredients in gallon container (I use a milk jug) and fill to top with hot water. Just use at you would regular cleaner in your machine. Really works!
MamaKittyCat
New Member
I have a cleaner for the brown specks that collect on casserole dishes and the oven window, you know the baked on stuff?
Take vinegar and cream of tartar and make a paste out of it. The stuff just comes right off!
Take vinegar and cream of tartar and make a paste out of it. The stuff just comes right off!
*Angie*
Member
I make my own laundry detergent. It works fine and is very inexpensive, although sometimes it is hard to find the Arm & Hammer washing soda.
1 bar Zote (some people use Fels Naptha. Zote works better for me and is cheaper, too, which is a plus.
1 cup Arm & Hammer washing soda
1 cup Borax
Grate the soap & add the powders, then mix together. I run the mixture through our blender in small batches on the lowest setting to cut the soap shavings down. It should be the texture of corn meal when it's done. Putting it through a sifter worked even better, but it makes clouds of soap all over the kitchen. I got tired of breathing it, and wearing it, and having to sweep it up. LOL
If you miss the "clean" smell from using regular detergents, you can add a bar of Ivory bath soap, or a couple of drops of the essential oil of your choice.
I do this, also. Instead of Zote or Fels Naptha (neither is available here) I use Sunlight bar soap. The great citrusy smell is a bonus. I also add 1 cop of oxyclean powder to the mix. You only need about a tablespoon per load (I 3/4 fill the scoop from the oxyclean). I did the math based on how much the ingredients cost me, and it worked out to like 2 cents per load.
Emma's#1fan
Active Member
All Purpose Cleaner
2 tablespoons vinegar
2 teaspoons Borax
1-2 teaspoons ammonia
Hot water
a few drops of a mild dish detergent
In a 12-16 ounce spray bottle put the borax and hot water in and swish around until the borax dissolves. Add the vinegar, ammonia, and the dish detergent and fill the rest of the bottle with water.
I like this for cleaning simple cleaning jobs. For cleaning the build up on shower doors, I make it double strength or add less water. For a really dirty shower door, you might need to wash twice. I prefer to use Palmolive (sp?) because it thickens when water is added to it. The soap isn't really important but helps the cleaner stick to the glass. You can also eliminate the ammonia but I do not think it works as well without it.
I haven't tried this as an actual tub cleaner, only on the glass doors.
2 tablespoons vinegar
2 teaspoons Borax
1-2 teaspoons ammonia
Hot water
a few drops of a mild dish detergent
In a 12-16 ounce spray bottle put the borax and hot water in and swish around until the borax dissolves. Add the vinegar, ammonia, and the dish detergent and fill the rest of the bottle with water.
I like this for cleaning simple cleaning jobs. For cleaning the build up on shower doors, I make it double strength or add less water. For a really dirty shower door, you might need to wash twice. I prefer to use Palmolive (sp?) because it thickens when water is added to it. The soap isn't really important but helps the cleaner stick to the glass. You can also eliminate the ammonia but I do not think it works as well without it.
I haven't tried this as an actual tub cleaner, only on the glass doors.
Stuff stuck on flat top stove and don't want to use a "scratchy" cleaner??
I warm the burner up just slightly (not enough to burn myself) and then turn it off. Sprinkle on water and baking soda. Wipe the stovetop with a soft rag. With some gentle scrubbing the food residue comes off and doesn't scratch the fragile surface.
I also clean my kitchen counters and floors with 1/2 vinegar and 1/2 water in a spray bottle. The "vinegary" smell evaporates in a few minutes.
I warm the burner up just slightly (not enough to burn myself) and then turn it off. Sprinkle on water and baking soda. Wipe the stovetop with a soft rag. With some gentle scrubbing the food residue comes off and doesn't scratch the fragile surface.
I also clean my kitchen counters and floors with 1/2 vinegar and 1/2 water in a spray bottle. The "vinegary" smell evaporates in a few minutes.
Emma's#1fan
Active Member
I came across this recipe for glass cleaner today.
I LOVE IT! I think it works as good or better than Windex.
Glass Cleaner
1 cup rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol)
1 cup water
1 tablespoon vinegar
I LOVE IT! I think it works as good or better than Windex.
Glass Cleaner
1 cup rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol)
1 cup water
1 tablespoon vinegar
gardenturtle
New Member
Yay! I've been using the disinfectant cleaner for about a month now - love it! And I've washed my first three loads with the homemade laundry det! TWO questions - our grocery store does not sell A&H WASHING soda. The only thing available - located in the laundry dept., by the borax, advertising using it in your laundry...is A&H BAKING soda. I think I've asked this before, but...is this the same product?? Would someone mind checking the ingredient list on your washing soda box??? THANKS! :0)
Anyone have a great dishwasher safe dish deterg. recipe??
Anyone have a great dishwasher safe dish deterg. recipe??
Emma's#1fan
Active Member
I mix 1/3 generic dishwashing detergent, 1/3 borax, and 1/3 baking soda. I add two tablespoons, average, to my dish wash. I tried just borax and baking soda and it left a residue. Once I started adding the detergent, the dishes come out clean as long as I do not pack them in. It is cheaper and lasts longer than regular dishwashing detergent.
Washing soda is sodium carbonate. Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate. Washing soda is not for human consumption because it is very strong and can put a hole in your gut. Baking soda obviously is used for cooking.
With that said, I have used both in my detergent, depending on what I have on hand, and haven't really noticed a huge difference in how clean the laundry comes out. Some people might not agree, but I honestly haven't. In fact, a couple of my friends prefer baking soda because it is easier on the fabric in the long run.
Washing soda is sodium carbonate. Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate. Washing soda is not for human consumption because it is very strong and can put a hole in your gut. Baking soda obviously is used for cooking.
With that said, I have used both in my detergent, depending on what I have on hand, and haven't really noticed a huge difference in how clean the laundry comes out. Some people might not agree, but I honestly haven't. In fact, a couple of my friends prefer baking soda because it is easier on the fabric in the long run.
gardenturtle
New Member
Emma's...thanks! Nice to know a "been there, done that" opinion for the washing/baking soda! I'll try the dishwashing "recipe" too! Appreciate it!
Appreciate it!mamaof3peas
New Member
I just wanted to add that you can make the detergent into a liquid and some say it cleans better. After you grate the soap, place in sauce pan with 6 cups wt and heat till it is melted. Add the washing soda and borax and stir till dissolved. Pour 4 cups of hot water into a bucket. Now add the soap mixture and stir. Now add 1 gallon plus 6 cups of water and stir. Let it sit for 24 hours and it will gel. You use 1/2 cup per load.
I am planning on making this tomorrow and putting in 2 gallon milk jugs. It is supposed to make 96 loads worth. some people double it in a 5 gallon bucket and that way it is mess only one time. I also read that you can add 1/2 cup vinegar to the rinse cycle and it is a natural fabric softener. I havent tried this, but will with my cloth diapers next week.
Great sticky, Lee, these are things im looking for,
I am planning on making this tomorrow and putting in 2 gallon milk jugs. It is supposed to make 96 loads worth. some people double it in a 5 gallon bucket and that way it is mess only one time. I also read that you can add 1/2 cup vinegar to the rinse cycle and it is a natural fabric softener. I havent tried this, but will with my cloth diapers next week.
Great sticky, Lee, these are things im looking for,
mamaof3peas
New Member
ok, i just made the laundry det, and it took all of 5 min, now im waiting for it to cool so i can put it in my jugs. will try tomorrow so i will update, heather
Ohio Mom
New Member
For the fabric softener, I use
1 C baking soda
6 C distilled white vinegar
8 c water
I use a 1 gallon milk container
-1st add the baking soda
-1 c of water to start with
-SLOWLY add the vinegar to the bottle - I usually put the lid on and shake - then add more and continue until all the vinegar is in because it will start to fizz.
-add rest of water
Add 1 cup to final rinse cycle. Amazing how nice your clothes come out.
1 C baking soda
6 C distilled white vinegar
8 c water
I use a 1 gallon milk container
-1st add the baking soda
-1 c of water to start with
-SLOWLY add the vinegar to the bottle - I usually put the lid on and shake - then add more and continue until all the vinegar is in because it will start to fizz.
-add rest of water
Add 1 cup to final rinse cycle. Amazing how nice your clothes come out.
mamaof3peas
New Member
well, washed my first load of laundry in my new soap, and i think they turned out pretty pretty good! I used a whole bar of ivory soap, but the price is the same. 3 bars/$1.29, but the website i got my recipe off of said if using ivory or homeade, to do a whole bar instead of a 1/3 of the fel naptha, i think they smelled clean, and i didnt see anything that didnt come out, and they were soft. i will need to try that fabric softner recipe in the pp, that will help with the static, but i think paying $.35/34 loads of laundry is much better than the $5.
The true test will be after we all wear for a few weeks, my dh is a little sensitive skinned, so normally we use all free and clear, so we will see if this will work.
i love these recipes, keep posting them, lol.
The true test will be after we all wear for a few weeks, my dh is a little sensitive skinned, so normally we use all free and clear, so we will see if this will work.
i love these recipes, keep posting them, lol.
Emma's#1fan
Active Member
My mother-in-law uses straight vinegar. I am surprised how well it worked as a softener.
I will have to try the recipe you shared. Thanks!
Jackie
Active Member
I was looking for a floor cleaner, and came across this site:
http://www.thefamilyhomestead.com/homemadehouseholdcleaners.htm
Oh, the recipes are at the BOTTOM, BELOW the ads! The ads look like the bottom of the page, but it isn't!
http://www.thefamilyhomestead.com/homemadehouseholdcleaners.htm
Oh, the recipes are at the BOTTOM, BELOW the ads! The ads look like the bottom of the page, but it isn't!
wolverine_jd94
New Member
The recipes that I use come from a book called The Naturally Clean Home by Karyn Siegel-Maier.
Mirror Bright
This mixture cleans as well as prevents fogging. ( Use on mirrors, glass, faucets etc...)
1 1/2 cups vinegar
1/2 cup water
8 drops citrus essential oil of your choice
Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well before use. Spray solution onto surface and wipe with a dry cloth or towel.
Lemon-Fresh Dust Buster
This recipe is for a single use. You can make a larger quantity by increasing the amount of lemon balm tea to 2 cups, omit the lemon juice and increase thje lemon essential oil to 20 drops. This recipe does need to be refrigerated because of the lemon juice.
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/8 cup cooled lemon balm tea
2 drops thyme essential oil
4 drops lemon essential oil
Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well. Spray onto wood and wipe clean with a dry cloth.
Berry Good for Wood Cleaner
Use this fruity solution to bring dingy, dull wood furniture back to life.
1 tablespoon fresh raspberry leaves
1 cup boiling water
1/2 cup vinegar
1/2 cup lemon juice
Steep rapberry leaves in water for 20 minutes. Strain. In a spray bottle, combine tea, vinegar, and lemon juice. Shake well. Moisten a soft cloth with the solution and gently rub the woold to loosen and remove dirt. Use a second clean cloth dampened with water to remove any residue. Wipe again with a dry towel.
Lemon-Walnut Wood Polsih
If making a larger quantity to store, use 15 drops lemon essential oil instead of the lemon juice.
1/8 cup walnut oil
1/8 cup linseed oil
1/4 cup lemon juice
Combine all ingredients in bowl( or clean coffee can with lid, if making in quantity). Apply a light layer of polish to wood with a brush or cloth. Rub into wood with a soft cloth, using circular motions. Wipe again with a dry cloth.
All-Purpose Citrus Wall cleaner
This is a good general formula to safely clean wall surfaces.
1 cup water
1/2 vinegar
6 drops lemon, grapefruit, or ornage essential oil
Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake vigorously before each use. Lightly spray the affected areas of your wall and wipe with a clean, damp sponge.
Simple Rug and Carpet Deodorizer
Pets an bare feet cause a rather "funky smell. This formul leaves your carpets looking and smelling fresh again.
1 cup borax
1 cup baking soda
1/2 cup cornmeal
10 drops juniper essential oil
5 drops cypress essential oil
Combine the dry ingredients in a plastic bowl. Add essential oils and mix well, breaking ups the clumps. Sprinkle the mixture over carpet and wait several hours, overnight if possible, before vacuuming.
Happy Earth day everyone.
Mirror Bright
This mixture cleans as well as prevents fogging. ( Use on mirrors, glass, faucets etc...)
1 1/2 cups vinegar
1/2 cup water
8 drops citrus essential oil of your choice
Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well before use. Spray solution onto surface and wipe with a dry cloth or towel.
Lemon-Fresh Dust Buster
This recipe is for a single use. You can make a larger quantity by increasing the amount of lemon balm tea to 2 cups, omit the lemon juice and increase thje lemon essential oil to 20 drops. This recipe does need to be refrigerated because of the lemon juice.
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/8 cup cooled lemon balm tea
2 drops thyme essential oil
4 drops lemon essential oil
Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well. Spray onto wood and wipe clean with a dry cloth.
Berry Good for Wood Cleaner
Use this fruity solution to bring dingy, dull wood furniture back to life.
1 tablespoon fresh raspberry leaves
1 cup boiling water
1/2 cup vinegar
1/2 cup lemon juice
Steep rapberry leaves in water for 20 minutes. Strain. In a spray bottle, combine tea, vinegar, and lemon juice. Shake well. Moisten a soft cloth with the solution and gently rub the woold to loosen and remove dirt. Use a second clean cloth dampened with water to remove any residue. Wipe again with a dry towel.
Lemon-Walnut Wood Polsih
If making a larger quantity to store, use 15 drops lemon essential oil instead of the lemon juice.
1/8 cup walnut oil
1/8 cup linseed oil
1/4 cup lemon juice
Combine all ingredients in bowl( or clean coffee can with lid, if making in quantity). Apply a light layer of polish to wood with a brush or cloth. Rub into wood with a soft cloth, using circular motions. Wipe again with a dry cloth.
All-Purpose Citrus Wall cleaner
This is a good general formula to safely clean wall surfaces.
1 cup water
1/2 vinegar
6 drops lemon, grapefruit, or ornage essential oil
Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake vigorously before each use. Lightly spray the affected areas of your wall and wipe with a clean, damp sponge.
Simple Rug and Carpet Deodorizer
Pets an bare feet cause a rather "funky smell. This formul leaves your carpets looking and smelling fresh again.
1 cup borax
1 cup baking soda
1/2 cup cornmeal
10 drops juniper essential oil
5 drops cypress essential oil
Combine the dry ingredients in a plastic bowl. Add essential oils and mix well, breaking ups the clumps. Sprinkle the mixture over carpet and wait several hours, overnight if possible, before vacuuming.
Happy Earth day everyone.
happymamame
New Member
when life gives you lemons...
cut them in half, dip them in baking soda, and clean your countertops, tubs, baseboards, microwave, refrigerator...
cut them in half, dip them in baking soda, and clean your countertops, tubs, baseboards, microwave, refrigerator...