Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Things You’ll Need:
- Pump or spray bottles
- Baking soda
- Borax
- Liquid soap
- Cornstarch
- Vinegar
- Newspaper
Step1
Replace dangerous aerosols with do-it-yourself wipe-on liquids or mixtures in pump bottles. Make an all-purpose cleaner by mixing a cup of baking soda in a gallon of hot water. Or try 1/4 cup borax and 1 Tbsp. of liquid soap in a gallon of hot water.
Step2
To make your own glass cleaner, mix vinegar and water in equal parts in a pump bottle. Spray surfaces, then clean and dry with crumpled newspaper.
Step3
Use baking soda as an all-purpose deodorizer. Sprinkle cornstarch or baking soda on rugs, then vacuum.
Step4
To disinfect, remember that soap and hot water kill some bacteria. Citrus-based products have anti-fungal, antimicrobial, antibacterial properties and act as solvents. For an all-purpose disinfectant, mix 1/4 cup borax with 1/4 cup white vinegar in hot water.
Step5
To clean drains, pour in 1/4 cup baking soda, followed by 1/2 cup vinegar and cover until fizzing stops. Then flush with boiling water. A weekly dose of boiling water poured down the drain will help prevent clogging. Use a plunger or drain snake on major clogs.
Step6
To replace metal polishes, try these: Rub brass with olive oil to retard tarnish. Polish chrome with baby oil. Soak silver in boiling water with baking soda, salt and aluminum foil. To clean copper, make a paste of lemon juice and cream of tartar and leave on for five minutes. Then wash in warm water and rub with a dry, soft cloth.
Step7
To clean toilet bowls, leave borax to soak, then scrub. Pumice stone will remove stains. For rings, mix borax and lemon juice into a paste, let set for two hours, then scrub with a good brush.
Novice 
