Here's a list of homemade substitutions you can make yourself. These natural alternatives are not only healthier but also more environmentally friendly and less inexpensive than most commercial cleaners. Many homemade cleaners use Borax, but boron displaces iodine, so they are not included in this list.
If you just don't have the time or inclination to make your own products, I've also listed the nontoxic brands that I prefer.
All Purpose Cleaners
Formula No 1
1/2 Cup of Vinegar
1/4 Cup of Baking Soda
1/2 Gallon of Water
Formula No 2
2 1/2 Teaspoon of Baking Soda
1/2 Teaspoon of Liquid Soap or Detergent
2 Cups of Hot Water
Formula No 3
Fill Spray Bottle half way with White Vinegar
Fill the rest with Water
Optional - Add 10-20 Drops of Essential Oils
Formula No 4
Add 30-60 drops of Grapefruit Seed Extract to any 32 oz. pump sprayer bottle filled with water or cleanser. Use on all surfaces around the house.
Tip:
Microfiber Cloths lift dirt, dust and grease without the need of cleaners. They are naturally formulated to penetrate and trap dirt.
Disinfectants
Formula No 1
2 Cups of Water
1/4 Cup of Lemon Juice
2 Teaspoons of Baking Soda
Formula No 2
2 Teaspoons of Baking Soda
4 Tablespoons of Vinegar
3 Cups of Hot Water
Formula No 3
1/4 Cup Vinegar
1 Teaspoon of Scent Free Plain Liquid Dish Detergent
20 Drops of Tea Tree Oil
Formula No 4
2 Teaspoons of Baking Soda
4 Teaspoons of Vinegar
3 Cups of Hot Water
1/4 Teaspoon of Castile Soap
Window Cleaner
Formula No 1
2 Teaspoons of White Vinegar
1 Quart of Warm Water
Formula No 2
1 Cup of Rubbing Alcohol
1 Cup of Water
1 Teaspoon of Vinegar
Tips:
Wash one side of the window with horizontal strokes and the other with vertical so you can pinpoint which side may have streaks.
Don't clean windows when the sun is shining directly on them or if they are warm - the heat dries the cleaning solution prior to having time to polish the windows correctly.
Eliminate tiny scratches in glass by polishing them with toothpaste
To give an extra shine to windows polish with newspapers or a clean cotton cloth. Rub a blackboard eraser over cleaned windows for a diamond bright shine.
Kitchen Cleaners
Garbage Disposal
Grind the skins of lemons, oranges and limes in the disposal along with ice cubes.
The ice will sharpen the blades
Dishwasher Soap
1 Cup of Baking Soda
1 Cup of Washing Soda
1/2 Cup Citric Acid Powder
1/2 Cup Kosher Salt
Dishwasher Rinsing Agent
Fill with Plain White Vinegar
Scouring Powder
Baking Soda or Table Salt can be used as an alternative to chlorine scouring powders. Sprinkle on sponge or surface and scour.
Dish and Utensil Cleaning Additive for Hand or Automatic Dishwashing
Add 15-30 drops of Grapefruit Seed Extract to sink dishwashing water or to final rinse.
Cutting Board Cleaner
Add 10-20 drops of Grapefruit Seed Extract to cutting board and work into entire board with a wet sponge or dish cloth. Leave on for at least 30 minutes. Rinse with water.
Vegetable/Fruit or Meat/Poultry Wash:
Sink Washing
Add 30 or more drops of Grapefruit Seed Extract
Bathroom Cleaners
Bath Mold or Mildew
Mix One Part Hydrogen Peroxide with Two Parts Water Spray on - Wait one hour before rinsing
Tub and Tile Cleaner
Make a paste of baking soda and water. Allow to stand for 10-15 minutes
Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Mix 1/4 Cup of Baking Soda and 1 Cup of Vinegar
Pour into basin and let sit - scrub with a brush and rinse
Showerheads
Please 1/2 cup of undiluted vinegar into a food storage bag and secure to
the showerhead with a rubber band - let sit over night, rinse.
Toothbrush Cleaner
Stir 5-10 drops of Grapefruit Seed Extract into a glass of water. Submerge toothbrush for 15 minutes (or leave in between uses). Rinse toothbrush before using. Change water and remix every few days.
Floor Cleaners
Vinyl and Linoleum
1 Cup of Vinegar
Few Drops of Baby/Mineral Oil
1 Gallon of Warm Water
Brick and Stone Tiles
1 Cup of White Vinegar
1 Gallon of Water
Rinse with clear water
Carpet Stain Cleaner
Mix 1/4 Cup of Salt, 1/4 Cup of Baking Soda, 1/4 Cup of Vinegar
Rub into carpet - leave for a few hours - vacuum
Carpet Deodorizer
Sprinkle Baking Soda on carpets and let sit one hour prior to vacuuming
Metal Cleaners/ Polishes
Silver
Line a pan with aluminum foil and fill with water. Add a teaspoon of baking soda and a teaspoon of salt and bring to a boil. Immerse silver and polish with a soft cloth.
Stainless Steel
Clean with a cloth dampened with undiluted white vinegar
Chrome
Polish with baby oil or vinegar
Club soda or seltzer water
Aluminum
(You don't want to cook with aluminum , especially with someone with DS in the home. See the Aluminum post.)
Clean with a solution of Cream of Tarter and Water using a soft cloth
Copper
Apply a dab of ketchup on a soft cloth and rub over tarnished spots
Gold
Clean with Toothpaste or a paste mix of salt, vinegar and flour
Brass or Bronze
Polish with a soft cloth dipped in equal parts of lemon juice and baking
soda or Apply a dab of ketchup on a soft cloth and rub over tarnished spots
Laundry
Good brands are: Ecos and Melaleuca.
Powder Laundry Detergent
1 Cup of Ivory Soap or Fels-Naptha Soap, Grated
1/2 Cup of Washing Soda
1/2 Cup of Baking Soda
Liquid Laundry Detergent
Kill Yeast in Laundry
add 20 drops of Grapefruit Seed Extract
Stain Remover
1 Cup of Water
1/2 Cup of Baking Soda
1/2 Cup of Hydrogen Peroxide
Mix and store in spray bottle. Spray on stain and let sit overnight.
Grass Stain Remover
Wet the Stain with water and cover with salt. Let sit one hour and wash as usual.
Mothballs
Cedar Chips in a cheesecloth square or Cedar oil in an absorbent cloth.
Homemade Moth repelling sachets can be made from Lavender, Rosemary, Vetiver and Rose Petals.
Dried Lemon Peels are also a moth deterrent.
Miscellaneous
Furniture Polish
Mix 2 Teaspoons of Olive Oil and 2 Teaspoons of Lemon Juice -Apply with a
soft cloth
Varnished Wood Polish
Add a few drops of Lemon Oil to 1/2 Cup of Warm Water. Spray onto soft cloth
- wipe and finish by wiping with a soft dry cotton cloth.
Water Rings on Wood
Apply toothpaste or mayonnaise with a soft damp cloth and rub into ring.
Rust Remover
Sprinkle rust spot with salt and squeeze a lime on top until salt is well soaked. Leave mixture sit for 2-3 hours then scrub residue with the lime rind.
Oil and Grease Spots in Garage
For small spots on garage floor, sprinkle with baking soda and scrub with a wet brush.
Source: http://www.bystephanielynn.
.html
Related Posts:
Non Toxic Homemade Cleaning Products
Immunizations
Nontoxic Toys
Nontoxic Bedding
How to Bottle Feed & Nontoxic Bottles
Nontoxic Diapering Supplies
Organic Baby Clothing
Nontoxic Bath Toys
Nontoxic Feeding Sets
Nontoxic Teethers
Toxin Free Babies
Antibiotics: Alternatives & What to Avoid
Formula No 3
Fill Spray Bottle half way with White Vinegar
Fill the rest with Water
Optional - Add 10-20 Drops of Essential Oils
Formula No 4
Add 30-60 drops of Grapefruit Seed Extract to any 32 oz. pump sprayer bottle filled with water or cleanser. Use on all surfaces around the house.
Tip:
Microfiber Cloths lift dirt, dust and grease without the need of cleaners. They are naturally formulated to penetrate and trap dirt.
Disinfectants
Formula No 1
2 Cups of Water
1/4 Cup of Lemon Juice
2 Teaspoons of Baking Soda
Formula No 2
2 Teaspoons of Baking Soda
4 Tablespoons of Vinegar
3 Cups of Hot Water
Formula No 3
1/4 Cup Vinegar
1 Teaspoon of Scent Free Plain Liquid Dish Detergent
20 Drops of Tea Tree Oil
Formula No 4
2 Teaspoons of Baking Soda
4 Teaspoons of Vinegar
3 Cups of Hot Water
1/4 Teaspoon of Castile Soap
Window Cleaner
Formula No 1
2 Teaspoons of White Vinegar
1 Quart of Warm Water
Formula No 2
1 Cup of Rubbing Alcohol
1 Cup of Water
1 Teaspoon of Vinegar
Tips:
Wash one side of the window with horizontal strokes and the other with vertical so you can pinpoint which side may have streaks.
Don't clean windows when the sun is shining directly on them or if they are warm - the heat dries the cleaning solution prior to having time to polish the windows correctly.
Eliminate tiny scratches in glass by polishing them with toothpaste
To give an extra shine to windows polish with newspapers or a clean cotton cloth. Rub a blackboard eraser over cleaned windows for a diamond bright shine.
Kitchen Cleaners
Garbage Disposal
Grind the skins of lemons, oranges and limes in the disposal along with ice cubes.
The ice will sharpen the blades
Dishwasher Soap
1 Cup of Baking Soda
1 Cup of Washing Soda
1/2 Cup Citric Acid Powder
1/2 Cup Kosher Salt
Dishwasher Rinsing Agent
Fill with Plain White Vinegar
Scouring Powder
Baking Soda or Table Salt can be used as an alternative to chlorine scouring powders. Sprinkle on sponge or surface and scour.
Dish and Utensil Cleaning Additive for Hand or Automatic Dishwashing
Add 15-30 drops of Grapefruit Seed Extract to sink dishwashing water or to final rinse.
Cutting Board Cleaner
Add 10-20 drops of Grapefruit Seed Extract to cutting board and work into entire board with a wet sponge or dish cloth. Leave on for at least 30 minutes. Rinse with water.
Vegetable/Fruit or Meat/Poultry Wash:
Sink Washing
Add 30 or more drops of Grapefruit Seed Extract
Bathroom Cleaners
Bath Mold or Mildew
Mix One Part Hydrogen Peroxide with Two Parts Water Spray on - Wait one hour before rinsing
Tub and Tile Cleaner
Make a paste of baking soda and water. Allow to stand for 10-15 minutes
Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Mix 1/4 Cup of Baking Soda and 1 Cup of Vinegar
Pour into basin and let sit - scrub with a brush and rinse
Showerheads
Please 1/2 cup of undiluted vinegar into a food storage bag and secure to
the showerhead with a rubber band - let sit over night, rinse.
Toothbrush Cleaner
Stir 5-10 drops of Grapefruit Seed Extract into a glass of water. Submerge toothbrush for 15 minutes (or leave in between uses). Rinse toothbrush before using. Change water and remix every few days.
Floor Cleaners
Vinyl and Linoleum
1 Cup of Vinegar
Few Drops of Baby/Mineral Oil
1 Gallon of Warm Water
Brick and Stone Tiles
1 Cup of White Vinegar
1 Gallon of Water
Rinse with clear water
Carpet Stain Cleaner
Mix 1/4 Cup of Salt, 1/4 Cup of Baking Soda, 1/4 Cup of Vinegar
Rub into carpet - leave for a few hours - vacuum
Carpet Deodorizer
Sprinkle Baking Soda on carpets and let sit one hour prior to vacuuming
Metal Cleaners/ Polishes
Silver
Line a pan with aluminum foil and fill with water. Add a teaspoon of baking soda and a teaspoon of salt and bring to a boil. Immerse silver and polish with a soft cloth.
Stainless Steel
Clean with a cloth dampened with undiluted white vinegar
Chrome
Polish with baby oil or vinegar
Club soda or seltzer water
Aluminum
(You don't want to cook with aluminum , especially with someone with DS in the home. See the Aluminum post.)
Clean with a solution of Cream of Tarter and Water using a soft cloth
Copper
Apply a dab of ketchup on a soft cloth and rub over tarnished spots
Gold
Clean with Toothpaste or a paste mix of salt, vinegar and flour
Brass or Bronze
Polish with a soft cloth dipped in equal parts of lemon juice and baking
soda or Apply a dab of ketchup on a soft cloth and rub over tarnished spots
Laundry
Good brands are: Ecos and Melaleuca.
Powder Laundry Detergent
1 Cup of Ivory Soap or Fels-Naptha Soap, Grated
1/2 Cup of Washing Soda
1/2 Cup of Baking Soda
Liquid Laundry Detergent
Kill Yeast in Laundry
add 20 drops of Grapefruit Seed Extract
Stain Remover
1 Cup of Water
1/2 Cup of Baking Soda
1/2 Cup of Hydrogen Peroxide
Mix and store in spray bottle. Spray on stain and let sit overnight.
Grass Stain Remover
Wet the Stain with water and cover with salt. Let sit one hour and wash as usual.
Mothballs
Cedar Chips in a cheesecloth square or Cedar oil in an absorbent cloth.
Homemade Moth repelling sachets can be made from Lavender, Rosemary, Vetiver and Rose Petals.
Dried Lemon Peels are also a moth deterrent.
Miscellaneous
Furniture Polish
Mix 2 Teaspoons of Olive Oil and 2 Teaspoons of Lemon Juice -Apply with a
soft cloth
Varnished Wood Polish
Add a few drops of Lemon Oil to 1/2 Cup of Warm Water. Spray onto soft cloth
- wipe and finish by wiping with a soft dry cotton cloth.
Water Rings on Wood
Apply toothpaste or mayonnaise with a soft damp cloth and rub into ring.
Rust Remover
Sprinkle rust spot with salt and squeeze a lime on top until salt is well soaked. Leave mixture sit for 2-3 hours then scrub residue with the lime rind.
Oil and Grease Spots in Garage
For small spots on garage floor, sprinkle with baking soda and scrub with a wet brush.
Source: http://www.bystephanielynn.
.html
Related Posts:
Non Toxic Homemade Cleaning Products
Immunizations
Nontoxic Toys
Nontoxic Bedding
How to Bottle Feed & Nontoxic Bottles
Nontoxic Diapering Supplies
Organic Baby Clothing
Nontoxic Bath Toys
Nontoxic Feeding Sets
Nontoxic Teethers
Toxin Free Babies
Antibiotics: Alternatives & What to Avoid
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