How to Make Cheap, Non-Toxic Household Cleaners

Learn how to make environmentally friendly, non-toxic household cleaners using cheap product you probably already have in your home!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Empty spray bottle
• White vinegar
• Baking soda
• Toothpaste
• Isopropyl alcohol
• Water

1. Gather your cleaning supplies and head to bathroom.

2. To clean your toilet, sprinkle the bowl with baking soda. Then spray with white vinegar. Let sit for a minute and scrub with toilet brush.

3. To remove soap scum (and rust stains) from your tub or shower, make a paste by combining a few tablespoons of baking soda with a few tablespoons of water. Apply to sponge or cleaning cloth and scrub surface. Rinse with water.

4. To clean mirrors and windows, mix 1/2 cup isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol, 1/2 cup water and 1 tablespoon vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray on window or mirrors & wipe with crumpled newspaper for a streak-free shine. (Flatten the newspaper out when you're done and recycle it!!)

5. If you have a clogged drain, pour 1 cup baking soda into the drain, followed by 1 cup white vinegar. After bubbles die down, flush the drain with hot (preferably boiling) water

6. Move on to the kitchen.

7. Create an all purpose cleaner for counters, tile floors, etc. by mixing 1 cup of white vinegar with 1 cup of water in a spray bottle. Spray on surface and wipe with cleaning cloth.

8. To polish silver, apply toothpaste (regular white paste - not gel) and rub with clean cloth. The tarnish will come right off.

9. To clean the kitchen table, create a furniture polish by mixing 1/2 cup olive oil with 1/4 lemon juice. Apply to soft cloth and wipe down furniture.

Tips & Warnings

• If you need to disinfect a surface, use straight isopropyl alcohol.
• If using isopropyl alcohol, wear gloves to protect your hands.
• Don't worry if the cleaners that have vinegar smell when you first spray them on - when the vinegar dries, the smell will be gone.

Resources

• eHow Going Green Guide