Common Household Cleaning Products

Common household products are inexpensive and effective to use.

Items that are generally available around the house on a regular basis are used to clean glass, porcelain, ovens and even open clogged drains. These household items are usually not as toxic as the commercially available chemical cleaners generally used for these projects. Not only are the cleaning alternatives less expensive, they also are available for other uses as well.

Ammonia

Ammonia is an effective glass cleaner because it removes grease and grime, leaving the glass free of streaks. It also works well when cleaning porcelain and stainless steel. Ammonia cleans ovens, especially when it is allowed to soak into the caked-on grease before cleaning it off. Ammonia is dangerous when used incorrectly and the gas it generates can cause fainting and even death when not used in accordance with the directions on the label. A generally used formula for use as a window cleaner is to add 1 pint of isopropyl alcohol to ½ cup of soapy ammonia and add enough hot water to fill a 1 gallon pail. This formula works well when poured into spray bottles and then used as any other window cleaner.

White Vinegar

White vinegar is good for cleaning counter tops, door handles and wood floors, as well as many other uses. A common formula for most applications is 1 cup of vinegar for each gallon of hot water.

Borax

A solution of borax and water cleans and deodorizes almost any hard surface cleaning project. Borax acts as a deodorizer and disinfectant and is effective as a water softener when washing clothing.

Lemon Juice

Lemon juice at full strength removes tarnish from brass, copper, aluminum and bronze. It also will lighten, and in some cases remove, stains from carpets and cloth upholstery.

Baking Soda

Stains that accumulate on tile, glass stovetops and china are effectively removed when scrubbed with a paste made of baking soda and water. Baking soda also cleans baked-on foods from cooking utensils. Use a paste made of baking soda and water to clean the inside of the refrigerator including the door gaskets.

References

• Consumer Reports: Save with common cleaners
• Eco-cycle: Basuc Ingreients For Non-Toxic Cleaner Recipes