How to Make Cleaning Supplies

Making cleaning supplies is a cost-effective and simple process. Different cleaning supplies can be concocted from inexpensive, everyday products. These cleaning supplies render surfaces as sparkling as if they were cleaned by commercial supplies. Whether they're needed for a home or an office, making cleaning supplies is a great way to cut costs and switch to greener methods.

Things You'll Need

• White vinegar
• Borax
• Empty spray bottles
• Liquid dish soap
• Newspaper
• Baking soda
• Toilet brush
• Cornstarch
• Baby powder
• Shaker
• Vacuum cleaner
• Bucket
• Mop

Instructions

All-Purpose Disinfectant Cleaner

1. Pour 1/4 cup vinegar and 2 tsp. of borax into a clean, empty spray bottle. Swirl the solution to combine.

2. Add 2 to 3 cups of warm water to the vinegar and borax. Screw the lid onto the spray bottle and shake gently to combine.

3. Allow the mixture to cool, then use it to clean any area that requires disinfecting, including tables, high chairs, bathrooms and counter tops.

Window and Glass Cleaner

1. Pour 1/4 cup of vinegar into an empty, clean spray bottle. If commercial cleaners containing ammonia have been used on the glass in the past, add a small squirt of liquid dish soap to the vinegar and swirl gently to combine. The soap will remove any buildup left on the glass.

2. Add 2 cups of warm water to the spray bottle. Cap the bottle and shake gently to combine.

3. Spray the solution onto mirrors, windows and other glass surfaces. Wipe it clean with a crumpled sheet of newspaper. The newspaper brings out the shine.

Toilet Cleaner

1. Pour about 1/2 cup of baking soda into the toilet bowl. Add about 1/4 cup of vinegar.

2. Swirl the solution around in the toilet bowl with the toilet brush, scrubbing the sides and underneath the rim.

3. Flush the toilet when it's clean. Repeat the process if necessary.

Carpet Cleaner and Deodorizer

1. Combine 4 tbsp. of cornstarch and 1/2 cup of baby powder in a clean, dry shaker. The shaker should be of the larger variety with the wide holes in the lid, such as the shakers used for Parmesan cheese at pizza restaurants.

2. Add 2 cups of baking soda to the shaker and combine the powders thoroughly. Screw on the lid.

3. Shake the power onto dry carpeting and let it sit for about 20 minutes. Vacuum up the powder with a vacuum cleaner.

Floor Cleaner

1. Pour 1/2 cup of vinegar into a bucket. Add 1 gallon of warn water and stir to combine.

2. Dunk a mop into the mixture and use the cleaning solution to clean hardwood and other non-carpeted floors.

3. Pour out the solution. Rinse and refill the bucket with clean water, if desired. Treat the floor again with plain water to remove any vinegar scent if it lingers.

Tips & Warnings

• Always keep cleaning supplies containing borax away from small children and pets. Borax is toxic if consumed in large enough amounts. If a product containing borax is consumed, contact Poison Control immediately.