Post by simplykali on Jun 9, 2009 13:11:09 GMT -5
I don't know about everyone else but I prefer to make my own cleaning solutions most of the time. Often it is cheaper AND more environmentally friendly than anything you can buy. Here are some of my secrets, feel free to share yours.
Carpet Cleaner (for when the cat coughs up that hairball and such other accidents)
Baking soda (couple of tablespoons)
Squirt of hand soap
2 cups warm/hot water
Use a scrubby brush to work it in to the carpet and then cover the stain with a dish towel and stomp on it to bring the liquid back up. It works better than resolve on all the cat messes I've used it on.
Your Own Windex
1/2 cup white vinegar
1 cup rubbing alcohol
about a gallon of water
a squirt of dish soap
Mix and put in a spray bottle. Use old newspapers to wipe down your windows or mirrors when you use this solution. Newspapers help scrub the glass and there is no lint!
Air-freshener When You Vacuum
Cotton Balls
Your favorite essential oil (I like citrus scents)
Put several drops of essential oil on a cotton ball and throw it into your vacuum cleaner wherever the air gets filtered back out into the room. The warm air from the cleaner helps to release the scent of the oil into the air.
To Clean your Microwave Oven
A microwave safe bowl
water
a little baking soda
a slice of lemon
Microwave on high for 2 minutes. The steam and the lemon help to cut the grease. Then, with a rag or rough side of a sponge, use the water (careful, it will be hot!) to scrub down the microwave.
Clean your Toilet (Please!)
white vinegar
baking soda
Pour a little vinegar and sprinkle some baking soda into your toilet and scrub.
No More Soap Scum
1/2 cup vinegar
1/2 gallon water
Use this solution to scrub soap scum from your bathtub or shower and from the metal fixtures.
Carpet Cleaner (for when the cat coughs up that hairball and such other accidents)
Baking soda (couple of tablespoons)
Squirt of hand soap
2 cups warm/hot water
Use a scrubby brush to work it in to the carpet and then cover the stain with a dish towel and stomp on it to bring the liquid back up. It works better than resolve on all the cat messes I've used it on.
Your Own Windex
1/2 cup white vinegar
1 cup rubbing alcohol
about a gallon of water
a squirt of dish soap
Mix and put in a spray bottle. Use old newspapers to wipe down your windows or mirrors when you use this solution. Newspapers help scrub the glass and there is no lint!
Air-freshener When You Vacuum
Cotton Balls
Your favorite essential oil (I like citrus scents)
Put several drops of essential oil on a cotton ball and throw it into your vacuum cleaner wherever the air gets filtered back out into the room. The warm air from the cleaner helps to release the scent of the oil into the air.
To Clean your Microwave Oven
A microwave safe bowl
water
a little baking soda
a slice of lemon
Microwave on high for 2 minutes. The steam and the lemon help to cut the grease. Then, with a rag or rough side of a sponge, use the water (careful, it will be hot!) to scrub down the microwave.
Clean your Toilet (Please!)
white vinegar
baking soda
Pour a little vinegar and sprinkle some baking soda into your toilet and scrub.
No More Soap Scum
1/2 cup vinegar
1/2 gallon water
Use this solution to scrub soap scum from your bathtub or shower and from the metal fixtures.