How to Make Furniture & Upholstery Cleaner

The price of groceries keeps going up and up, and cleaning-product costs are rising too. You still have to buy food to eat, but you don't have to pay for expensive cleaning products. Using homemade cleaners was once the norm for American families; furniture cleaner and upholstery cleaner are two of the many products you can make yourself. Chances are you already have the ingredients in your kitchen cupboard.

Things You'll Need

• 1-quart squeeze bottle
• Funnel
• 2 cups olive oil
• 1 cup lemon juice
• ½ cup dish soap
• 2 cups warm water
• Medium bowl
• Mixer or hand whisk
• Soft-bristled brush
• Spatula

Instructions

Furniture Polish

1. Pour 2 cups olive oil and 1 cup lemon juice into a 1-quart bottle; shake well.

2. Apply to your wood furniture with a soft, lint-free cloth; buff to shine.

3. Store cleaner away from direct sunlight.

Upholstery Cleaner

1. Pour 1/2 cup dish soap into a medium bowl; add 2 cups warm water.

2. Whip the mixture with a mixer or whisk until it turns to foam and no liquid remains.

3. Test a hidden area before applying to the entire piece of upholstery.

4. Apply with a soft-bristled brush. Let stand 10 minutes, and then scrape off excess foam with a spatula. Wipe with a damp cloth; vacuum thoroughly after the upholstery dries.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not use any oil-based polish on laminate flooring.