Household Cleaning Recipes

"Commercial" Paper Wallcover Cleaner
2 cups flour
1 1/4 cups water
4 teaspoons baking soda
2 1/2 tablespoons ammonia
Mix well in the top of a double boiler over 2 cups of boiling water. Cook, covered, on
low heat for 90 minutes; cool. Rub onto soiled surface; brush off.
"Elmers" Glue
1 quart skim milk
3/4 tablespoon baking soda
1 tablespoon white vinegar
10 ounces water
Place milk and vinegar in a double boiler. Cook on low heat and stir as curds form.
Drain off liquid. Wash remaining mass with water until the vinegar smell is gone. Put
into a clean bowl. Dissolve baking soda in water. Pour over curds and stir until a
white paste forms. Seal in suitable containers.
"Oopsie" Cleanup
To clean pet urine from the carpet, blot up what you can with paper towels.
Mix one teaspoon mild dish-washing detergent in one cup warm water, dip a clean
towel in the liquid and, working from outside in, dab at stain. Do not over-wet.
Rinse with fresh water and blot dry.
Mix one-third cup white vinegar with two-thirds cup water and dab on stain. Rinse
with water; blot until dry.
Once area is totally dry (after at least 24 hours), sprinkle entire carpet with baking
soda (Bicarbonate of soda) or rug deodorizer. Vacuum after a few hours.
Cutting Boards
Sanitize them by spraying with vinegar and then with 3 percent hydrogen peroxide.
Keep the liquids in separate spray bottles and use them one at a time. It doesnt
matter which one you use first, but both together are much more effective than
either one alone.
Air Freshener Spray
1/4 cup baking soda

4 cups warm water
2 tablespoons ammonia
1 teaspoon scent of your choice: cologne, lemon extract,
strawberry extract, raspberry extract, vanilla extract,
almond extract or pine oil
Into a clean spray bottle pour baking soda, ammonia and the desired scent. Slowly
fill with warm water. Mist the air as needed. Avoid spraying on or near furniture or
pets.
Air Freshener Spray 2

A simple recipe of 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon vinegar (or lemon juice), and
2 cups hot water in a spray bottle can be spritzed in the air to remove odors.
Air Spray
2 cups white vinegar
Any combination of the following to make 1 cup:
cloves; rose petals, apple, orange, lemon or
lime peel; rosemary; cinnamon sticks; rosemary;
chopped vanilla beans; honeysuckle or other
fragrant blossoms; lavender; peppermint, walnut,
coconut or vanilla extract
Place all ingredients in a glass or enamel pan. Simmer for 10 minutes, then cool.
Pour liquid and herbs into a large jar. Close jar tightly. Store it for 2 to 4 weeks.
Shake the jar once or twice a week. Strain and reserve the liquid. Pour the liquid into
a pump spray container or atomizer. Spray around the house as needed.
Alice s Wonder Spray All-Purpose Household Cleaner

Ingredients: Liquid Castile soap, white distilled vinegar, borax, purified water, and an
essential oil for fragrance.
What Else Youll Need: A clean 16-oz. trigger spray bottle.
How to Make Your Own:
Mix 2 tbsp. of vinegar with 1 tsp. borax .
Fill the rest of the bottle with very hot water.
Shake until the borax is dissolved.
Add the 1/4 cup of liquid soap or.
To scent, add 10 to 15 drops of an essential oil.

I like to use a combination of lavender and lemon. Because minerals in the water
inhibit cleaning, it's best to use purified or distilled water especially for this recipe.
It's important to dissolve the borax in hot water so that it doesn't clog the spray
nozzle. And don't mix the soap and vinegar directly together, because the soap will
clump up. Please follow the order of the recipe by mixing the vinegar, borax, and
water first and adding the soap last.
How to Use:
Spray and Wipe. Use Alice's Wonder Spray as you would any other all-purpose
household cleaner.
All Purpose Cleaner 2

1 tsp. borax, 1/2 tsp. baking soda, 2 Tbls. vinegar or lemon juice, 1/4 to 1/2 tsp
liquid soap, 2 cups very hot tap water.
Mix and dispense from spray bottle.
All Purpose Cleaner in a Bucket

(for big jobs like walls)
cup ammonia
cup vinegar
cup baking soda
Mix the above ingredients with 1 gallon of warm water and use for basic cleaning
jobs around the home. Double the above ingredients for cleaning shower walls or
other extra heavy duty areas.
ALL PURPOSE CLEANERS

WARNING: NEVER ADD BLEACH TO AMMONIA AS THERE WILL BE HARMFUL
VAPORS!
Place in a quart spray bottle 1/2 cup ammonia, 1 cup baking soda, and 2 cups water.
Mix and use to clean.
In a quart spray bottle place l quart water. Add 2 Tbsp. lemon juice and 2 tsp.
powdered Boraxo. Mix and use to do general cleaning.
In a quart spray bottle mix l quart warm water, 1/8 cup white vinegar and 1/4 cup
white ammonia and use to clean.
All Purpose Metal Polish & Cleaner
1/2 cup isopropyl alcohol (70%)

1/4 cup household ammonia
1 cup diatomaceous earth
1/4 cup water
Combine alcohol and ammonia in a clean jar. Add earth and stir or whisk until
smooth. Slowly add water, stirring until the solution resembles a thick cream.
Before using, shake or stir well. Clean by applying with a soft, clean cloth, rubbing
well. Allow solution to dry, then rinse thoroughly with water. Then polish with a
clean, dry cloth until surface is dry.
Note: Because silver is soft, you should not use this polish & cleaner on silver and
other soft metals.
All purpose/Window Cleaner

1/2 cup ammonia
2 cups rubbing alcohol
water
1 tsp. dishwashing liquid
In a one-gallon container, mix ammonia and rubbing alcohol. Fill almost to the top
with water. Add dishwashing liquid and mix. Top off with water. Rated by Consumer
Reports Magazine to work much better (and much cheaper) than most commercial
window and kitchen sprays. Alcohol is the secret ingredient - it's what commercial
window washers use.
*Safe on most, but not all, household surfaces.
All-Purpose Cleaner
Water
Ivory Liquid dish soap
Fill a 32 ounce spray bottle nearly full with water. Add a squirt or two of Ivory Liquid
Dish soap. Put the sprayer back on and gently shake the bottle until the soap has
been evenly distributed.
Use Ivory because most other dish soaps leave behind a filmy residue. Ivory is
especially safe for Corion, marble and wood counter tops and butcher blocks. It's
also safe to use on brass or gold plated faucets.
All-Purpose Cleaner 2
1 tablespoon baking soda
1 gallon hot water

1/4 cup soap flakes
After cleaning with this solution, rinse surface with clear water.
All-Purpose Cleaner 3
2T vinegar
1 t Borax
Hot water
a few drops of a mild dish detergent
10 drops of essential oil, optional
In a 16 spray bottle put vinegar, borax and hot water. Swish around until borax has
dissolved. Add the drops of dish detergent and fill the rest of the bottle with water.
Add the essential oil (I like using orange or lavender).
All-Purpose Insect Spray

1 garlic bulb, chopped or ground
1 quart water
1 small onion, chopped or ground
1 tablespoon liquid soap detergent
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
Mix garlic, onion, cayenne pepper and water; add liquid soap detergent. Store in a
tightly covered jar in the refrigerator for up to one week.ce with clear water.
All-Purpose Kitchen and Bath Cleaner

8 oz. water
8 oz. white, distilled vinegar
1 tablespoon natural citrus cleaner (like Citrus Magic)
1 tablespoon natural dish soap*
Directions:
*You can substitute something more concentrated, like Dr. Bronner's Sal Suds, for
the dish soap. Just cut the amount to 1 teaspoon
Pour all ingredients in a spray bottle and mix well.

Use on any hard, non-porous surface except for glass.
Great on soap scum and a good way to stretch your Citrus Magic, which we all know
really IS magic. This stuff will even clean your toilet and is gentle on your skin.
All-Purpose Liquid Cleanser

1 teaspoon borax
2 tablespoons white vinegar or lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon washing soda
1/2 teaspoon vegetable-based detergent
2 cups very hot water
Combine in a plastic spray bottle.
All-Purpose Quick Shine

1 1/4 cups white vinegar
1 1/4 cups water
1 spray bottle
Pour vinegar and water into the spray bottle. Shake gently to combine.
To use, spray on and wipe off. This is mild and safe to use for all surfaces.
All-Purpose Sanitizer
2 teaspoons borax, 4 tablespoons vinegar, and 3 to 4 cups hot water in a spray
bottle. For extra cleaning power, add 1/4 teaspoon liquid soap to the mixture.
All-Purpose Spray Cleaner

1 pint rubbing alcohol
1 tablespoon dishwashing detergent
1 tablespoon household ammonia
1 tablespoon vinegar
Mix in a gallon jug. Fill jug with warm water and shake. You can put this in a spray
bottle and use as you would Windex. Great for cleaning windows, chrome and bath
fixtures.
All-purpose Spray Cleaner 2

Combine in a spray bottle: 1/2 tsp Washing Soda, 1/2 tsp Borax, 1/2 tsp vegetable
oil-based soap, 2 Tbsp vinegar and 2 cups of hot water. Shake well until all the solid
bits have dissolved. For extra cleaning power increase Borax to 1 tsp. Spray and
wipe clean with a damp cloth or sponge.
All-Purpose Spray Cleaner 3

* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* A dab of liquid soap
* 2 cups hot tap water
1. Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake until the baking soda has
dissolved. Apply and wipe off with a sponge or rag.
Read more at Suite101: Natural Household Cleaning Guide: Eco-Friendly Ways to

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4
All-Purpose Tree Fertilizer

3 parts cottonseed meal, soy meal, or blood meal
2 parts finely ground raw phosphate rock or steamed bone meal
3 parts wood ashes, granite rock or greens
1 part dolomitic limestone
Mix all materials. Apply 1 pound of fertilizer for each foot of the drip line diameter of
the tree (3 feet = 12 pounds).
Aluminum Pot Cleaner

2 tablespoons cream of tartar
1 quart water
Mix; boil in the aluminum pot for 10 minutes. Scour lightly if needed.
AmazingAll Purpose Cleaner

1 teaspoon borax
2 tablespoons vinegar or lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon vegetable-based detergent
2 cups very hot water

Combine all ingredients in a plastic spray bottle. Shake your new homemade all
purpose cleaner to mix. Use anywhere as needed. Strong enough to wipe out
germs and viruses. Use daily on door knobs and toilet handles, especially when
a family member is sick.
Ant Bait
1 part boric acid
2 parts mint jelly or cracker crumbs
Mix, then place the bait in a container with ant-size holes in the lid. Place away from
children because boric acid can be harmful if swallowed. Dispose of the container
after use.
The worker ants enter the trap, feed on the poison and carry it back to their nest.
Once inside the nest, they feed bits of the poisonous material to the queen and
immature ants, and the entire colony is eradicated.
Ant Control
3 cups water
4 teaspoons boric acid
2 cups granulated sugar
Mix, then pour half a cup of the mixture into three or four empty jam jars wrapped
with masking tape and loosely packed half full with absorbent cotton. Smear the bait
along the outside of the jar and set along ant trail. The ants will swarm into the jar.
Some will carry the mixture back to the colony, where it will kill other ants.
CAUTION: If you have small children or pets, screw the lids onto the jars, poke
several small holes through the lid and smear some of the bait on the inside of the
jar.
Ant Killer
1/2 cup molasses
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 envelope dry yeast
Mix all ingredients together. Place a few drops on pieces of cardobard, then place
wherever ants are coming in.
Ant Repellent
Spray 50% white distilled vinegar on counter tops, window sills and shelves and
wipe, leaving residue. Start early in spring before they arrive, because it takes a few
weeks to rid yourself of them once they are established. If you want immediate
action, get some lemons, cut the yellow outer peel off and cover with grain alcohol in
a tightly closed jar. Let stand at least one hour. Use 1 part of this concentrate with 9
parts water in a spray bottle. Mix only as much as you will use because the diluted
form loses potency. Spray walls, floors, carpets wherever you see them. The lemon
solution even leaves a shine on your counters. Use both vinegar and lemon
approaches to rid yourself of ants
To treat the whole house, pour vinegar all around your foundation, close to the wall,
using one gallon for every five feet. Expect to damage any foliage it touches.
Reapply every six months.
Ant Traps
1/2 cup molasses
1/4 cup baking yeast
Mix all ingredients in a small bowl. Smear a thin layer of the mixture on each of six 3
x 5-inch index cards. Place the cards, syrup side up, in area where ants travel.
Antibacterial Bathroom Cleaner

1 cup baking soda
2 tbsp liquid soap
2 tsp tea tree essential oil
1 tsp peppermint essential oil
1 tbsp white vinegar (optional)
In a bowl, add baking soda then liquid soap. Mix well until the baking soda forms a
paste. If it is still too crumbly, add slightly more liquid soap until it forms a paste, as
some liquid soaps are more "liquidy" than others. Next, add essential oils, mixing
well, then add vinegar.
To use, put a small amount on your bathroom sponge to scrub down your toilet seat,
shower, bathtub, sink and counter. Rinse out your sponge, and go over it again with
clean water.
Antimicrobial Shower Spray

2 tablespoon vinegar
1 teaspoon borax
4 cups hot water
10-15 drops tea tree oil
1/4 cup tea tree oil castile soap

Directions:
In a large spray bottle, combine vinegar and borax. Add hot water and shake until
fully dissolved. Add essentials oils and finally castile soap, and shake to combine.
Use this cleanser in your shower to prevent mold from growing on tile and other
surfaces. You can also use this in the kitchen on the counter or stove.
Antiseptic Spray
3 tablespoons liquid soap
2 cups water
Mix in spray bottle and apply.
Antistatic Spray
1/4 cup commercial liquid fabric softener
1/4 cup ammonia
2 cups water
Mix ingredients and store in a spray-type plastic bottle. Avoid spraying directly onto
your computer terminal, keyboard, or central processing unit. Spray liberally
everywhere else - on the rug, your shoes, chair, desktop or file cabinet.
Aphid Control
1 cup chopped onions or shallots
1 cup water
Puree the chopped onion or shallots in a blender until they are a fine mush. Add
water, a little at a time. Continue blending, scraping down the sides if necessary.
Label and store in a glass jar, tightly sealed, in the refrigerator for up to 6 weeks.
To use, pour into a spray container and spritz the liquid over the plant, even under
the blossoms. It is best to spray in the early morning, after the dew has dried, or in
the late afternoon when the sun is not too hot.
Appliance Cleaner
2 cups water
1/4 cup oil-based soap
10 drops rosemary, lavender, or citrus essential oil

Combine all ingredients in a plastic spray bottle. Shake well before each use. Spray
generously on appliance surface and wipe with a damp cloth or sponge. Wipe dry
with a cloth or towel.
Appliance Cleaner Spray

1 teaspoon borax
3 tablespoons vinegar
2 cups hot water
Combine in a spray bottle. Shake to mix and dissolve borax. Spray on appliances and
wipe off with a soft cloth or sponge.
Aromatic Carpet Cleaner

2 cups baking soda
1/2 cup cornstarch
4 to 5 bay leaves
1 tablespoon cloves
Mix all ingredients together and keep in a closed container. Sprinkle on carpet and
let sit for a couple of hours. Vacuum carpet in usual manner.
Aromatic Vanilla Air Freshener

1/4 c. baking soda
4 c. warm water
1 tsp vanilla extract
Eucalyptus essential oil
Combine baking soda, vanilla extract and essential oil in a spray bottle. Slowly pour
warm water into bottle, stirring gently. To use, set the spray bottle on mist, and
spray.
Automatic Dishwasher Soap

1 Tablespoon Borax
1 Tablespoon Baking soda
Mix the washing soda and the borax and store in a plastic covered container. To use, add
2 tablespoons to the dishwasher soap compartment. If you have hard water, you may
want to use the Spotless Dishwasher Rinse.
Automatic Dishwashing Soap

Source: Casey Kellar, author of Natural Cleaning for Your Home: 95 Pure and Simple
Recipes
Like Cascade and Sun Light
Homemade natural formula will safely cut through grease and sanitize your dishes as
well.
1/2 cup liquid castile soap
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
3 drops tea tree extract
1/4 cup white vinegar
Combine water and liquid Castile soap. Stir and then add lemon juice, tea tree
extract, and vinegar. Stir until blended evenly and store in a squeeze bottle.
Use 2 tablespoons per wash in a standard-size dishwasher.
NOTE: Do not substitute conventional liquid soap for the castile soap unless it is a
"low sudsing" soap. Regular soaps will produce too many suds and overflow the
dishwasher.
Baby Wipes
2 cups warm water
2 tablespoons baby shampoo
2 tablespoons baby oil
Mix these ingredients. Soak heavy, white paper towels in this solution and tuck into
used baby wipes containers or plastic bags to use in the nursery.
Base Oil for Wood Floor Wax or Furniture Polish

Into the top of the double boiler place a handful of lavender buds (you may also use
lemon balm leaves for a lemon fragrance) and just cover the buds with olive oil. Clip
the thermometer to the inside of the pan for measuring the temperature of the oil. In
the electric skillet place 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch of water to protect the finish of the
skillet. Place the double boiler in the center of the skillet. Rotate the temperature
control on the skillet to about half way to the "warm" setting and wait to see what
the temperature of the oil will become. Fidget with the control a bit at a time until
you have a steady temperature of the oil between 95 and 100 degrees F. Allow the
mixture to steep at this temperature for twelve to fourteen hours or until the
lavender looks "used up". If the fragrance is not strong enough, strain the oil and
place another handful of flowers back into the same oil and repeat the process. You
can do this a number of times if you like. The alternative is to simply add some drops
of essential oil of lavender to the first batch of the base oil to intensify its fragrance
or wait until just ready to use it and do it then. Start with this small batch to get the
feel of it and store in a labeled jar.
NOTE OF CAUTION! Do not get impatient with homemade product formation. Some
of the ingredients are flammable and only a low heat and a double boiler will do the
job safely.
Basic Dish Soap

1/4 cup soap flakes (grated ivory)
2 cups hot water
1/4 cup glycerin
1/2 teaspoon lemon essential oil
Let soap flakes dissolve in water. Add glycerin and lemon oil. Let cool. Funnel
into squeeze container.
BASIC WOOD CLEANER
Mix together 1/4 cup white distilled vinegar, 1/4 cup water, 1/2 tsp. liquid soap, a
few drops of olive oil, and 5 drops of either lemon or orange essential oil. Use to
clean wood.
BATHROOM CLEANING
Mix equal parts epsom salts and liquid dish detergent and scrub down the bath tub,
sink, or shower area with it.
Use equal parts cream of tartar and hydrogen peroxide mixed together to clean rust
stains.
Pour a can of soft drink in your toilet bowl and let it sit overnight. Brush and flush for
a clean toilet bowl.
Old pantyhose makes a great scrubber for the bathtub and sink.
To keep rust spots from forming on the bottom of aluminum cans coat their bottoms
with clear nail polish.
Bathroom Tile Cleaner

Mix 2 cups baking soda, 2/3 cup liquid soap, 2/3 cup water and a few spoonfuls of
vinegar. Apply to tile, scrub and wipe. Can also be used on kitchen tile surfaces.
Bathroom Tub Stained Strip Whitener

This will whiten the stained strips on the bottom of the bathtub.
1/2 cup turpentine
2 tablespoons salt
Mix, then scrub the stained strips with this mixture. Rinse thoroughly.
Bathroom Window Frost

4 tablespoons Epsom salt
1 cup beer
Dissolve Epsom salt in beer. Apply with a 2-inch wide brush to the inside of the
windowpanes. It dries well, lasts a long time and, when washed off, is easily reapplied. Also, you can get prettier crystallization by dipping a terry cloth in the above
mixture and dabbing it on.
Bathtub and Shower Cleaner

1 part vinegar
1 part water
Mix ingredients in a spray bottle. Spray the shower wall and tub. Let it sit for at least
1/2 hour. Rinse it off. If you need extra cleaning power, use liquid detergent and a
nylon or plastic sponge. Avoid soap, which can leave a residue.
If there are rust stains in your tub, mix a bit of cream of tartar with water until the
consistency is like toothpaste. Put a little on the stains and use a sponge to wash off.
Bathtub Cleaner
(for badly stained tub)
Peroxide
Cream of tartar
Make a paste of peroxide and cream of tartar. Scrub vigorously with a small brush.
Rinse thoroughly. If the stains persist, spread the mixture over the stains and apply
a drop or two of household ammonia. Allow to set for two hours before scrubbing.
Batik Barrier Paste

1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup water
2 teaspoons alum (find in the grocery store

near spices or medicines)
This is a barrier paint used for batik dying. Slowly add flour and alum to the water in
a bowl. Mix until very smooth.
Bay Leaf "Tea" Remedy for Ants

From Susan
Bay leaf has been used as a natural insecticide. It has been used to keep out the
little bug that show up in staples (flour, rice, cereal, boxed mixes, etc.).
Take a large stock pot or canning kettle, add about 2 to 3 tablespoons of salt, and a
handful of bay leaves. (NOTE: buy them at a food co-op or look online because you
can get them cheaper than in a grocery store.) Bring to a rolling boil and let simmer
for several hours. The longer it simmers the more potent the tea.
Take the hot "tea" to the ant colony. Coat the colony. Use the "tea" to "draw" a line
of demarcation around their colony; around your house, etc. Repeat a couple of
weeks later, just to be sure. One treatment may do it. If you use it on your garden
plants, DON'T put boiling water on them; go for the ant nests or the ground; let the
mix cool somewhat so it doesn't hurt the roots. REMEMBER: peonies need ants to
bloom.
Cooking it creates a very strong smell - not bad when you consider that it's only
affecting the insects. The vapor and steam will take care of any creatures that may
be in your house.
Beeswax Furniture Polish

4 ounces beeswax
2 tablespoons carnauba wax
2 1/2 cups odorless turpentine or mineral spirits
Melt the waxes on HIGH in a microwave or in a double boiler. Remove the waxes
from the heat and stir in the turpentine or mineral spirits. When cool, store in a
tightly capped container.
Apply the polish with a clean cloth and rub in small circles. Turn the cloth as it
becomes dirty. Allow the polish to dry, then buff with a clean cloth. If more than one
coat is desired, wait two days between applications.
Beeswax Wood Polish

60 g Beeswax granules
300 ml Pure turpentine

25 g Pure soap or soap flakes
150 ml Boiling water
6 dr Essential oil of lavender
1. Melt the waxes with the turpentine in a double boiler (warning low flash point)
2. Grate the soap into a bowl and pour on the boiling water and stir briskly to
dissolve it.
3. Let the soapy water cool slightly and then pour it into the melted wax stirring well
as it makes an emulsion.
4. Put in a small jar or container with a tight fitting lid.
Better Baby Wipes

Source: Chyrel and Dotty
This recipe is from a pediatrician.
2 cups boiling water
2 tablespoons baby bath
2 tablespoons baby lotion (any lotion may be used)
1/2 roll of Bounty Paper Towels (This brand holds together well.)
Boil water; pour water, baby bath and lotion in round container. (Look at Wal-Mart
for a round Rubbermaid 10-cup plastic container.)
Put in 1/2 roll of Bounty. Invert container after a few minutes for even distribution.
Take out cardboard; unroll from center.
BLACKENED POTS
If you have pots that have blackened because you boiled water in them, soak the
pots with a pot of water in them to which you add 2 denture tablets. Let them soak
overnight. The pot should be clean in the morning. Wash before using.
Bleach (heavy-duty)
1 gallon water
2 cups chlorinated lime
3 cups washing soda
Mix in an old plastic bucket. Stir well. Let stand, uncovered, for 24 hours. Strain into
storage containers. Use as any commercial bleach. AVOID CONTACT WITH SKIN AND
FUMES WHEN MIXING.
Bleach (hydrogen peroxide)

This is very gentle. It is good for even washable white silk.
1 part hydrogen peroxide
8 parts water
Mix in a dishpan or sink a sufficient amount to cover the garment to be bleached.
Immerse garment for 5 to 30 minutes to remove stains or lighten garment. Rinse
garment in clear water and discard bleach mix.
Blue Window Cleaner

3/4 cup water
2 drops blue food coloring
Put into a clean spray bottle.
Blues Dish Soap

Liquid castile soap
10 drops lemon
6 drops bergamot
4 drops lavender
2 drops orange
Fill a clean 22 oz. plastic squirt bottle with castile soap (diluted according to directions if
using concentrate). Add the essential oils. Shake the bottle before each use. Add 1-2
tablespoons of the liquid to dishwater and wash as usual.
Bottle Cleaner
(for old bottles)
Water
1 or 2 teaspoons ammonia
Fill the bottle or decanter with water, then add ammonia. Let stand for several hours
or overnight. Wash and rinse as usual.
Brass Cleaner/Polish
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup white vinegar
1 cup all-purpose flour
CAUTION: DO NOT USE ON LACQUERED ITEMS.
Wash the item in warm, soapy water. Rinse and dry. Mix ingredients to form paste.
Apply paste and rub vigorously. Re-wash in soapy water; rinse and dry.
Brass Polish
1 cup soap flakes
1/4 cup whiting
2 tablespoonssalt
Mix soap, whiting, and salt together in a glass or enamel pan. Stir in vinegar and
slowly add the boiling water until the soap is thoroughly dissolved. Let cool.
Store solution in a one-quart glass jar.
To use, shake well and pour about 1 tablespoonful of the solution onto a clean, soft
cloth and apply to brass. Gently rub, turning the cloth often. Apply more solution
until tarnish is gone. Buff with a clean, soft cloth until brass is dry and shiny.
Brick Cleaner
1 part vinegar
1 part ammonia
1 part borax
This mixture removes stains and leaves bricks sparkling.
Buddy Burner
1 clean tuna can
1 (2-inch) square paraffin
Corrugated cardboard
Cut a long strip of cardboard. The width should be the same height as the tuna can.
Roll the cardboard strip firmly and place into the tuna can. Melt paraffin and pour
melted paraffin over the top of the cardboard.
To make the stove, with tinsnips, cut vertically about 1/2 way down the side of a
large juice can. Make another vertical cut about 4 inches from the first cut. Fold cut
section back into the can VERY CAREFULLY.
To start the burner if you don't have matches, take a length of steel wool and make
contact with the bottom of the battery with one end. Rub the other end of the steel
wool on the top of the battery until it sparks, holding it over the top of the buddy
burner.
Bug Soap
1 1/2 cups clean rendered tallow
1/4 cup lye flakes
1/2 cup coconut oil
1 tablespoon citronella oil or 3/4 cup cold soft water
1 tablespoon eucalyptus oil or 1 tablespoon lavender oil
Melt tallow and vegetable oil. Set aside to cool.
Stir lye into cold water until dissolved and set aside to cool.
Grease molds liberally with petroleum jelly. When lye and fat are lukewarm, pour lye
into fat slowly, stirring constantly. When mixture becomes thick and creamy, add
essential oil, beating vigorously to distribute evenly throughout. Pour into molds.
Yields 1 1/2 pounds hard bar soap.
Bug Spray
1/2 cup vodka
2 tablespoons orange flower water
1 teaspoon jojoba oil
15 drops citronella oil
Mix ingredients and store in a spray bottle.
Bug Spray for Plants

This will dislodge or smother aphids, thrips and mites.
2 tablespoons liquid soap (such as Ivory)
1 gallon water
Mix and put into plastic spray jar. Spray onto plants.
Buttermilk Spray (for spider mites)

Use this for heavy infestation of spider mites in an orchard.
5 pounds all-purpose flour
25 gallons water
1 pint buttermilk
Mix well. Siphon into a spray container and apply weekly to orchard trees until the
leaves are full grown and mite populations have decreased to about 3 per leaf.
Cabinet Grease Remover

(for painted cabinets)
1/4 cup baking soda
1 cup ammonia
1 gallon warm water
Press a hot, damp cloth against grease deposits until they soften. Wash cabinets with
a sponge and the above solution. Rinse off with a clean sponge and water. Wipe
cabinets completely dry.
Calcium Deposit Remover

1 cup water
Simmer water and vinegar in the teapot or tea kettle for 30 minutes. When the
deposits have loosened, scrub with steel wool if you can get at them. Otherwise, let
the vinegar/water mixture sit in the pot overnight. Rinse well.
Car Floor Mat Cleaner

1/4 cup mild dishwashing detergent
2 gallons warm water
Mix. Gently scrub mats with the solution, using a stiff-bristled brush. For tar spots,
rub with a little baking soda. Rinse. Dry thoroughly on both sides. Occasionally use a
protective coating of petroleum jelly on the mats, which will also give a nice shine.
Car Wash
1/3 cup mild soap flakes

1/4 cup baking soda
Mix soap flakes and baking soda in a large bucket. Add water and stir until soap
flakes dissolve. Start washing from the top down. Wash one section at a time, then
rinse. Wash the wheels last.
Carpet Cleaner (for oil and grease)

3 cups whole wheat flour
1 tablespoon salicylic acid
1 3/4 cups water
1 1/4 cups mineral oil
1 tablespoon aluminum stearate
Mix flour and water into a paste. Blend in aluminum stearate and salicylic acid.
Slowly add mineral oil to paste, stirring constantly. Store in a glass container. To
use, brush into a small section of carpet and let set for a few minutes. Wipe off with
a damp cloth or sponge. Repeat until oil and grease are removed.
Carpet Cleaner (heavy duty)

1 pint washing soda
1/4 cup turpentine
1 cup fuller's earth
Liquid dishwashing detergent
Blend the washing soda and fuller's earth. Slowly stir in the turpentine. Mix
vigorously until well blended. Store in a clean jar.
To use, mix with a small amount of liquid dishwashing detergent to form a stiff
paste. Brush into carpet. Allow to dry, then vacuum residue.
Carpet Cleaner 2
Instead add these to a bucket (about four gallons) of water and use it as the
cleaning solution:
Wash water
1/3 cup borax
Rinse water
1/4 cup grain alcohol
2 tsp. boric acid
1/4 cup white distilled vinegar

or 4 tsp. citric acid
Borax does the cleaning; alcohol disinfects, boric acid leaves a pesticide residue, and
the vinegar or citric acid give luster. If you are just making one pass on your carpet,
use the borax, alcohol, and boric acid. Remember to test everything you use on an
unnoticed piece of carpet first.
Carpet Color Restorative

1 cup white vinegar
1 gallon hot water
1/2 teaspoon ammonia
Saturate a cloth in this mixture. Wring the cloth out, and scrub over carpet. Wipe up
excess moisture with a dry cloth.
Carpet Deodorizer
4 cups baking soda or cornstarch
35 drops Eucalyptus essential oil
30 drops Lavender essential oil
25 drops Rosewood essential oil
or any combination of your favorite essential oils
Measure 4 cups of baking soda into a bowl, add essential oils. Break up any clumps that
form, stir until well mixed. Before vacuuming sprinkle dry carpet cleaner and deodorizer
powder from a shaker type can or jar. Let it sit on the carpet for about 15 minutes then
vacuum.
Carpet Deodorizer 2
2 cups cornmeal
1 cup borax
Mix well. Sprinkle on carpet. Let it set at least 15 minutes, then vacuum. Repeat if
necessary.
Carpet Freshener 2
Combine 3/4 cup baking soda, 2 tbsp corn starch, and 1/4 cup perfumed talcum
powder. Sprinkle on dry carpet, let stand 5 to 15 minutes, then vacuum.
Carpet Shampoo
This carpet cleaner recipe makes enough for a 10' x 13' room. If you can't find
soap flakes, you can use 1/4 cup borax instead. Test the outcome of this
substitution on a small area first.
2 cups baking soda
1/2 cups soap flakes
20 drops lavender essential oil
8 drops rosemary essential oil
1/2 cup vinegar
2 cups warm water
Combine the baking soda and soap flakes in a plastic bowl. Add the essential oils
and mix well, breaking up any clumps with a fork. Sprinkle the mixture on the
carpet.
Add the vinegar to the warm water in a bucket or pail. Dip a clean sponge mop
into the bucket and squeeze out as much excess liquid as you can. Gently go
over carpet with the sponge mop, working in sections. Wait at least an hour and
then vacuum again.
Carpet Sprinkle
You will need a one-quart yogurt container or something similiar that you can keep
around just for this purpose. You will also need some old sprinkle containers (or any
type container with large holes for sprinking such as spice jars) saved from the
supermarket.
BASIC RECIPE = 1 cups baking soda mixed together with 20 drops of essential or
fragrance oil(s) of choice
OR....
1 cups baking soda mixed together with 1/2 cup of old potpourri powdered in a
coffee mill or blender.
TIP!: You can also use about 1/2 cup of cornstarch in place of some of the baking
soda if you wish a different consistency of sprinkle.
Place the baking soda in your mixing container and distribute the drops of oil, one at
a time, here and there, throughout the powder. Don't just lay them on top of the
powder in what could only be called a "glumpy clump". With the back of a spoon or
other appropriate tool, blend the oil(s) well into the baking soda. Pour some of the
powder out onto a piece of paper and use this as a funnel to pour into a sprinkle
container. Continue til the container is filled. I like to make up enough at one time to
fill three or four containers. The longer it stays in the container, the more fragrant it
becomes.
VARIATIONS: During flea or bug season, use 1/2 cup borax and 1-1/2 cup baking
soda. OR... use 1 cup diatomaceous earth (NOT the kind used for pool filters...check
the organic gardening resources in your area), plus 1 cup baking soda.
Diatomaceous earth (aka D.E.) is a superb natural product with many household and
garden uses.
The fragrance choice for oils is personal. In spring and summer we prefer the clean
smell of lavender which is also somewhat of a bug repellent. Recent studies indicate
that the essential oils of lemon thyme, sweet marjoram, rosemary, basil and thyme
look very promising for insect repelling properties. One great combination is
citronella and patchouli oils. These can also be made into a soap with which to wash
before heading outside during mosquito season.
Our spring and summer combination is 15 drops lavender oil, 5 drops rose oil, 2 or 3
drops musk oil.
When the bugs decide they prefer the accomodations of our home to the great
outdoors, we combine 15 drops of lavender with 5 drops of citronella oil. You might
wish to try equal amounts of both.
In either case we always add 2 or 3 drops of a floral musk fragrance oil to provide an
overlying sweet floral scent.
Strictly for the bugs is a Super Zapper combination of oils of citronella, pennyroyal
and eucalyptus.
The use of penyroyal requires certain cautions to be taken - it should be avoided by
pregnant women and should not be used around very small children that will be
spending time on the carpeting.
During winter, the smells of pine and cedar or the Christmas smells of cinnamon and
cloves invoke feelings of warm/fuzzy holiday cheer. Use fragrance oils to create
these moods. These oils seem pricey, but one tiny vial goes a very long way.
Cast Iron Burner Cleaner

3 quarts water
3 tablespoons washing soda
Pour into a non-aluminum pan. Submerge burners and boil for a few minutes. Wash
as you would dishes. Rinse and dry thoroughly before replacing on stove.
Cast Iron Cookware Cleaner

This will loosen burned-on food.
Salt
Vinegar
Put salt and vinegar into the cast iron cookware. Boil for about 10 to 15 minutes.
After cleaning, coat cookware with grease to recondition and prevent rusting.
CAST IRON SKILLET CLEANER (RUST)

Sprinkle lemon juice and salt in the rusty iron skillet. Wipe out the rust. Reseason
skillet with a lot of oil. Place in a 200 degree oven for one hour. Wash the skillet. Dry
it thoroughly. Reseason it with more oil. Wipe off excess oil.
NEVER let a cast iron skillet air dry or it will rust!
Cat Urine Smell on Carpet

Mix 8 oz. of hydrogen peroxide with 2 Tbls. of baking soda. Pour it (or spray it) on
the area. If the urine is on carpet, just pour the whole mixture on the spot. You have
to pour all of it on so it reaches the padding under the carpet. Let it air dry. If it's on
a spot other than carpet, just spray it on there and let it air dry.
Ceiling Repair (for cracked plaster)

This trick could help postpone re-plastering for months.
"Elmer's" Glue
Baking soda
Mix "Elmer's" Glue with baking soda to form a paste. Apply to ceiling cracks with
fingers. If the ceiling is colored, add food coloring to match.
Ceramic Tile Cleaner

1/4 cup baking soda
1 cup ammonia
1 gallon warm water
Mix all in a bucket and stir until the baking soda dissolves. Scrub solution on tile with
a brush, nylon pad or sponge. Rinse with clean water.
Ceramic Tile Stain Remover (heavy-duty)

1 part sodium citrate
Water
6 parts glycerin
Whiting
Stir sodium citrate into the glycerin to dissolve. Add sufficient water to thin to a milklike consistency. Mix in enough whiting to form a paste. Spread a thick coating on
stains and let stand. Rinse with clear water.
Chandelier Cleaner
1 part rubbing alcohol
3 parts water
You do not have to disassemble the fixture to clean it. Protect the area underneath
the chandelier with a drop cloth. Fill a water tumbler with alcohol and water. Raise
the tumbler to each pendant until it is immersed. The crystal will drip dry without
leaving water spots, lint or finger marks. The crystal parts not accessible to the
tumbler can be wiped with the solution. You may also wear cotton work gloves to dip
your fingers in the alcohol water, and then clean with the gloves on your hands.
Christmas Snow
1/3 cup liquid starch
1 cup soap flakes or detergent granules
1 to 2 tablespoons water
Blue food coloring
Mix liquid starch into the soap flakes. Add the water and beat with a rotary beater
until the mixture has the consistency of marshmallow fluff or thick meringue.
Beat in the blue food coloring drop by drop to achieve a white, icy effect. Using a
clean paintbrush, dab the snow onto the tops of your green branches in various
artistic patterns.
You can also sprinkle sequins, glitter or confetti over the Christmas Snow.
CAUTION: Make certain that children realize the snow is made of soap and should
not be handled or played with.
CHROME CLEANERS
Polish any chrome with rubbing alcohol and a soft cloth.
Mix equal parts rubbing alcohol and white ammonia in a spray bottle to clean
chrome. Can also use this to clean mirrors and windows.
Chrome Fixture Hard Water Stain Remover

Baking soda
White vinegar
Sprinkle baking soda over fixture and then pour white vinegar on it. Wrap a terry rag
around the fixture and let soak for at least one hour. Scrub with a stainless steel
pad.
Cinnamon Cut-Outs
Use these anytime to hang on a door (in the bathroom would be great!) to scent the
air with real cinnamon.
1 cup cinnamon
4 tablespoons glue
3/4 cup water
Mix all together and roll into a ball. Set for 2 hrs in refrigerator. Roll between two
pieces of wax paper (about 1/4 thick) and use your cookie cutters to make cinnamon
cut-outs. Use straw poked through top of ornament to make a hole to hang. Dry for
12 hrs one side flip over and dry 12 more hrs.
Citrus Floor Cleaner

1 gallon hot water
15 drops orange essential oil
8 drops lemon essential oil or 1/4 cup lemon juice
Mix together and wash floors.
Citrus Mint Window Spray

1/2 cup fresh lemon peel
1/2 cup fresh orange peel
1 cup fresh mint leaves
1 cup white vinegar
Combine peels and mint leaves. Steep in white vinegar for two weeks, or until
vinegar has leached the color and fragrance out of the botanicals. Decant and strain
into a spray bottle.
Clogged Drain Remedy

1 cup salt
1 cup baking soda
1 cup vinegar
Mix, then pour down the drain. Follow with 2 quarts boiling water.
Cockroach Control
4 parts borax
2 parts all-purpose flour
1 part cocoa powder
Mix; sprinkle where pets and children cannot get to it.
Coffeepot Cleaner
1 cup white vinegar
1 cup water
Mix together. For automatic coffee makers, put in a clean filter, then pour solution
directly into the water reservoir. If you use a coffee maker with a permanent filter,
cover the filter with a square of paper toweling cut to fit. When the solution has
bubbled through, discard filter or paper toweling. Fill coffee maker with clean water
and run it through to rinse. Discard vinegar-water solution or use it to clean a
regular pot or vacuum bottle.
Color-Safe Bleach
This bleach is for delicate colors and synthetic fabrics. It reduces yellowing in silks
and woolens.
2 cups hydrogen peroxide
14 cups water
Mix ingredients and store in a plastic one-gallon container. Soak items to be cleaned
in this solution for 10 to 30 minutes.
Combs and Brushes

Fill a basin with hot water, and add either 2 tbsp ammonia OR 1 tsp liquid dish
detergent. Drop in combs and brushes and soak 10 minutes, then use combs to
clean brushes. Rinse thoroughly and air dry.
Copper and Brass Cleaner

1 pint vinegar
3 tablespoons salt
Fill a spray bottle with vinegar and add salt. Spray solution liberally on copper or
brass. Let set for a while, then simply rub clean.
Copper and Brass Polish
2 cups water
1/2 cup soap flakes
3 tablespoons whiting
2 tablespoons white vinegar
Boil water in a medium-size pot and remove from heat. Pour in soap flakes and stir
until dissolved. Add whiting and vinegar, stirring constantly. Beat by hand or with an
electric mixer until well blended. Store in a jar with a tight lid.
To use, shake well and rub on with a damp cloth or sponge. Rinse and wipe dry.
Copper Cleaner
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup salt
1/2 cup soap flakes
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 tablespoon whiting
1/2 cup very warm water
In a glass or enamel bowl, mix the flour, salt and soap together until soap is
thoroughly dissolved. Add remaining ingredients, stirring well. Pour into a clean onequart glass jar and cover tightly.
To use, shake the solution before using. Pour some of the paste on the copper item,
then scrub gently with a sponge. Rinse, then dry. Buff lightly with a clean, soft cloth.
Copper Verdigris (Green Deposit) Remover

1 tablespoon deodorized kerosene
Scour the utensil, then rinse and dry.
Cream Cleansing Scrub

* 1/2 cup baking soda
* Liquid soap
1. Pour about 1/2 cup of baking soda into a bowl, and add enough liquid detergent
to make a frosting-like texture.
2. Scoop the mixture onto a sponge, and wash the surface. This cleanser is nongritty, rinses easily, and is perfect for cleaning sinks and tubs.

Detoxify the Home | Suite101.com http://naturalproducts.suite101.com/article.cfm/natural_household_cleaning_guide#ixzz0Z2Oaah
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Cricket Spray
5 ounces turpentine
5 ounces liquid soap
5 gallons water
Spray around foundation of house or garage.
Cutting Boards 2
To get rid of strong odors on cutting boards, wipe them with vinegar or baking soda
or lemon slices or celery. This also works on countertops. For countertops only, a few
drops of essential oil of lemon thyme in a cup of water and spritzed on the surface
and then wiped, works well too.
Daily Shower Cleaner Spray

3 tablespoons liquid Jetdry (for dishwashers)
Water
Combine Jetdry and water in a spray bottle to fill the bottle. Spray shower walls after
every shower.
Deer Repellent
This will not hurt the deer. The deer will shy away from the scent of other animals,
so you trick them with the bloodmeal and hair clippings. Your barber is a good
source for some hair sweepings.
1 yard old sheeting, cotton, or muslin
1/4 cup bloodmeal
1 cup hair clippings
Cut the fabric into small 4-inch squares. Mix the bloodmeal and hair together and
place about a tablespoon onto the center of each square. Bring up the ends and
secure with a string or rubber band.
To use, hang these little packets from the branches of the trees and shrubs where
deer are a problem. You should be able to notice deer avoiding the spot almost
immediately.
Deluxe Plant Food

1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ammonia
1 teaspoon Epsom salt
1 gallon tepid water
1 teaspoon saltpeter
De-Yellowing Formula (for white appliances)

1/2 cup bleach
4 cups warm water
1/4 cup baking soda
Mix together. Apply to the appliance with a sponge and let set for 10 minutes. Rinse
and dry thoroughly.
Dishwasher Cleaner
Is your dishwasher dirty and grimy? Make sure the dishwasher is completely
empty. Add "Tang" drink crystals where you would normally place dishwasher
detergent. Run with "light" cycle. Your dishwasher will be spotless! Do this about
twice a year.
Dishwasher Soap
Dishwasher soap is easy to make and cost effective.
1 part borax
1 part baking soda
Mix thoroughly, and store in an airtight container.
To use: Add 2 tablespoons per load. Increase proportion of soda for hard water. Use
vinegar in the rinse cycle.
Dishwashing Gel
1/2 pound plain white bar soap
1/2 gallon water
Grate soap into flakes and place in large pot with water. Stir to dissolve flakes. Boil
10 minutes, stirring frequently. Pour into a glass jar and allow to cool without a lid.
Once cool, cover to prevent soap from drying out. As soap sits it will thicken to a gel
consistency.
To use, pour into a squirt bottle, filling bottle 1/4 full. Fill bottle with hot water and
shake before using.
Dishwashing Liquid
1/4 cup soap flakes
2 cups hot water
1/4 cup glycerin
1/2 teaspoon lemon essential oil
1) In bowl combine soap flakes and water and stir until the soap is dissolved. Cool to
luke warm.
2) Stir in the glycerin and the essential oil, leave to cool. As it cools it will form a
loose gel. Stir with a fork and break up the gel and then pour into a narrow-necked
bottle. An old shampoo bottle makes an excellent container.
3) To use, squirt 3 teaspoonfuls into hot running water.
Dishwashing Liquid 2
Liquid castile soap
8 drops rosemary essential oil
4 drops eucalyptus essential oil
1) Fill a clean 22-ounce plastic squirt bottle with castile soap (diluted according to
directions if using concentrate).
2) Add the essential oils.
3) To use, squirt 3 teaspoonfuls into hot running water.
Disinfectant
2 cups soap flakes
1 pint pine oil
6 cups hot water
Slowly stir soap flakes into water in a clean glass jar. Stir until the flakes dissolve.
Remove suds from the surface or stop stirring until the foam disappears. Pour pine
oil in very slowly. Stir until thoroughly blended. Store tightly covered.
For general cleaning and disinfecting, dilute with water. To disinfect areas that
harbor a lot of bacteria, such as toilet bowls, use full strength.
Disinfectant Spray
2 Cups Water
1/4 Cup White Vinegar
1/4 tsp. Tea Tree Oil
1/4 tsp. Lavender Oil
Combine and store in a spray bottle. Shake occasionally. Use where ever a
disinfectant spray is needed.
Disinfectant Wipes
First, buy a roll of good quality paper towels. If you buy the thinner inexpensive
ones, the paper towels will turn to mush quickly. Both Bounty and Viva paper towels
work great for this. Cut the roll in half or in thirds, depending on the size of wipes
you would like, and remove the cardboard roll tube from inside.
You also need a plastic container. A empty baby wipes container works great for this.
If you don't have kids, ask your friends, because someone is sure to have a couple
empty ones around in the house somewhere. If you already have one of the larger
sized containers used for disinfectant wipes, you can use that instead.
In a bucket, combine 1 1/2 cups water with 1/2 cup anti-bacterial cleaner (such as
Mr. Clean antibacterial). Mix and pour half of the mixture (1 cup) into baby wipes
container. Place paper towels slowly into the solution, and pour the other half of the
cleaning solution over top slowly, so it soaks in. Close the lid and allow it to sit and
soak for about a day, then it is ready to use.
You can also use your preferred scent of cleaner, so they are scented.
Dormant Oil Spray for Trees

1/2 cup fish oil
1 cup liquid detergent
1/2 cup No. 10 mineral oil
2 gallons water
Mix fish oil, mineral oil, and detergent thoroughly. Put the water into a bucket and
disperse the oil mixture in tiny droplets into the bucket. Pour the liquid into a
sprayer. To use, apply anytime from winter, after all leaves have fallen, to late April,
before buds develop beyond the 1/4-inch green stage.
Spray on a calm, sunny day with just-above-average temperatures. COVER THE

ENTIRE TREE IN ONE SPRAYING. This controls pests on hardy fruit trees. Pests are
aphids, thrips, mealybugs, white flies, pear psylla, red spiders, and various forms of
scale. It also destroys eggs of codling moths, oriental fruit moths, assorted leaf
rollers, and cankerworms.
Drain Cleaner
1/2 cup salt
1/8 cup cream of tartar
1/2 cup baking soda
Mix salt, baking soda, and cream of tartar and pour directly into the drain. Follow
with boiling water. Allow to set for several hours - overnight if possible. Flush with
cool water.
DRAIN CLEANERS
All you need to clean every drain in your house is baking soda and white vinegar.
Run hot water down the drain and pour in some baking soda, then some vinegar. It
will bubble up. When it has stopped bubbing up, rinse with some more hot water.
You won't have any clogs if you do this once every week. Use 1/2 cup each.
Use 1/2 cup Dawn liquid dish detergent poured down your kitchen drain once a week
or month depending upon how much grease you have and flush with very hot water.
If you have a clog pour the Dawn in and let it sit for half an hour then flush with very
hot water.
This is a plumber's tip: squirt some liquid dish detergent down your drain. Let sit for
half an hour. Flush with hot water. This will keep your drains clog-free. He said this
would cut plumbing bills in half if people would just do this once a week.
Pour 2 cups boiling water down a clogged drain. Mix 1/8 cup of salt, 1/2 cup of
baking soda, and 1/2 cup vinegar and pour down the clogged drain. Finish by
pouring 2 more cups boiling water down the drain. Your clog should be gone.
Drain Refresher
1 cup baking soda
2 quarts boiling water
1 cup vinegar
Pour baking soda down the drain. After 2 minutes, pour in vinegar. Then follow with
boiling water.
Dry Carpet Cleaner

2 cup baking soda
1/2 cup cornstarch
4 to 5 bay leaves
1 tablespoon cloves
Spot test a small, inconspicuous area of your rug first to test for color stability of the
fibers. Put the ingredients through a sifter until blended. Sprinkle lightly on your
carpeting and allow to sit several hours overnight. Sprinkle lightly on carpet and let stand
for a couple of hours. Vacuum up and enjoy your fresh fragrant carpet. Store dry carpet
cleaner and deodorizer in a coffee can.
Dryer Sheet Sachet
2 used white dryer sheets
1 heaping tablespoon potpourri
1 length of ribbon
2 or 3 small pieces dried flowers
Tacky glue
Place one dryer sheet over top of the other dryer sheet so that the corners of the
second sheets are centered at the sides of the first sheet. Place the potpourri in the
center of the sheets. Gather up and tie with ribbon. Decorate with dried flours.
Dryer Sheets
part lavender essential oil
part benzoin essential oil (absolute resin)
small dropper bottle
1 scrap of cotton cloth (about 4 inches square)
Make base essential oil by mixing the two oils in equal amounts into a small dropper
bottle. Shake well. Label.
Dryer Sheets 2
Take 10-15 4-inch cloths and put 4-5 drops of essential oil base on each one. Put
into an airtight container that you can easily get your hand into to take one out at a
time as needed for the dryer.
Use as you would a normal dryer sheet. The airtight container will help hold the
scent in the dryer sheets instead of just dissipating out into the room and leaving the
dryer sheet less scented. Leave the additional essential oil base that you have left to
easily make more are you need them.
Dryer Sheets 3
15 drops of spearmint
12 drops of lavender
Put this mixture on a clean cloth and then fold the cloth several times.
Wrap another cloth around that and toss into the dryer!
Dust Cloths
2 cups hot water
1/4 to 1 cup lemon oil
Dip 18-inch cheesecloth squares in a solution of hot water and lemon oil. Squeeze
out excess liquid and let air-dry them. Store in a covered metal can.
Dust Cloths 2
Favorite cleaning product
1 bucket of water
2 teaspoons turpentine
Clean cotton dust cloths
Put favorite cleaning product in a bucket of water. Add turpentine. Throw in dust
cloths, stir to saturate them, and let them soak overnight. The next day, wring them
out and air dry them. Store in a covered metal can.
Early Spring Insect Soap Spray

This suffocates early spring insects, especially on fruit trees.
1 gallon light-grade oil
1/2 gallon warm water
1 pound laundry soap
Dissolve soap in water. Add oil and mix well to emulsify. Dilute with 20 times more
water before use. Apply the soap while the trees are still in a dormant, leafless state,
covering the tree thoroughly with each spraying.
Easy Floor Cleaner

Mix 1 cup white vinegar with 2 gallons hot water. For greasy floors, add 1/4 cup
washing soda and 1 tablespoon vegetable-oil-based soap to the above mixture.
Easy Homemade Carpet Revitalizer
This carpet revitalizer recipe is a two step process. First, mix 1 cup white vinegar and 3
cups warm water together and lightly scrub with a brush (do not saturate carpet). Let dry
to "release" grime from the surface area. (Spot test a small, inconspicuous area of your
rug first to test for color stability of the fibers.) Store excess in a glass jar.
Shelf life 3-4 months.
Phase 2
2 cups baking soda
2 tablespoons cornstarch
4 drops vanilla essential oil
Next, sift the baking soda, cornstarch, and essential oil together using a hand
sifter. (You may need to do this a few times because the essential oil will clump
at first.) Sprinkle over dry carpet and let sit for an hour, then vacuum. The powder
will "lift" any oils and additional grime that has floated to the surface during the
first process and will finish the deodorizing process.
Powder shelf life: discard after 2 weeks.
Easy Homemade Soap Flakes
You can make your own soap flakes by using any pure vegetable, castile or
glycerin soap and grating it with a cheese grater. You can experiment with
different types to get different smells and even colors.
Grate a bar fresh for use as needed in recipes, or grate several bars in advance
and set in a shallow dish or cardboard box (shoeboxes work great) and allow
flakes to air dry for a week or two. Once dry store in an airtight container.
Easy Laundry Powder

1 good size bar of soap (Kirk's Castile, Fels Naphtha, etc)
1-2 cups WASHING SODA (not baking soda)
1-2 cups borax (check the laundry aisle)
Directions:
Grate the bar of soap. I use the smallest side of my 4-sided grater.
Put in plastic bag or other container with the washing soda and borax. Mix well.
Note: I have very hard water so I use more soda.
Dissolve in a small container of warm or hot water before adding to a cold water
wash. You can put it right on a warm or hot wash.
For a load of not-too-dirty laundry, use 1/4 cup.
If I've been out working in the mud and dirt and dust, then sometimes I need a
whole cup, and maybe a pre-soak. And I mix in more borax.
You can pre-treat stains with more soap right off the bar.
Essential Oil Room Air Freshener Spray Recipe

1 cup distilled water
8 - 10 drops essential oil of your choice
spray bottle, with a fine mist setting
label
Pour the cup of distilled water into the spray bottle. Add the drops of essential oils
and shake very well. Cap the bottle, and allow to sit for a few hours before using.
Shake the bottle before each use to evenly distribute the scented oil throughout the
water. Use the label to describe what sort of air freshener each bottle is. And be sure
to use the fine mist setting on your bottle, so the spray will be distributed nicely in
the air.
Here are some interesting ideas for wonderful air freshener sprays, but you can go
ahead and create your own favorite blends using scents that you love the most! To
use the following recipe, just add the recommended amounts of essential oil to the
spray bottle with the distilled water, and follow the instructions as above. Please note
that essential oils can vary in potency - for this reason, you can add or reduce the
amounts of essential oil recommended in each recipe, if you find that the essential oil
you've bought is either stronger or weaker than expected.
DEODORIZING ROOM SPRAY This one is great for the bathroom!
6 drops bergamot essential oil
1 drop eucalyptus essential oil
2 drops lemon essential oil
Add to the distilled water in the spray bottle, shake well and spray as a fine mist.
PET DEODORIZING ROOM SPRAY
If you have pets like I do, this spray is great for around the litter box, or just for
freshening up the entire house!
6 drops cedarwood
3 drops tea tree oil

Add to the distilled water in the spray bottle, shake well and spray as a fine mist.
APPLE PIE SPICE ROOM AIR FRESHENER
6 drops Cinnamon essential oil
3 drops clove essential oil
Add to distilled water in the spray bottle, shake well and spray as a fine mist. I love
this one sprayed in the kitchen!
ORANGE SPICE ROOM AIR FRESHENER
2 drops cinnamon essential oil
Add to distilled water in the spray bottle, shake well and spray as a fine mist. Lovely
spicy orange scent!
Now, here are three blends made to change your mood for the better! It's been
proven that with the effects of aromatherapy, just the way things smell can altar
your mood.
MOOD LIFTER AIR FRESHENER SPRAY
4 drops chamomile essential oil
2 drops ylang ylang essential oil
Follow directions as with other recipes above. This recipe will make you feel more
light hearted, and less depressed.
STRESS RELIEVER AIR FRESHENER SPRAY
3 drops rose essential oil
2 drops clary sage essential oil, optional
Follow directions as with other recipes above. This air freshener will help relieve
stress, and it smells really wonderful!
SLEEPY-HOUR RELAXATION AIR FRESHENER SPRAY

3 drops chamomile essential oil
Both of these essential oils have wonderful, sedative effects. Spray a little in your
bedroom a half hour before going to bed, to enjoy the soothing effects of these
natural sedatives. Or spray a little on your pillow or bedclothes to enjoy a whole
night of wonderful, restorative sleep.
http://www.kitchencraftsnmore.net/recipe035.html
Eyeglass Cleaner
Fill a spray bottle (any size will do) with 3/4 rubbing alcohol and 1/4 water. Put in a
few drops of dish soap. Spray both sides of each lens and rub clean with a soft cloth.
Never use paper towels, toilet paper or kleenex as they contain harsh abrasives that
will scratch your lenses.
Eyeglasses Cleaner
In 8 ounces of water add 2 ounces of vinegar and 1 oz of rubbing alcohol.
Fabric Softener
2 cups baking soda
4 cups water
Mix ingredients and store in a plastic or glass container in your laundry area. Label
the container and keep it out of the reach of children.
To use: Shake the mixture and add 1/4 cup to the final rinse in the washing
machine. If you have hard water, use 1/3 cup.
Fabric Softener 2
2 cups baking soda
4 cups water
2 cups Herbal Vinegar or white vinegar
Mix ingredients and store in a plastic or glass container in the laundry area. Add 1/4
cup to the final rinse water in washing machine. If your water is hard, you may have
to add a little more.
Fabric Softener 3
2 cups baking soda
4 cups water.
Mix these ingredients and use 1/4 cup per load in the final rinse.
Fabric Softener Sheets

Few capsful liquid fabric softener
Small bowl of water
Pour a few capsful of any inexpensive fabric softener into a small bowl of water.
Swish a washcloth in the solution. Wring it out, and toss it into the dryer along with
wet clothes.
Fabric Waterproofer
3 cups soybean oil
1 1/2 cups turpentine
Mix and paint on outer surface. Allow to dry.
NOTE: USE ONLY ON OUTDOOR-TYPE ARTICLES SUCH AS CANVAS TENTS AND
BAGS.
Fabric Whitener
1 part cream of tartar
3 parts water
Use to whiten white linen or cotton.
Famous Jewelry Cleaner

1 ounce lump of borax
1 pint water
1/2 ounce washing soda
2 1/2 ounces liquid ammonia
1/2 ounce finely shaved castile soap
Mix borax, washing soda, castile soap and water and boil in an enameled pot until all
the ingredients are dissolved. When partially cooled, stir in liquid ammonia and add
enough water to make 2 quarts.
Place jewelry in this mixture. Brush well. Rinse in very hot water and dry carefully.
Fiberglass Cleaner
1/2 cup vinegar

1/4 cup baking soda
1 cup clear ammonia
1 gallon warm water
Mix well. Wear rubber gloves, and work in a well-ventilated area.
Fiberglass Scouring Cleanser

1/2 cup soap flakes
1 1/2 cups hot water
2 teaspoons borax
2 to 5 teaspoons whiting
In a large plastic bowl, mix soap flakes and borax into water until dissolved. Add
whiting gradually, checking the consistency and degree of abrasiveness after each
teaspoon. Pour mixture into a squeeze-top container. Squeeze some of the cleanser
onto a sponge and then wipe down the fixture. Rinse and dry.
Fiberglass Tub Floor Cleaner

This is to be used only on the irregular bottom surface of the tub - not on the smooth
surfaces.
3 cups baking soda
1 cup borax
Fine drywall sandpaper
Mix baking soda and borax together. Work the cleanser in with the drywall
sandpaper and then rinse well.
Fireplace Cleaner
4 ounces naphtha soap
1/2 pound powdered pumice
1 quart hot water
Add soap to the hot water. Heat until the soap dissolves. Cool, then stir in pumice
and ammonia. Mix thoroughly. Remove as much of the smoky deposit as you can
before applying a coat of the soap mixture with a paint brush. Allow it to remain on
for 30 minutes. Scrub with a paint brush and warm water. Sponge with plenty of
water to rinse.
Flame Extinguisher (for campfires)

2 teaspoons salt
1 quart water
Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle. Spray directly on base of fire.
Floor Cleaner, Multipurpose

(for asphalt, rubber, vinyl, asbestos tiles and resilient linoleum sheets)
1/2 cup liquid chlorine bleach
1/4 cup washing soda
1 gallon warm water
Mix all in a bucket. Mop small areas at a time with a minimum of liquid.
Floor Mop Oil

1/4 cup turpentine
Wearing rubber gloves, mix oil and turpentine in a mixing container. Pour mixture
into a 22-ounce plastic spray bottle. Lightly spray on your dust mop before dusting
floors.
Floor Polish
1/4 cup shredded paraffin wax
2 quarts mineral oil
Boil water in a double boiler with the top empty. Turn off heat and remove double
boiler to a heatproof surface. Place paraffin and mineral oil in the top. Stir until
paraffin melts into the oil. Store tightly sealed. To use, apply a small amount of
polish to a small section of floor, rubbing it in well. Then buff the floor with a clean
cloth to remove excess oil.
Floor Sanitizer
Add 2 gallons of hot water to 1/2 cup of borax. Put the borax in the bucket first, then
add water slowly to avoid splashing.
Floor Shine
(for between waxings)
1 cup fabric softener

1/2 bucket water
Mix well. Use to wash the floor.
Floor Stripper (for no-wax floors)

1/2 cup powdered cleaner (such as Spic & Span)
1 cup ammonia
1/2 cup cool water
CAUTION! Do NOT use powdered cleaner that contains bleach.
Mix. Puddle the solution on the floor in a 3-foot square sections and allow to
penetrate for 5 minutes. Mop up the solution, then rinse thoroughly with clear water.
To prevent yellow buildup, wash your floor regularly with detergent or ammonia and
water.
Floor Wax (hard-finish)

1/2 cup ceresin wax
2 tablespoons yellow beeswax
2 1/8 cups turpentine
1 tablespoon pine oil
Melt both waxes in a double boiler. Remove from heat and slowly stir in turpentine
and pine oil. Cool and store in a glass container. To use, apply with a cloth; allow to
dry, then polish.
Floor Wax Stripper

1 cup ammonia
2 quarts water
Wearing rubber gloves, mix all ingredients in a 1-gallon bucket. Sponge or mop the
cleaner onto a small area of floor, getting the floor quite wet. Let sit for 5 minutes to
soften the wax. Loosen the wax by scrubbing with the scrubber, then sponge up the
cleaner and loosened wax. Rinse with clear water. Repeat for the rest of the floor. If
any wax residue remains, repeat the stripping treatment over the entire floor.
Formica Cleaner
1/2 teaspoon vegetable oil-based liquid soap
1/2 teaspoon linseed or olive oil

1/2 cup warm water
Mix well in a spray bottle. Shake well. Spray Formica surface, then wash with a
sponge. Rinse well.
Fruity Dish Soap

Liquid castile soap
20 drops lime
10 drops sweet orange
5 drops citrus
Fill a clean 22 oz. plastic squirt bottle with castile soap (diluted according to directions if
using concentrate). Add the essential oils. Shake the bottle before each use. Add 1-2
tablespoons of the liquid to dishwater and wash as usual.
Furniture Polish
1 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup lemon juice
Pour oil and lemon juice into a squirt bottle or jar. Stir to combine.
To use, dip dust cloth or rag into oil. Blot the oil by folding the cloth together, and
then dust your furniture. Leaves a beautiful finish!
Furniture Polish (multi-purpose)

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 quart warm water
Mix well. Store in a spray bottle. This is best if used warm so, before using, place
bottle in a pan of hot water for a while. After applying, rub dry with a soft, clean
cloth.
Furniture Polish 2
1/3 cup boiled linseed oil
1/3 cup turpentine
1/3 cup vinegar
Mix well before each use.
Furniture Polish 3
1 tablespoon lemon oil
1 quart mineral oil
Mix in a clean spray bottle. Spray on, rub in, and wipe clean.
Furniture Polish 4
* 1/4 cup white vinegar
* 1/4 cup olive oil
* 2 tsp lemon juice
* Spray bottle
1. Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake.
2. Spray onto wood surfaces and wipe dry.

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c
Furniture Polish 5
Mix in a sprayer bottle:
1 cup olive oil
1/2 cup lemon juice
Shake well and apply a small amount to a flannel cleaning rag or cleaning cloth.
Spread evenly over furniture surface. Turn cloth to a dry side and polish dry.
Furniture Polish Build-Up Remover

1 part water
1 part white vinegar
Moisten a soft cloth with this mixture. Wring the cloth out, and gently rub over the
surface. Dry immediately with a clean, soft cloth.
Furniture Polish/Dust Remover

2 Tbsp olive oil
2 Tbsp lemon juice

(or any portions you need 1:1 ratio)
Mix ingredients and shake well!
Pour into a spray bottle, or simply use a rag to apply, then wipe.
Use soft rag, slightly dampened with the solution.
Keep any leftovers refrigerated.
Furniture Restorer
This will remove the white marks made by something rubbing on legs, sides or
corners of furniture.
1 part non-gel toothpaste
1 part baking soda
Mix together and put mixture on a slightly damp cloth. Rub over the marks with the
cloth, using moderate pressure. It may take up to 15 minutes to completely remove
the marks. Wipe the residue off with a dry cloth and buff with a soft cotton cloth.
Furniture Wax
1 pound yellow beeswax
1 pint turpentine
1 pint boiled linseed oil
Melt wax in the top of a double boiler. Turn off heat and, wearing rubber gloves,
remove double boiler to a heatproof surface. Add oil and turpentine and mix
thoroughly. Pour into the container; cool with lid off. Wax is ready to use when it's
cool and solid.
Garlic Spray
6 tablespoons chopped garlic
1 pint water
2 teaspoons liquid paraffin
1/4 cup Soft Soap
Soak garlic in paraffin for 24 hours. Add water and soap and mix well. Strain the
mixture and store the liquid in a glass jar for no longer than 1 week. This works well
against cutworms, slugs, white flies, and wire worms.
Gel Fragrance in a jar

Make your own gel air freshner with a few simple ingredients. 1 cup water (divided),
1 envelope Knox gelatin, 1/8 tsp rubbing alcohol or vodka, 1/2 tsp essential oil or
fragrance oil. Boil 1/2 cup water, then dissolve the Knox gel in it. Add the other half
of the water (cold) and stir until blended. Add the alcohol and essential oil and stir
until well blended. Pour into jars of your choice. Set out to fragrance a room. Don't
place on a very warm spot like the top of the TV or it will liquify some. If this
happens, you can restore it by popping it into the refrigerator for awhile.
General Carpet Shampoo

1/3 cup soap flakes
3 1/2 cups boiling water
2 teaspoons of washing soda
6 drops vanilla essential oil (cuts urine & smoke odors)
6 drops peppermint or wintergreen essential oil (mild disinfectant)
Stir the soap flakes into the boiling water until they dissolve. Let cool to room
temperature, then add washing soda and essential oil. Mix and put in glass jar or bowl.
Spot test a small, inconspicuous are of your rug first to test for color stability of the
fibers. To use, shake well and gently scrub into carpet with a brush, then let dry and
vacuum. Avoid saturating the carpet to prevent stretching. Shelf life: Approximately 6
months.
Gentle Fabric Soap
1 cup soap flakes
1/2 cup borax
Combine soap flakes and borax in a large pan and pour the boiling water over the
mixture, stirring until soap is dissolved. Cool, then store in a plastic squeeze or pump
container and keep in the laundry area.
To use, measure out 1/4 cup for each quart of water. Add items to be washed and
agitate them around. The mixture should produce suds. If it does not, add another
squirt. If your delicate items are heavily soiled, soak them for 1 or 2 hours in the
cleaning solution before laundering them.
Gentle Silver Polish

1/4 cup mashed, pureed banana skins
Mix well to make a paste. Apply to silver, rub, then buff dry.
Glass and Window Sparkler

1 cup White Vinegar
10-15 drops of Lemon Essential Oil
Water
Mix vinegar and water in spray bottle. Add essential oil, Shake and use.
Glass Film Remover
1 cup household bleach
1 cup white vinegar
Fill dishwasher with all your dirty dishes. DO NOT put any silver, aluminum or brass
in the washer with this method. Put a bowl in the bottom of the dishwasher. Pour
household bleach into the bowl. Run through the washing cycle, but do not dry. THIS
IS IMPORTANT! Fill bowl again with white vinegar and let the dishwasher go through
the entire cycle. This will remove all film not only from your glasses, but from your
dishwasher, too.
GLASS OR WINDOW CLEANER

To a 1 qt. spray bottle add 2 Tbsp. distilled vinegar, 1 cup water, 1 tsp. rubbing
alcohol. Shake to mix and use to clean any glass.
Barbasol regular shaving cream will defog mirrors for up to a week. Wipe it on with a
cloth and then wipe it off with a lint-free cloth.
In a 2 qt. spray bottle put 1 qt. club soda and 1/2 cup Parson's clear ammonia, nonsudsing type. Mix and apply to windows and squeegee off. Club soda alone with
clean glass.
Mix 2 parts white vinegar to 1 part water to clean windows.
Glass Scratch Remover Paste

2 tablespoons glycerin
2 tablespoons jeweler's rouge
2 tablespoons water
Mix into a paste in a glass or plastic jar. Dab some paste on a clean cloth and rub
scratched area. Wash off with clear water. If scratch is deep, repeat application as
needed.
GNAT OR FRUITFLY KILLER

Fill a small jar with 1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar and some water. Let it sit on the
countertop and they will go for it and drown.
Gnat, Fly and Mosquito Repellent

1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup water
Mix. Store in a tightly-covered container. Rub this mixture on faces and arms. Also
apply it around eyes and ears and it will keep flies away.
Go-Green Cleaner
Put one tsp. baking soda and 2 Tbs. white vinegar into a spray bottle. It will fizz up,
but just let it calm down before doing anything else. (About 2 minutes)
Step 2
Mix in 1/2 tsp. of any liquid dish soap, a couple drops of essential oil
(clove,violet,and rose work well) and fill the bottle the rest of the way with warm
water.
Step 3
Shake vigorously until mixed. Now you have an all natural cleaner that works better
than any I've ever bought at the store! Use this on counter tops,bathrooms,
children's toys and anything else you can think of. This cleaner has antibacterial
properties
Gold Jewelry Cleaner

1 teaspoon mild dishwashing liquid
1 quart warm water
1 teaspoon ammonia
In a small bowl, mix dishwashing liquid and ammonia in water to make a sudsy
solution. Immerse the gold to be cleaned in the solution for a few minutes, then
brush gently with a soft toothbrush to get into crevices and cracks and other hardto-reach places. Rinse in lukewarm water and allow to dry. After drying, rub gold
lightly with a chamois cloth to restore a lustrous shine.
Gold Polish
2 teaspoons ammonium sulfate
1 cup whiting (calcium carbonate)
Stir all ingredients well and store in a sealed container. Apply to gold with a damp
cloth. Buff with a clean cloth.
Grape Fungi Control

1 gallon water
Dissolve baking soda in water. Spray evenly over grapes and vines. Apply once when
the fruit starts to appear and weekly thereafter for about 2 months. Also, re-apply
after each rain.
Grout Cleaner
3 cups baking soda
1 cup warm water
Prepare mixture fresh each time. Mix into smooth paste. Scrub into grout and rinse
well with clear water.
Gum Arabic Adhesive

(for paper, broken glass or porcelain)
6 tablespoons gum Arabic
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons glycerin
1 cup water
Dissolve gum Arabic in water and add glycerin. Mix well. Apply to both surfaces of
broken or torn object with a popsicle stick. Hold together for 5 minutes. This can be
stored in an airtight container for a short period of time.
Hand Santizing Gel

1/4 cup aloe vera gel
1/4 cup grain alcohol
10 drops fragrance oil
1 drop food coloring
Combine ingredients and shake well. Store in a spray pump bottle to use.
Hard Water Fabric Gel Soap

2 cups pure soap flakes
1 1/2 cups Borax
6 cups warm water
1/2 cup glycerin
2 t essential oil either lavender, lemon or eucalyptus
In med pan, stir soap flakes, borax, & water. Heat slowly, stir til mix is clear. Add
glycerin, set aside to cool. When cool, add essential oil, stir well. Pour in mason jar
or other container, cover til needed.
To use, add 1 cup Gel per load of clothes, making sure soap is dissolved well before
adding clothes to water. This gel works best w/warm water, or dissolve it in qt warm
water before adding it to the wash.
Hard Water Laundry Detergent

1 cup soap flakes
1 cup washing soda
1 cup borax
Mix ingredients and store in a lidded, labeled canister in the laundry room. To use:
Measure out 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup and wash your clothing in warm or cold water. Use
cold water for the rinse cycle.
Heavy Duty Grout Cleaner with Ammonia

1 tsp household ammonia
1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide
3/4 cup water
Combine well in bowl. Pour small amounts onto grout, or saturate towel and press to
grout on a wall, so grout is saturated with the solution. Scrub with stiff bristled brush
(being careful to check that tile cannot be scratched. Allow to sit for several minutes
then rinse well with warm water. Repeat if needed.
Herbal Carpet Freshener

1 cup baking soda
1/2 cup lavender flowers
Crush the lavender flowers to release their scent. Mix well with baking soda and sprinkle
dry carpet cleaner and deodorizer liberally on carpets. Vacuum after 30 minutes.
Herbal Carpet Freshener 2
6 cups baking soda (buy bulk!)
3 cups dried lavender, crushed
1 cup cornstarch
Combine ingredients and store in an airtight container. Allow to sit for for 2-3 days
prior to first use, to allow the lavender to infuse into the baking soda and cornstarch.
To use, simply sprinkle on carpets, wait for an hour, and then vacuum it up. If the
carpets are really bad, sprinkle freshener before you go to bed, then vacuum first
thing in the morning.
Home Remedies for All Purpose Cleaners

Vinegar and Salt. Mix together for a good surface cleaner.
Baking Soda. Dissolve 4 tablespoons baking soda in 1 quart warm water for a
general cleaner. Or use baking soda on a damp sponge. Baking soda will clean
and deodorize all kitchen and bathroom surfaces.
Use liquid castile soap and baking soda or Borax in different ratios. Use a little
soap and soda/borax with lots of water on floors, walls and counters. Use more
soap, soda/Borax for tubs sinks, cat boxes, anything that can be well rinsed.
For a general, all-purpose cleaner, try a paste made from baking soda and water
or mix salt and water with a little vinegar.
3 tbsp. vinegar, 1/2 tsp. washing soda, 1/2 tsp. vegetable oil based liquid soap, 2
cups hot water. Mix ingredients in spray bottle or bucket. Apply and wipe clean.
Homemade Carpet Powder
Simply use plain old baking soda to sprinkle on the carpets about 15-20 minutes
before you vacuum. Baking soda helps to neutralize odors, giving the whole room a
fresher odor. If you'd like to add a touch of natural scent, try adding a few pinches of
ground spices such as cloves or cinnamon. OR, you can add a few drops of essential
oils to the baking soda, and use a fork to mix together and break up any clumps.
Handy Tip
Use an old spice shaker or a parmesan cheese-type shaker to make shaking the
powder out a lot easier. Then you can keep this in your cleaning kit and use
whenever you want to freshen up the carpets!
Homemade Cleaner
Crystal Miller
In a clean, empty gallon milk jug put:
2 Tablespoons ammonia
1 teaspoon dish detergent
1 pint (2 cups) rubbing alcohol

4 drops food coloring optional
a few drops of your favorite essential oil for a nice fresh scent, I use Orange
Fill the rest of the gallon jug with hot water. Pour into spray container to use.
Homemade Febreze
2 cups fabric softener
2 cups baking soda
4 cups hot water
Purchase a large spray bottle. Dissolve the baking soda in the hot water; allow to
cool completely. Put fabric softener (Downey is a good one to use) in it and fill the
spray bottle. Spray it lightly on furniture, curtains, carpets and bedding for a nice
fresh scent.
Homemade Flea Bath Recipe

* One lemon
* A pot
* Water
* A spray bottle, sponge or pet brush
What You Do:
1. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Then, remove from heat.
2. Add a sliced lemon to the pot, and allow it to steep overnight.
3. Apply the resulting liquid to your pet with a spray bottle, sponge or brush.
4. Repeat daily or as needed.
Why This Works
Lemons contain limonene, a chemical that kills and repels fleas.
Homemade Flea Repellent

mix equal parts white vinegar and water together in a spray bottle, and apply the
mixture directly to your dog's coat. Finish by working it in with your hands, and your
pooch is protected from those pesky fleas.

1) Repeat every couple days to maintain the effectiveness
2) This spray can also be used on cats, but be warned: most cats hate the smell of
vinegar
3) Do not reuse empty cleaner bottles they could contain chemical residues that are
harmful to your pet
Homemade Floor Cleaner

1 cup white vinegar
1 gallon warm water
Mix in your cleaning bucket and use this to clean vinyl type floors.
Homemade Fly Trap

2 cups water
1/2 cup vinegar
Mix ingredients and pour into a fruit jar. Punch holes in the lid large enough so that
flies can get inside. Set outside away from the kitchen door. It will draw flies away
from the door.
Homemade Glass Cleaner

1 cup rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol
1 cup water
Homemade Laundry Soap

1 bar Ivory Soap (plain, pure soap - no fragrance)
1 cup washing soda (not baking soda)
Fill a large bucket or container with hot tap water. Set aside.
Grate the bar of soap into a saucepan. Add water just to cover the grated soap. Heat
the mixture, stirring constantly, until the soap is dissolved. Add the soap-water
mixture to the hot water in the bucket. Stir to combine. Then add washing soda and
stir. As this cools it will turn into a white gelatinous soap. The thickness will vary
depending on the size of container used.
To use: Pour one cup into soiled laundry load.
This bucket of soap does a lot of laundry for a very small price and more soap is just
15 minutes away. One batch washes 24 loads of laundry.
Homemade Pre-treating Stain Remover

2 TBS Ammonia
3/4 Cup Dawn Dish Soap
2 Cups warm Water
Mix well. Store in a spray bottle. Let sit 15 minutes on stains; then wash.
Homemade SoftScrub Cleaner

If you need a homemade cleaner that isn't gritty and won't cause scratches, you can
make your own version of SoftScrub cleaner. You can double the recipe if you need
more on cleaning day.
1/4 cup baking soda
2 tbsp vinegar
2 tbsp liquid dish detergent
Adjust the amount of vinegar to get the Softscrub consistency you want.
Combine ingredients and place in a clean, empty squeeze bottle. Use as you would
normal SoftScrub cleaner.
Homemade Vanilla Deodorizer Spray

Fill a small spray bottle with 1/2 water and 1/2 vinegar solution. Then add a few
drops of vanilla essential oil to the bottle, mixing well. If it isn't vanilla-y enough for
you after sitting for a day, add another drop or two a day until you have the perfect
vanilla scenet.
To use, simply spray the air a few times with your vanilla deodorizer spray to help
kill the bad smells while leaving the scent of vanilla behind.
Homemade Window Cleaner

t mild dish detergent
3T vinegar
2 cups water
Put all these ingredients into a spray bottle. Shake this up some and use it just like
the commercial variety.
Homemade Window Cleaner #2

3T Ammonia
1T vinegar
Put in spray bottle and fill the rest of the way up with water.
Homemade Window Glass Cleaner

1/2 cup vinegar to 1 gallon of water (or 2 tablespoons per quart) OR
1/2 cup sudsy ammonia to 1 gallon water (or 2 tablespoons per quart)
OR
1/2 cup sudsy ammonia 2 cups rubbing alcohol 1 teaspoon liquid dishwashing
detergent 1 gallon water (This one is less likely to freeze in cold weather.)
Homemade Wipes
To make any of these wipes, tear off paper towels and lay in a square plastic
container. They can be folded or cut in half. Mix ingredients in a large measuring
cup, and slowly pour over a stack of paper towels. They will 'squish' down after
absorbing the liquid. Seal tightly.
Caution: Some square seals are not airtight and may leak if tipped.
Baby Wipes:
White Brawny or Bounty paper towels (1/2 regular roll)
2 1/4 cups water
2 tablespoons liquid baby bath
2 teaspoons baby oil
Face/Hand Wipes:
2 tablespoons liquid baby bath
2 cups water
Bathroom Wipes:
1/2 cup pine cleaner
2 cups water
Window Wipes:
1 cup glass cleaner
1 1/2 cups water
HOUSEHOLD CLEANERS
Mix 1 tsp. Boraxo , 1/2 tsp. washing soda, 2 Tbsp. white vinegar, 1/2 tsp. Murphy's
Oil Soap, and 2 cups water in a spray bottle and use as a general cleaner.
Mix 1/2 cup baking soda with enough liquid detergent to make a creamy paste and
use this to clean sinks and tubs. Rinse well.
To make a scrub cleaner mix 1Tbsp. each of Boraxo , sea salt, and baking soda.
Makes a good scouring powder.
You can mix 1/4 cup baking soda and enough Murphy's Oil Soap to form a paste to
make a product that will clean your tub and sink as good as any cleanser but without
the gritty residue.
Houseplant Mix
1 quart finely sifted topsoil
2 quarts finely sifted compost or high-quality leaf mold
1 quart coarse builder's sand, perlite or vermiculite or
pre-moistened peat or sphagnum moss
1/2 cup dehydrated cow manure or 1/4 cup dehydrated poultry manure
Put 1 inch of loose gravel at the bottom of the container for better drainage. Or you
may use the Styrofoam "popcorn." Fill with Houseplant Mix.
How to Anti-Fog Mirrors

To make a homemade anti-fogging glass cleaner try any one of the three following:
rub a few drops of liquid dish washing detergent applied with a damp paper towel
over the window (or)
2 oz white vinegar to 1 quart tap water (or)
1 oz. sudsy ammonia, 4 oz. rubbing alcohol, 1/4 teaspoon liquid dish washing
detergent, 1 quart water
HOW TO RID ODORS FROM HANDS & BREATH

If you handle garlic or onions to remove the odors wash hands with soap and water.
Then take some cheesecloth and fill it with coffee beans and tie it with a rubber
band. Rub this bag of coffee beans over your hands. This will last for 6 months and
then you should discard it and make a new one.
For garlic or onion breath you can chew on a coffee bean. Or eat some fresh parsley
sprigs.
Wash hands with baking soda to remove odors, or rub hands with a freshly sliced
lemon half. Squirt some of the lemon juice on the hands and rub it in, then wash
hands as you normally would to remove odors.
Wash odors off hands by holding any piece of stainless steel in your hands at same
time as you wash hands underneath running water. Works every time!
Hurricane Window Cleaner

This is the cleaner that was used to take tape marks off windows after the hurricanes
in the southeast in 1986. It is also great for removing soap film on shower doors.
1/2 cup ammonia
1 pint alcohol
1 teaspoon dish detergent
Water to make a gallon
Put ammonia, alcohol and detergent in gallon jug. Fill up with water. Shake before
each use.
Ink Remover
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon milk
1 teaspoon borax
Combine ingredients in a small bowl. Place the portion of fabric with the ink stain
between several thicknesses of paper toweling. Paint the spot with the Ink Remover.
Wait a few minutes, then sponge area with cool water. Repeat until stain is gone.
Key Lime Dish Detergent Powder

Source: Herbal Homekeeping - Sandy Maine
Given the sheer volume of dirty dishes generated by the average household, this is
probably the most ecologically important recipe in this book. Powdered dish
detergent eliminates the need for buying plastic bottles and then recycling or
disposing of them. The weight of the water included in dishwashing liquid need not
be shipped from coast to coast, saving fuel and air pollution. Washing dishes in the
sink saves electricity and water, too.
This powder is just as effective as liquid. If you find that you really prefer a liquid,
add some boiling water to the formula, stir until the powder is dissolved, and bottle
in your favorite squirt dispenser. The following formula will last the average family of
four approximately six months.
1/2 cup clay powder
2 tablespoons lime essential oil
24 cups sodium lauryl sulfate
6 cups baking soda
Wear a dust mask to mix this formula. Mix clay powder and essential oil, then, in a
two-gallon pail or container, combine with the baking soda and sodium lauryl sulfate.
Mix well.
To convert to liquid soap, add 18 cups of boiling water and stir until all ingredients
are dissolved. Store in gallon jugs and refill squirt bottles as needed.
To use, add about a tablespoon of powder or a good squirt of liquid per sink load
while filling the sink. For tough jobs, make a paste of the powder by adding water
and rub directly on the spot, or apply the liquid directly to it.
Kitchen Floor Cleaner

For greasy, no-wax floors:
1 cup vinegar
1 tablespoon vegetable oil-based liquid soap
2 gallons hot water
Combine all ingredients, stirring well to dissolve the washing soda. Mop as usual.
Kitchen Potpourri
1/4 cup whole cloves
1 cup whole allspice
10 (3-inch long) cinnamon sticks, broken into pieces

8 small bay leaves
4 whole nutmegs
3 tablespoons star anise
2 tablespoons whole cardamom pods
Combine all the ingredients in a bowl, mixing well. Store indefinitely at room
temperature, stirring occasionally.
Laundry Detergent
1 ounce liquid castile soap
1 cup washing soda
1 cup baking soda
1 cup white vinegar
Fill washer with water and add each ingredient in the order given. Launder as usual.
Laundry Detergent 2
In a large heavy-duty plastic container, combine 1 cup soap flakes, 1/2 cup washing
soda and 1/2 cup of borax.
Use 1/2 cup of mixture per load of laundry. Use with cold and warm water washes,
with cold water rinse.
Laundry Detergent 3
3 Pints Water
1/3 Bar Fels Naptha Soap, Grated
1/2 Cup Washing Soda
1/2 Cup Borax
2 Gallon Bucket
1 Quart Hot Water
Hot Water
Mix Fels Naptha soap in a saucepan with 3 pints of water, and heat on low until
dissolved. Stir in Washing Soda and Borax. Stir until thickened, and remove from
heat. Add 1 Quart Hot Water to 2 Gallon Bucket. Add soap mixture, and mix well. Fill
bucket with hot water, and mix well. Set aside for 24 hours, or until mixture
thickens. Use 1/2 cup of mixture per load.
Laundry Detergent 4
1 Cup Grated Fels Naptha Soap

1/2 Cup Borax
2 Tablespoons Glycerin
2 Cups Water
Mix all three ingredients together. Add glycerin and water.
Use 1/2 - 3/4 cup per load. Best when used with cold or warm water.
Laundry Detergent 5
Water
1 Bar Fels Naptha Soap, Grated
5 Gallon Bucket
1 Cup Washing Soda
4 1/2 Gallons Hot Water
Place grated soap in a small saucepan and cover with water. Heat on low until
dissolved. Fill bucket with hot water, and add soap. Stir to combine. Add 1 cup
washing soda and mix well. As it cools it will thicken. May be used immediately. Use
1-2 cups per load.
Laundry Detergent 6
1 Cup Grated Fels Naptha Soap
1/2 Cup Borax
For light load, use 1 tablespoon. For heavy or heavily soiled load, use 2 tablespoons.
Laundry Detergent Gel

1 bar Fels Naptha Soap
1-2 cups Arm & Hammer Washing Soda
3 gallons very, very hot water (near boiling)
Grate tne soap and set aside. Heat water to boiling and stir in soap until melted. Let
is set until any bubbles have tamed down. You may leave it on medium-low heat
during this stage (1-5 min). Pour half of the hot water into a 5-gallon bucket. Stir in
hald of the washing soda and keep stirring until dissolved. Add the remaining water
and washing soda and stir until everything has dissolved and melted. Cover and let
the detergent "set up" overnight.
Use 1 cup per load.
Laundry Pre-Treat Spray

1/2 gallon water
2 tablespoons Soft Soap
1/4 cup baking soda
Put all ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well. Spray all hard-to-clean areas of
clothing before washing.
Laundry Pre-Wash Spray

1/2 cup ammonia
1/2 cup liquid laundry detergent
Water
Put all the ingredients into a pint spray bottle. Shake well before using.
Laundry Soap
(for automatic washers)
2 cups pure soap flakes or powder
2 to 4 tablespoons washing soda (4 tablespoons if using very hard water)
LAUNDRY SOAP 2
1/3 bar of Fels-Naptha soap, grated
1/2 cup borax powder
1 tbsp essential oil (optional)
2 gallon jugs (Dorice uses recycled vinegar jugs)
Place grated soap in a large pot over medium heat and add 6 cups of water. Heat the
mixture until the soap melts. Add the washing soda, the borax, and any essential oil.
Stir constantly until all is dissolved.
Allow to sit over heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let
sit for 5 minutes more.
Using a funnel, place half of the solution in each of the gallon jugs, then add enough
hot water to fill the container half way in each. Shake well, then fill the remaining
half of each jug with hot water and shake again.
Allow to sit for 24 hours when it will gel up and look like egg whites.
Use 1/2 to 2/3rds cup per load. This solution will not suds up, but cleans great and
makes the clothes smell fresh.
March/April 2007 issue of Countryside Magazine and Small Stock Journal. Dorice
Baty, with equal credit to her grandmother Beulah who has always been her
inspiration.
Please be advised that Fels-Naptha laundry soap is not organic and can cause skin
irritation on susceptible individuals. However, the method could be experimented
with using other soaps.
Laundry Soap 3
1 quart Water (boiling)
2 cups Bar soap (grated)
2 cups Borax
2 cups Washing Soda
* Add finely grated bar soap to the boiling water and stir until soap is melted. You
can keep on low heat until soap is melted.
* Pour the soap water into a large, clean pail and add the Borax and Washing
Soda. Stir well until all is dissolved.
* Add 2 gallons of water, stir until well mixed.
* Cover pail and use 1/4 cup for each load of laundry. Stir the soap each time you
use it (will gel).
Laundry Soap 4
Hot water
1 cup Washing Soda
1/2 cup Borax
1 Soap bar
* Grate the bar soap and add to a large saucepan with hot water. Stir over
medium-low heat until soap dissolves and is melted.
* Fill a 10 gallon pail half full of hot water. Add the melted soap, Borax and
Washing soda, stir well until all powder is dissolved. Top the pail up with more hot
water.
* Use 1 cup per load, stirring soap before each use (will gel).
Laundry Soap 5
Hot water
1/2 cup Washing Soda
1/2 cup Borax
1/3 bar Soap (grated)
* In a large pot, heat 3 pints of water. Add the grated bar soap and stir until
melted. Then add the washing soda and borax. Stir until powder is dissolved, then
remove from heat.
* In a 2 gallon clean pail, pour 1 quart of hot water and add the heated soap
mixture. Top pail with cold water and stir well.
* Use 1/2 cup per load, stirring soap before each use (will gel).
Laundry Soap 6
Hot water
1 bar (4.5 oz) Ivory Soap grated
1 cup Washing Soda
* In a large saucepan add grated soap and enough hot water to cover. Heat over
medium-low heat and stir until soap is melted.
* Fill a large pail with 2.5 gallons of hot water, add hot soap mixture. Stir until
well mixed.
* Then add the washing soda, again stirring until well mixed.
* Set aside to cool.
* Use 1/2 cup per full load, stirring well before each use (will gel)
Laundry Soap 7
2.5 gallons Water (hot)
1 Bar soap (grated)
3/4 cup Washing Soda
3/4 cup Borax
2 TBS Glycerin
* Melt bar soap over medium-low heat topped with water, stir until soap is
melted.
* In a large pail, pour 2.5 gallons of hot water, add melted soap mixture, washing
soda, borax and glycerin. Mix well.
* Use 1/2 cup per full load.
Laundry Soap 8
2 cups Washing Soda
2 2.5 gallons hot water
* Melt grated soap in saucepan with water to cover. Heat over medium-low heat
and stir until soap is dissolved.
* Pour hot water in large pail, add hot soap and washing soda. Stir very well.
* Use 1 cup per full load.
Laundry Soap 9
2 gallons Water (hot)
1 bar Soap (grated)
2 cups Baking soda (yes baking soda this timenot washing soda)
* Melt grated soap in a saucepan with enough hot water to cover. Cook on
medium-low heat, stirring frequently until soap is melted.
* In a large pail, pour 2 gallons hot water. Add melted soap, stir well.
* Then add the baking soda, stir well again.
* Use 1/2 cup per full load, 1 cup per very soiled load.
Lavender Dish Soap

2 cups soap flakes (grated ivory)
1 gallon water
25 drops of lavender essential oil (you can change this to lemon or orange or
other scent)
Place soap flakes and water into a pan. Heat over medium heat stirring
occasionally until it boils and until soap dissolves. Lower heat and simmer for 10
minutes to thoroughly combine the ingredients. Remove from heat and let liquid
partially cool, add the essential oil and stir. Pour into a clean plastic squeeze
bottle or re-used dish soap bottle.
Lavender Dishwashing Liquid
2 Cups soap flakes
1 gallon water
25 drops of lavender essential oil
Place soap flakes and water into a pan. Heat over medium heat stirring occasionally
until it boils and until soap dissolves. Lower heat and simmer for 10 minutes to
thoroughly combine the ingredients. Remove from heat and let liquid partially cool,
add the essential oil and stir. Pour into a clean plastic squeeze bottle or re-used dish
soap bottle.
Lavender Essential Oil Notes:

Lavender Essential oil is one of the most popular essential oils around. Not only does
it smell GREAT, but it's aromatherapy properties mean that you'll feel more relaxed
while doing the dishes.
Lavender Furniture Wax

2 oz grated beeswax, 1 tbsp carnauba wax, 1-1/2 cup mineral spirits, 20 drops oil of
lavender.
Melt waxes in top of double boiler. Let cool 30 seconds or so, then add mineral spirits
and oil. Stir well then place in suitable container.
Lavender Ginger Suds Upholstery Cleaner & Rug Shampoo

4 cups water
1 cup white vinegar
3 tablespoons sodium Lauryl Sulfate
1/8 teaspoon lavender essential oil
1/8 teaspoon ginger essential oil
Mix all ingredients together and fill a handheld rug/upholstery shampoo bottle half full.
Shake the bottle vigorously and shampoo your furniture or rug using small circular
motions. Try not to penetrate fabrics with much more that a thin layer of suds, but scrub
the sudsy area well.
This is a high suds carpet shampoo. It's actually the suds and scrubbing (provided by you)
that do the tandem job of lifting the dirt and smells from rugs and plush furniture. The
lavender and ginger essential oils will help if animals smell are a problem.
Before tackling the entire job, test-clean any light or unusual fabrics - better safe that
sorry! And remember not to soak your furniture; use only the suds for cleaning.
Lavender Linen Water

Use this sprinkled on your sheets and towels in the linen cupboard, or on your pillow
at night for a restful sleep.
100 drops (5 ml) lavender oil
5 drops peppermint oil*
1 1/2 fluid ounces (45 ml) vodka
(highest proof available)
20 ounces distilled or spring water
Blend the essential oils with the vodka in a small glass bowl. Stir well to blend. Pour
water into a large glass bottle. Add oil mixture to water.
NOTE: The linen water may be cloudy, this is normal and won't stain linen. Shake
bottle before you use it.
* Optional. Used to enhance and freshen lavender fragrance.
Lavender Spray
1 cup distilled water
8 - 10 drops essential oil of lavender
spray bottle, with a fine mist setting
label
Pour the cup of distilled water into the spray bottle. Add the drops of essential oil
and shake very well. Cap the bottle, and allow to sit for a few hours before using.
Shake the bottle before each use to evenly distribute the scented oil throughout the
water. Use the label to describe what sort of product is contained in the bottle. And
be sure to use the fine mist setting on your bottle, so the spray will be nicely
distributed.
To use: About ten to twenty minutes before going to bed, spray your pillows (and
your linens, if you like) with the spray. Let the scent mellow slightly by allowing the
ten to twenty minutes to pass before lying down. When you do lie down, the pillows
will smell wonderful! But an even greater benefit is that lavender is a natural
relaxant, so this wonderful spray may actually help you fall asleep easier, and sleep
better.
Leather Cleaner/Polish
3/4 cup isopropyl alcohol (70%)
1 1/2 cups water
Mix well.
To use, dampen a cloth with the mixture and rub into leather until clean. Store in a
covered bottle or jar.
Leather Oil
1 1/2 cups neat's foot oil
Combine oils in a 1-quart bottle. Put lid on the bottle and shake to mix. Store tightly
sealed. To use, wipe onto leather with a soft cloth. Let sit 10 to 15 minutes, then
buff vigorously with a clean cloth.
Leather Upholstery Cleaner

1/2 cup isopropyl alcohol
1 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup vinegar
Mix ingredients. Store in a clean glass jar with a tight-fitting cover. Apply solution to
leather upholstery with a soft cloth. Buff dry with another clean, soft cloth. If you
want to waterproof the clean leather, apply 1 tablespoon castor oil to a soft cloth,
then buff vigorously.
Leather Upholstery Cream

1 part vinegar
2 parts linseed oil
Mix well. Prevent leather from cracking by polishing regularly with this cream. Clean
with a damp cloth and Saddle Soap.
Leather Waterproof
1 1/2 ounces mineral oil
1 ounce tallow
5 ounces neat's-foot oil
Mix the above and rub onto the leather. Do not use on suede.
Lemon Air Freshener

1 cup Water
1/4 cup Fresh Lemon Balm Or Verbena -- chopped
2 T Lemon Peel -- Grated
2 T Fresh Lemon Juice
1 t Baking Soda
Bring water to boil in a large saucepan. Add lemon balm, lemon peel, lemon juice,
and baking soda and stir until baking soda dissolves thoroughly. The mixture will
foam up after you add the baking soda so be sure your saucepan is large enough.
Let cool and fill a spray bottle. Makes about one cup.
Lemon Cleaner & Disinfectant
1 teaspoon borax
2 tablespoons lemon juice
In a pint spray bottle, combine the ingredients. Add 1 cup very hot water and shake well
to mix and dissolve the dry ingredients. To use, simply spray on the surface and wipe off
with a sponge or rag. This solution can be stored indefinitely.
This lemon cleaner spray is great for both kitchen and bathroom surfaces. It works double
duty, cutting grease and grime while killing germs.
Lemon Fresh Cleaner
1 cup liquid soap blend
1/4 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
1/4 eyedropper of tea tree extract
6 cups warm water
Mix the ingredients together and shake well. To use, put in a plastic spray bottle, sprits
on, and wipe off. Store in a cool dark place out of reach of children. Shelf life:
approximately 9-10 months.
Lemon Furniture Cleaner Spray
1 quart mineral oil
10 drops lemon extract
Mix together mineral oil and lemon extract. Spray lightly on furniture and polish with
a soft cloth.
Lemon Microwave Cleaner

Add 4 tablespoons of lemon juice to 1 cup water in a microwave-safe, 4-cup bowl.
Boil 5 minutes in the microwave, allowing the steam to condense on the inside walls
of the oven. Then wipe clean.
Lemon Oil Furniture Polish

1 cup mineral oil
1 teaspoon lemon oil
Pour both oils into a clean pump-type container. Close tightly, label, and keep out of
the reach of children. Spray onto furniture and buff the surface dry with a clean cloth
or sock.
LEMON OIL FURNITURE POLISH

Mix 10 drops lemon oil, 2 Tbsp. lemon juice, and 1/4 cup olive oil. Keep in a capped
bottle and use to dust with. Use a soft clean cloth.

Mix 1 tsp. lemon oil to 1/2 cup mineral oil and keep in a capped bottle. Mix well
before using and use a soft cloth.
Use 1 part fresh lemon juice to 3 parts olive oil to make a good furniture polish. Will
keep in an airtight container for 6 months.
Mix 3/4 cup olive oil, 20 drops lemon oil, (or lime oil or orange oil) and 1/2 cup
vinegar. Store in a capped bottle and use as needed to polish your furniture or your
cabinets.
Lemon-Mint Window Wash

juice from 1 lemon
2 cups water or club soda
1/2 teaspoon peppermint essential oil
1 teaspoon cornstarch
Mix all ingredients and pour into a plastic spray bottle. Shake well before using.
Lemon-Olive Oil Furniture Polish
Make fresh polish each time you use it.
1 lemon
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 teaspoon water
Juice the lemon, then mix the juice with oil and water. Apply a thin coat to wood
surface and let sit for five minutes. Use a soft cloth to buff to a deep shine.
Linoleum Floor Cleaner

For extra grease-cutting, try this formula: 1/4 cup washing soda with 1 tablespoon of
liquid soap, 1/4 cup vinegar, and 2 gallons hot water. Put the washing soda in the
bucket first and add the liquid ingredients; that way the soda wont splash out.
Caution: Do not use this formula on waxed floors.
Linoleum Floor Wax Stripper

1/2 cup Spic & Span
1/2 cup ammonia
1 gallon very hot water
Mix. Let stand for 5 minutes on a small area at a time. Scrape wax off with a Teflon
spatula.
Liquid Castile Soap

2 cups grated Castile soap, firmly packed
1/2 gallon water
2 tablespoons glycerin
Mix ingredients together in a large pot. Set over low heat, stirring occasionally until
the soap has dissolved. Transfer to a jar and cover tightly. For a less thick gel soap,
use 1 gallon of water.
Liquid Laundry Detergent

4 cups water
2 cups bar soap (such as Fels Naptha or Ivory)
2 cups Borax
2 cups Washing Soda (Arm & Hammer is most common)
Important Note!! Baking soda and washing soda are NOT the same thing, even
though both are made by Arm & Hammer. If you cannot find it locally in your grocery
store (sold in the laundry aisle) you can ask them to order it for you, or use the link
above to purchase it from Amazon.
In a large stock pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. While waiting for the water to
boil, finely grate the two bars of soap using your grater. Once water is boiling, add
the grated soap, reduce heat to medium-low, and stir until grated soap is completely
melted. Pour into a large bucket (if your stock pot isn't large enough) then add borax
and washing soda, stirring until they are both disolved into the mixture. Add another
8 cups (2 quarts) of water, stirring again. Allow to cool to room temperature if
needed, then give it another good stir to fully combine. Then pour into cleaned
recycled liquid laundry detergent containers (will make a bit over 12 cups of
detergent).
To use: Give the container a good shaking, then use 1/4 cup of detergent for each
load of laundry. You can mark the inside of the laundry cap with a black sharpie to
show where the 1/4 cup mark is, if it isn't already marked.
Liquid Laundry Soap

1/3 bar of soap (I used a bar that was 250 grams or 8.8 oz)
6 cups water
1/2 cup borax
4 cups hot water
Directions:
Grate your soap (about 80 grams or 3 oz)
Add 6 cups water to a pot with grated soap and heat until blended. Remove from
heat.
Add 1/2 cup EACH borax and washing soda stirring until dissolved.
In a large bucket (7.5 L / 2 Gallon) pour 4 cups hot water + your soap mixture. Stir
well. Add cold water until bucket is full
Serves: 60
Preparation time: 15 minutes plus overnight to set
Liquid Pump Soap

2 cups mild laundry soap flakes
2 tablespoons baby oil, mineral oil, or almond oil
Few drops rose oil or other essential oil (if desired)
Place soap flakes in a bowl. Stir in water and mix. Add oil and blend well. Pour into a
pump bottle. Since the soap tends to separate, shake it before using.
Liquid Simmering Potpourri

1 quart pineapple juice
1 quart water
1 quart apple cider
4 pieces ginger root
3 cinnamon sticks
16 whole cloves
1 teaspoon allspice
2 teaspoons pickling spice
NOTE: THIS IS NOT FOR CONSUMPTION.
Combine all ingredients in a large saucepan. Bring to boil, then simmer to fill the
house with a holiday odor.
Let it simmer on your stove and it will fill your house with a wonderful scent.
Magic Mirror Cleaner

1/4 cup dawn
1 cup alcohol
1 cup ammonia
Mix the ingredients and apply with a sponge or pour into spray bottle and spray
on. Wipe dry with crumpled newspaper, buff to a shine. (Use crumpled
newspaper instead of paper towels for lint-free results.
Tip: When using a homemade window and glass cleaner, use up and down
strokes on one side of the glass and side to side strokes on the other to tell which
side requires extra polishing.
Magic Wall and Appliance Cleaner
2 tablespoons non-sudsy ammonia
1 teaspoon liquid dish soap
1 pint rubbing alcohol
1 gallon water
Store in a spray bottle. This is comparable to the "Fantastic" cleaner.
MAKE YOUR OWN ADHESIVES

Mix 3 pkgs. unflavored gelatin with 1 Tbsp. cold water and 3 Tbsp. boiling water. Stir
until dissolved. Add 1/2 tsp. peppermint oil. Store it in a small covered tub. It will
congeal so to use it, microwave for 10 seconds on high.
MAKE YOUR OWN BACKSCRUBBER

Cut the legs off of a pair of pantyhose. Insert a bar of soap into one of the legs,
centering the soap so it is in the middle of the leg. Secure it there by tying a knot on
both sides of the soap. You can use this to wash your back with or your body as
nylon acts as a mlld abrasive to the skin.
Make your own Febreeze

In a 32 ounce clean spray bottle, place 4 tablespoons of Ultra Downy fabric softener
(you can chose the scent you like best, or use liquid fabric softener you already
own.) Then fill the spray bottle with water, leaving about an inch from the top.
Gently shake, then use just as you would use febreeze.
As with all cleaners, spot test before spraying on any fabric or furniture.
Metal Polish
1/2 cup cigar ashes, wood ashes or diatomaceous earth

Water
Mix into a smooth paste. Rub on with a soft cloth.
Microwave Cleaner
1 cup water
1 quart warm water
1/4 cup baking soda
To loosen dried-on food, put 1 cup water in a microwavable cup and heat in the
microwave until it boils; turn off the microwave and let the water sit for 1 minute.
Dissolve baking soda in 1 quart warm water and, using a sponge or cloth, wash the
interior of the microwave with this solution to clean and deodorize it.
Microwave Cleaner 2
1/4 cup baking soda
1 teaspoon vinegar
5-6 drops thyme, lemongrass, or lemon essential oil
Combine all ingredients to make a paste. Apply to the walls and floor of the
microwave with a soft cloth or sponge. Rinse well and leave the microwave door
open ot air-dry for about 25-minutes.
Microwave Cleaner 3
1 cup water
1 quart warm water
1/4 cup baking soda
To loosen dried-on food, put 1 cup water in a microwavable cup and heat in the
microwave until it boils; turn off the microwave and let the water sit for 1 minute.
Dissolve baking soda in 1 quart warm water and, using a sponge or cloth, wash the
interior of the microwave with this solution to clean and deodorize it.
Microwave Cleaner 4
# 1/4 cup vinegar
# 2 cups water
Add the ingredients to a large bowl. Microwave uncovered for 3 minutes on high.
Leave for another three minutes. Open the microwave, remove the bowl and wipe
down the inside of the microwave with a clean damp cloth.
Mildew & Scum Remover

Mixture of vinegar and salt is an excellent homemade version of a mildew remover,
and other discolored "scummy" areas.
Mildew Inhibitor
2 cups table salt
1 gallon hot water
Dissolve salt in water. Wipe tile walls generously with the solution, then let dry.
Miracle All-Purpose Cleaner Spray

1 (16 ounce) trigger spray bottle
1 teaspoon borax
Very hot water
1/4 cup liquid soap or detergent
10 to 15 drops essential oil (optional)
NOTE: It is very important that the ingredients be mixed exactly as shown below.
Mix vinegar with borax in the spray bottle. Fill bottle halfway with very hot water.
Shake until borax is dissolved. Add liquid soap or detergent. You may add essential
oil to scent it, if desired.
Miracle Cleaning Spray

2 teaspoons Borax
1/4 cup liquid soap
32 ounces hot water
20 drops lavender essential oil (or other if desired)*
* Lavender is great because it is antibiotic, antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial.
Combine all ingredients. Store in a clean spray bottle.
Mirror Cleaner
1-1/2 cups vinegar
1/2 cup water
8 drops citrus essential oil of choice
Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well before use. Spray solution
onto mirror and wipe with a dry cloth or towel.
Mirror Cleaner 2
1 Tablespoon cornstarch
2 cups warm water
Put all ingredients in a large spray bottle. Shake well to dissolve the cornstarch. To
use, spray liberally on the mirror, wipe with a clean cloth. Buff to a streak free shine
with a wadded up piece of newspaper.
Moist Towelettes
24 squares white Bounty brand paper towels
1 cup witch hazel
1 teaspoon glycerine
Separate and stack each of the paper towel squares from the roll; cut each square in
half. Place the rectangles in front of you vertically, fold each rectangle into thirds as
though folding a business letter. Fold each in half as though closing the cover of a
book.
Combine witch hazel and glycerine. Mix well and pour over towelettes. Let stand for
a few minutes to absorb all of the liquid. Stack in a lidded plastic container or ziplock type bag.
These are also great for melting windshield ice in cold weather!
Mole Repellent
This recipe is designed to repel those critters that tunnel through your yard.
1/4 cup castor oil
6 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons liquid detergent
Blenderize the castor oil and detergent until the mixture is like shaving cream. Add
water and mix again. Fill a regular garden sprinkling can with warm water and add 2
tablespoons of the castor oil mixture. Stir and sprinkle liquid over areas of greatest
damage. For best results apply after a rain or a thorough watering.
Mosquito Deterrent
Source: a gardening forum

Put some water in a white dinner plate and add just a couple of drops of Lemon
Fresh Joy dishwashing soap. Set the dish on a porch or patio. No sure what attracts
them, the lemon smell, the white color, or what, but mosquitoes flock to it, and drop
dead, or fall into the water, or on the floor within about 10 feet. Works just super!
Moth Balls
Makes 8 balls.
Lavender essential oil
Cedarwood essential oil
1/2 to 1 cup dried lavender flowers
8 (6-inch) fabric squares
8 (6-inch long) pieces string
Combine 10 drops lavender and 10 drops cedarwood to the lavender flowers. Place
scented lavender in a glass jar for 1 day.
Pour 1 teaspoon of scented lavender on each of 8 fabric squares. Bring up fabric
corners together and tie off with the string.
Place moth balls in drawers or hang on hangers.
Moth balls 2
Mix the following and scatter in trunks and bags containing furs and woolens: 1/2 lb.
each rosemary and mint, 1/4 lb each tansy and thyme, 2 tbs. powdered cloves.
Multi-Purpose Household Cleaner Recipe

1 cup household ammonia
1/4 cup baking soda
1 gallon warm water
Mix thoroughly. Store some in clean spray bottles to clean your counters, cupboard
doors, walls, doorknobs, etc. and use the rest to mop your floors. This mixture has
great grease fighting action!
Natural Toilet Cleaning Paste

For toilets, make a paste of 1/3 cup lemon juice and 2/3 cups borax, spread on
stains, let sit two hours, then brush off. For regular toilet cleaning, brush toilet with
baking soda.
Newspaper Clipping Preservative

1 white antacid tablet
1 quart club soda
Dissolve antacid tablet in club soda overnight. Lay newspaper clippings in solution for
one hour, then gently pat dry.
Nicotine Plant Spray

This helps control caterpillars, aphids and destructive worms.
1 handful tobacco
1 gallon water
Mix, then let stand for 24 hours. Dilute the solution to the color of weak tea. DO NOT
spray on tomato, pepper, eggplant or any other plants that are members of the
solanaceous family, since nicotine can kill them.
No Streak Glass Cleaner

1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 quart warm water
Mix the ingredients and apply with a sponge. Wipe dry, buffing to a shine. Make sure
to always use a lint-free cleaning cloth OR scrunched up newspapers.
No Streak Window Cleaner

1 cup white vinegar
2 tablespoons isopropyl alcohol
This recipe helps remove stubborn streaks. Mix all ingredients and pour into a plastic
spray bottle. Shake well before using.
Non-Brutal Household Cleaner
2 cups water
1 cup white vinegar
2 tablespoons baking soda (sodium bi-carbonate)
4 drops citronella oil
4 drops tea tree oil
4 drops lavender oil
Directions:
Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle (watch out, vinegar and bi-carb froth up remember volcanoes in science class in 3rd grade?) and use as a cleaner around the
house.
You can use this to wash your dishes also, but leave out the Citronella Oil and be
sure to rinse your dishes afterwards.
Nonstick Cookware Stain Remover

2 tablespoons baking soda
1 cup water
1/2 cup vinegar
Boil this mixture in the affected cookware for 10 minutes. Re-season the cookware
with salad oil.
Non-Toxic All Purpose Cleaner

1/2 water or colloidal silver
1/2 vinegar
4 tablespoons lemon juice
spray bottle
Combine all ingredients in a plastic spray bottle. Has a tea tree/vinegar smell. (If
you don't like the smell of tea tree oil, try lavender or citrus.) Shake your to mix.
Use this all purpose cleaner anywhere as needed. Non-toxic and organic so it is
safe for daily use on door knobs and toilet handles, switch plate covers etc.
Non-Toxic Grout Cleaner
This is a gentle grout cleaner.
3 cups baking soda
1 cup warm water
Combine ingredients until forms a smooth paste. Scrub mixture on grout. Rinse with
warm water, repeat if neccessary.
No-Rinse Wall Cleaner

1 cup ammonia
1/2 cup vinegar

1 gallon hot water
1/4 cup baking soda
Mix together and wash your walls. No rinsing is required.
No-Streak Glass Cleaner

2 cups warm water
Mix the ingredients and apply with a sponge or pour into spray bottle and spray on. Wipe
dry with crumpled newspaper, buff to a shine. (Use crumpled newspaper instead of paper
towels for lint-free results.
Tip: When using a homemade window and glass cleaner, use up and down strokes on
one side of the glass and side to side strokes on the other to tell which side requires extra
polishing.
Odor Absorbing Spray
Use a regular pump spray mister with 4 cups of water in it, add 4 teaspoons of
baking soda and spray the odours away.
Oily Garden Repellent

1/4 cup chopped garlic
2 teaspoons mineral oil
2 cups water
1 ounce oil-based soap (liquid or
chopped-up Palmolive is good)
Puree garlic in blender, peels and all. Add 1/4 cup of the water and scrape down the
sides. Continue blending until the mixture is a fine mush. Strain through cheesecloth
or an old nylon stocking. In a large, clean glass jar, mix the mineral oil and soap.
Add the garlic-water mixture and stir thoroughly; then add the remaining water.
Store in a cool, dry place for up to 1 month.
To use, pour into a sprayer and spray on the upper and lower surfaces of the plant's
foliage. Spray also around roots. It is best to spray in the morning before the sun is
too hot or in the late afternoon. Do not water immediately after spraying.
Old-Fashioned Dishwashing Detergent
1 pint grated hard bar soap, soap ends or soap flakes

1 gallon water
Place into a pot and stir. Heat over medium heat until it boils, stirring occasionally,
until soap dissolves. Lower heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove from heat and let liquid partially cool. Pour into a clean container and cover
tightly. Use about 1 teaspoon to a dishpan of hot water.
Oven Cleaner
1 box baking soda
1/4 cup ammonia
Make a paste of baking soda and ammonia. Brush on oven and let soak overnight. In
the morning wipe off with clear water.
Oven Cleaner 2
1 cup ammonia
1/2 cup baking soda
1 cup white vinegar
Heat oven to 200 degrees F. Leave oven on for 15 minutes; turn off and leave the
door closed.
Fill a shallow baking pan with ammonia and place on the top shelf of the oven. Fill
another pan with 2 cups boiling water and place on the bottom shelf. Close oven and
leave pans in for at least 2 hours or overnight. Remove ammonia and make a paste
of ammonia, baking soda and vinegar. Spread paste on oven surfaces, leave on for
15 minutes, and then scrub off with a sponge or steel wool.
Oven Cleaner 3
1 quart warm water
2 teaspoons borax
Spray on solution, wait 20 minutes, then clean.
Baking soda
water
Combine one cup of baking soda with enough water to make a paste. Apply it to your
oven surfaces, and let it stand a short while. Use the scouring pad for scrubbing the
surfaces. A spatula or bread knife is helpful for getting under large food deposits.
This recipe will require some elbow grease, but it is not toxic to you or a child.
Oven Cleaner 4
# 1/2 cup salt
# 1 1/2 cups baking soda
# 1/2 cup water
Mix the ingredients until it forms a smooth paste. Plug the holes in the oven with
aluminum foil. Spread the paste (try not to get any on metal parts). Leave overnight.
In the morning, mix:
# 1/4 cup water
# 1/4 cup vinegar
Mix the ingredients in a spray bottle. Spray the oven with this mixture. Wipe away.
Rinse with clean water. Note: the mixture needs to be rinsed well or it will leave a
white residue.
Pearl Cleaner
1 quart lukewarm water
Mix in a bowl. Lightly agitate solution until warm suds form. Swish pearls through
soapy bath and rinse briefly with cool water. Pat dry with a very soft cloth.
Perspiration Remover
4 tablespoons salt
1 quart water
Soak garment in this solution, then rinse and wash garment as usual.
Pet Stain and Carpet Cleaner

1 Part Hydrogen Peroxide
5 parts water
Directions:
You can really play around with the ratios, but the principle is the same.
1. Combine hydrogen peroxide and water in a spray bottle. (I use a spray bottle,
pour in the amount of hydrogen peroxide I wish to use, and then add water to fill the
bottle up. Give it a shake before each use.)
2. Clean any debris from the stain and soak up any liquids.
3. Spray the area generously with the mixture. (This works really well on my light
colored carpets. I have also used it on clothing, couches, and hard surfaces.
However, as hydrogen peroxide can have bleaching properties, test the mixture on a
small and hidden patch of the surface you wish to clean before using the mixture.)
4. Let sit for 24 hours. The stain will disappear along with any smells.
Pet Urine
Dab area with toweling, wash with suds of liquid dish detergent, and rinse with 1/2
cup vinegar diluted in 1 qt warm water. Lay towels or paper towels over the spot and
weight down to absorb excess moisture. Let stand 4 to 6 hours, then remove
toweling, brush up nap and allow to dry completely. To speed drying, use an electric
fan.
Pine Cleaner
2 cups soap flakes or Soft Soap
8 cups very warm water
1 cup pine oil
Mix the soap and pine oil together and pour into a clean gallon-size plastic jug. Pour
in the warm water and shake to mix thoroughly. Dilute 2 cups to a bucket of warm
water to wash down walls, furniture, and lightly soiled floors. Dilute 4 cups to 1 cup
of warm water for floors. You can also use the solution full-strength by pouring onto
a sponge and wiping. No rinsing is required.
Pine Furniture Cleaner

1 cup mineral oil
1/4 cup Soft Soap
1 cup warm water
Mix mineral and pine oils in a glass or enamel bowl. Stir in the Soft Soap and warm
water, continuing to stir until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. Pour into a
clean quart-size jar or bottle; cap and label. KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.
To use, pour about 1 tablespoon of the solution onto a soft cloth and then polish.
Turn the cloth frequently, adding more solution if necessary, to clean the wood.
Finish by buffing with a clean, dry cloth. Repeat the process if the wood is heavily
soiled, but do not allow the wood to become soaked. If working with fine furniture,
use a minimum of cleaning solution and clean with gentle strokes.
Pine Oil Disinfectant

Make your own version of the popular commercial pine oil disinfectant.
1 pint soap flakes
6 cups hot water
1 pint pine oil
Slowly disolve soap flakes into water, stirring well. Once soap is completely disolved,
use a spoon to remove any suds that formed on the top. Add pine oil slowly, stirring
continuously as its added. Stir until completely blended.
To use, dilute with water. For areas with more bacteria (ie. toilets), use at full
strength.
To store, ensure jar or container is sealed tightly.
Pine Oil Furniture Polish

1/4 cup liquid dishwashing detergent
1 1/2 cups water
Mix mineral oil, pine oil and detergent in a jar until clear. Add water slowly, stirring
constantly. Apply with a soft cloth; polish dry.
Pine Potpourri
1/2 cup bayberry leaves
1/2 cup snipped balsam needles
1/2 cup miniature pine cones
1/2 cup rose hips
2 tsp orrisroot
2 drops pine fragrance oil
Mix the bayberry, balsam, pine cones and rose hips in a large bowl. Add the orrisroot
and fixative and stir gently. Simmer in a potpourri warmer, or display in pretty
crystal dishes around the house.
Plain Putty
Linseed oil
Whiting
Add enough linseed oil to the whiting to make a paste. Apply to cracks with a putty
knife. Allow to dry. Sand surface if needed.
Plant Food
1 package granular dry yeast
1 quart warm water
Mix well. Use to water plants now and then.
Plant Food 2
Plant Food
Your plants will double in size and beauty with this once-a-month treatment.
1 gallon tepid water
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon household ammonia
1 teaspoon Epsom salt
1 teaspoon saltpeter
Plant Food 3
Use once a month, and your plants will be greener and healthier.
1 envelope unflavored gelatine
3 cups cold water
1 cup hot water
Mix gelatine with hot water until gelatine is dissolved. Add 3 cups cold water.
Plastic Cleaner
2 tablespoons white vinegar or lemon juice
3 cups water
Mix and store in a spray container. Spray on and wipe dry.
Poison Ivy Spray

3 pounds salt
2 gallons soapy water

Mix well. Spray the poison ivy with this solution. A few dousings will kill the plant.
Polishing Cloths
1 yard soft flannel, cotton, or
terrycloth, cut into 4-inch squares
1/4 cup water
1 cup Lemon-oil Furniture Polish or
1 cup Pine Furniture Cleaner
Cut fabric into 16-inch squares. You can also use old T-shirts, pajamas or cloth
diapers. Moisten fabric with water and place into a large jar or plastic container with
a tight-fitting lid for 30 minutes.
Pour furniture polish into the container, making sure all the cloth is thoroughly
saturated. Keep covered, turning the container frequently until all the pieces are
coated. Label the container and keep it away from children.
To use, remove one of the polishing squares and simply wipe over your furniture.
Buff with a clean cloth if there is time. Return the polishing cloth to the container if it
is still clean; discard or wash when the cloth becomes soiled.
Porcelain Cleaner
1/2 cup vinegar
1/4 cup baking soda
1 cup clear ammonia
1 gallon warm water
Mix well. Wear rubber gloves, and work in a well-ventilated area.
Porcelain Sink Stain Remover

1 teaspoon liquid dishwashing detergent
Close drain and run several inches of warm water into sink. Add above ingredients.
Let stand in sink overnight. Rinse out sink with hot water.
Potpourri Molds
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup salt

1 cup potpourri (old or new), cut finely
1/3 to 1/2 cup water
Cookie cutters (the open kind, not closed)
Mix all of the ingredients together and refrigerate for 5 minutes.
Flatten the dough either with your hands or a slightly floured rolling pin. Cut the
dough with cookie cutters. Or you can use the dough like clay and make a sculpture.
If using as a hanging ornament, punch a hole in each shape. Set on a wire rack to
dry thoroughly.
Powdered Laundry Detergent

2 bars Fels Naptha soap, grated (or enough
bars to make 28 ounces)
8 cups washing soda
4 cups borax
4 cups powdered all-color bleach (optional)
20 drops (or more) essential oil (optional)
Mix all ingredients together and store in a lidded container. This will last a LONG
time!
For light loads, use 1 tablespoon. For heavy or heavily soiled loads, use 2
tablespoons.
Powdered Laundry Soap

2 cups Fels Naptha Soap (finely grated you could also try the other bar soaps listed
at the top)
1 cup Washing Soda
1 cup Borax
* Mix well and store in an airtight plastic container.
* Use 2 tablespoons per full load.
Powdered Laundry Soap 2

12 cups Borax
8 cups Baking Soda
8 cups Washing Soda

* Mix all ingredients well and store in a sealed tub.
* Use 1/8 cup of powder per full load.
Powdered Laundry Soap 3

1 cup Vinegar (white)
1 cup Baking Soda
1 cup Washing Soda
1/4 cup liquid castile soap
* Mix well and store in sealed container.
* I find it easiest to pour the liquid soap into the bowl first, stirred in the washing
soda, then baking soda, then added the vinegar in small batches at a time (the
recipe foams up at first). The mixture is a thick paste at first that will break down
into a heavy powdered detergent, just keep stirring. There may be some hard lumps,
try to break them down when stirring (it really helps to make sure the baking soda
isnt clumpy when first adding). I used 1/2 cup per full load with great results.
Premier Window Cleaner

1/2 cup ammonia
1/2 cup distilled white vinegar
2 teaspoons cornstarch
Add all to a bucket of warm water for a perfect window washing solution. Clean with
newspaper instead of paper toweling, as it is less expensive and works much better.
Pre-Soak (for delicate fabrics)

2 tablespoons cream of tartar
1 gallon hot water
Dissolve cream of tartar in hot water. Let the mixture cool. Soak delicate fabrics,
synthetics, baby clothes, and clean diapers to remove minor stains and restore
whiteness.
Pre-Soak (for whites and colorfast colors)

2 gallons hot water
1/2 cup automatic dishwasher detergent
1/2 cup chlorine bleach

Mix all ingredients in a large bucket. Soak white cottons and washable synthetics for
2 hours (or long if heavily stained). For bleachable, colorfast colors, allow the
mixture to cool first, then soak for 30 minutes. Pour off liquid and launder as usual.
Pre-Treated Dust Cloth

1 tablespoon mild soap powder (Ivory Snow)
1 tablespoon ammonia
2 tablespoons boiled linseed oil
1 quart warm water
Soak a large piece of flannel in this solution for several minutes. Wring out and hang
to dry. Store in a covered glass or plastic container. Once washed, treat again.
Prewash Laundry Stain Removal Treatment

This stain removal recipe can be made in bulk and stored in a plastic spray bottle.
Create a mixture of 1/3 cup water, 1/3 cup liquid detergent, 1/3 cup ammonia. Pour
into a clean plastic spray bottle. To use, spray directly on stain, and let soak before
washing in the washing machine as normal.
Pre-Wash Spray
1/4 cup baking soda
1/2 gallon water
After mixing this solution, put part of it in a smaller spray bottle to keep handy by
the washing machine when doing laundry. Spray liberally onto clothes where needed.
Pre-Wash Spray 2
1/2 C. household ammonia
1/4 C. baking soda
1/2 C. white vinegar
1/2 gal. water
After mixing this solution, put part of it in a smaller spray bottle to keep handy by
the washing machine when doing laundry. Spray liberally onto clothes where needed.
Quick-Patch Putty
1 part salt
Water
1 part powdered starch
Mix salt and starch. Add enough water to make a paste. Apply and allow to dry.
Touch up with paint.
Rabbit Repellent
This is harmless for rabbits. It only repels them.
1/2 cup talcum powder
1/4 cup cayenne pepper
Mix the ingredients. Spread the mixture wherever you do not want the rabbits to
feed.
Ready Mop Cleaner Refill

1 gallon water
1 cup ammonia
1/2 cup vinegar
water
Mix ingredients and pour use in your mops instead of buying commercial cleaner.
Tip: Use a piece of scrap fleece, scrap flannel or micro-fiber towels (purchased at
automotive stores) to replace your SwiferTM or Clorox Ready MopTM disposable
pads. Cut several to size to have on hand. When soiled throw in the wash and
launder as usual. Note: Don't use ammonia on wood floors. Just use vinegar and
water or water and Murphy's oil soap.
Real Pine Potpourri

1/2 cup bayberry leaves
1/2 cup snipped balsam needles
1/2 cup miniature pine cones
1/2 cup rose hips
2 tsp orrisroot
2 drops pine fragrance oil
Mix the bayberry, balsam, pine cones and rose hips in a large bowl. Add the orrisroot
and fixative and stir gently. Simmer in a potpourri warmer, or display in pretty
crystal dishes around the house.
Refrigerator Interior Cleaner

1 quart warm water
Scrub stubborn spots with baking soda on a sponge. Use this mixture to wash
exterior of refrigerator and other appliances, also.
Refrigerator Interior Cleaner 2

1 teaspoon lemon extract or vanilla extract
4 cups water
Mix; wash interior of refrigerator.
Roach Balls
1 cup borax
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 tablespoon water
Make a paste of the ingredients and roll the paste into little balls.
Place 2 or 3 balls into a sandwich-size plastic bag and leave the top open. Place the
bag anywhere you have a roach problem. The roaches will eat the balls and carry
them away. The bugs die at home, out of sight. The borax clogs their breathing
passages. The onion scent draws them in.
Makes about 50 balls; about 10 applications.
CAUTION: Hide these bags carefully so that children and pets can't get at them.
Road Salt Cleaner

1 cup baking soda
2 cups warm water
Mix well. To clean the salts splashed onto the sides of the car, scrub the solution on
with a soft brush. Wash car as usual.
Room Deodorizer
1 cup vinegar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon allspice
Combine all ingredients in a microwave-safe dish and heat until almost boiling. Set
out in the room, and soon the room will be odor-free. This will reduce both food and
cigarette smoke odors.
Rug and Upholstery Cleaner

1 quart water
1/4 cup ammonia
Boil water and take off heat. Add ammonia, vinegar and baking soda. Mix and cool.
Use cold. After material dries, vacuum off.
Rust Remover Recipe I

1. Apply undiluted white vinegar to the rust by spraying or dabbing it on (if the
object is large), or by submerging the rusted object in vinegar (if the object is
small).
2. Allow the vinegar to soak in for 30 minutes. Then, rinse the object off; and dry
thoroughly.
3. Repeat the process, if rust remains.
Rust Remover Recipe II

1. Mix together equal parts Borax and lemon juice.
2. Apply the resulting solution to the rust by spraying or dabbing it on (if the object
is large), or by submerging the object in a bath of the solution (if the object is
small).
3. Allow the solution to soak in for 30 minutes. Then, rinse the object off; and dry
thoroughly.
4. Repeat the process, if rust remains.
Saddle Soap
3 1/2 cups water

1/4 cup neat's-foot oil
3/4 cup soap flakes (not detergent)
1/2 cup beeswax or paraffin
Heat water to the boiling point, then lower heat to simmer. Slowly add soap flakes
and stir gently. Combine neat's-foot oil and beeswax or paraffin in the top of a
double boiler. Heat until melted, then stir. Turn heat off and slowly add oil and wax
mixture to the soap solution. Stir until thick. Pour into containers and cool. To use,
apply with a damp sponge over leather surface. Buff dry with a soft cloth.
NOTE: Neat's-foot oil may darken some leathers, and items do not take a polish well
after this oil has been applied.
Scented Kitchen Rinse

4 drops essential oil *
2 cups water
* your choice of cypress, eucalyptus, grapefruit, lavender, lemon, lemongrass, lime,
orange, pine, rosemary, sage, thyme or wintergreen. Use alone or mix-and-match as
desired.
Pour ingredients into a spray bottle, label, and store in a cool dark place. Use as a
final rinse for kitchen surfaces.
Scented Soft Soap

Several drops essential oil or favorite perfume
1 cup Soft Soap
Mix together. Label and store in a pump-type dispenser or a squeeze-top plastic
container.
Scenting Your Homemade Vinegar Cleaners

To scent your vinegar cleaners, add a few drops of essential oil to your mixture.
Some popular scents to use include:
* vanilla
* orange
* lemon
* lavendar
* mint
* green apple
* grapefruit
* variety of floral scents
Scouring Cleanser
This is mildly abrasive. To make it more abrasive, add additional whiting, a
tablespoon at a time.
1/2 cup soap flakes or Soft Soap
2 teaspoons borax
2 to 5 teaspoons whiting
Mix soap flakes, borax and water in a large plastic bowl until soap and borax are
dissolved. Add 2 to 5 teaspoons whiting, checking the consistency and degree of
abrasiveness after each teaspoon. Pour into a squeeze-top container. Keep out of the
reach of children.
To use, shake well. Squeeze some of the cleanser onto a sponge and wipe down the
appliance or fiberglass. Rinse and dry. For heavily soiled areas, squeeze the cleanser
directly onto the spot or stain and let it remain for 30 minutes. Scrub off, rinse, and
repeat if necessary.
Scratch Remover for Floors

1 part turpentine
1 part boiled linseed oil
Seed-Starting Mix
1 part finely sifted topsoil
1 part finely sifted compost or high-quality leaf mold
1 1/2 to 2 parts vermiculite, perlite or coarse builder's sand
Septic Tank Treatment

This is an effective cleaner for your septic tank, and it will not harm the system.
2 cups brown sugar
5 cups warm water
1 tablespoon baker's yeast
Stir sugar and yeast into the warm water until dissolved. Pour the solution into the
toilet and flush. Wait 30 minutes before flushing again to allow the yeast time to
work.
Shoe Waterproofing
2 parts beeswax
1 part mutton fat
Melt beeswax and mutton fat together. Apply to shoes at night. In the morning, wipe
shoes well with a piece of flannel.
Shower Curtain Wash

1/2 cup detergent
1/2 cup baking soda
Fill the washing machine with warm water and add 2 large bath towels. Add
detergent and baking soda. Put the shower curtain into the washing machine. Run
through the entire wash cycle; however, add 1 cup vinegar to the rinse water. Do
not spin dry or wash vinegar out. This method will not work without the bath towels.
Hang the shower curtain immediately. Wrinkles will disappear after the curtain has
thoroughly dried.
Shower Head Cleaner (for plastic shower heads)

1 pint white vinegar
1 pint hot water
Pour into a pot to cover shower head. Soak for 1 hour.
Shower Wall and Glass Door Cleaner

White vinegar, heated
Dry borax
To clean hard water spots and scum off shower walls and glass doors, use undiluted,
heated white vinegar.
Put heated vinegar into a spray bottle, spray on and let soak 15 minutes. Using a
nylon-covered sponge, apply dry borax and scrub. For really stubborn problems use
a dry, soap-filled steel wool pad on a dry shower.
Sick Fern Remedy

1/2 cup salt
6 pints lukewarm water

Mix salt with water. If ferns are infested with worms, stick matches into the soil,
sulfur end down. For an ordinary size plant, use four matches; six for a large pot.
Sick Houseplant Treatment

4 or 5 empty eggshells
4 cups water
Put eggshells in water and let stand for 24 hours. Water the plants with this mixture.
Silver Polish
1 cup soap flakes
1 cup whiting
Mix soap, whiting, and ammonia together in a glass or enamel pan. Pour in boiling
water and stir to dissolve. Let solution cool. Store in a one-quart glass jar. To use,
wash silver in soap and warm water. DO NOT RINSE. Shake polish and apply to
silver with a soft cloth or sponge. Rub gently. Rinse silver pieces in clear, warm
water, buff, then dry.
Silver Polish 2
1 cup whole milk
2 teaspoons cream of tartar or
1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice
Mix. Soak tarnished silver overnight. Rinse with cold water, then polish dry.
Silver Polish 3
1 cup water
1/4 cup soap flakes
2 1/2 tablespoons whiting
1 tablespoon isopropyl alcohol (70%)
Boil water and remove from heat. Add soap flakes and stir to dissolve. Beat mixture
by hand or with electric mixture at medium speed until it is foamy. Slowly add
whiting and alcohol while beating by hand or at low speed until the mixture is
smooth and creamy. Rub onto silver gently with a damp sponge. Rinse well, then
wipe dry. Store mixture in a clean jar with a lid.
Silverware Cleaner
This is especially good for pieces of silver that are difficult to clean.
3 tablespoons Ivory or Lux soap flakes
3/4 gallon water
In a large aluminum kettle, mix soap flakes and water and bring to boiling. Add
silverware. Cook for 10 minutes. Remove silverware from water and rinse in hot
water. Rub thoroughly with a soft, dry towel.
Sink or Tub Whitener

This will temporarily whiten yellowed sinks or tubs.
1/2 cup turpentine
2 tablespoons salt
Scrub with a terry cloth rag.
Skunk Smell Remover

1 qt. hydrogen peroxide
1/4 cup baking soda
1 tsp. dish detergent
Sponge on and let dry. Safe for use on cats and dogs.
Sneaker Freshener
5 drops lavender
5 drops tea tree
1 tablespoon baking powder or cornstarch
Add essential oils (EOs) to baking powder (which is more sweetening in nature) or
the cornstarch (which is softer-textured). Stir gently to spread scents of the oils.
Store in shaker top containers.
Give the insides of sneaker a coating of powder overnight. Shake out before wearing.
Soap Scum
Apply baking soda dry or as a thick paste, rub vigorously with a wet sponge, then
rinse.
Soft Scrub
4 cups warm water
Combine baking soda and water and pour into a clean spray bottle. Spray directly on
the surface to be cleaned and wipe off with a damp sponge.
Soft Soap (for delicate washables)

1/4 cup soap flakes or grated soap ends
1 cup water
1/4 cup borax
Simmer in a saucepan, stirring until of uniform consistency. Strain into a jar. Cover
and store. Wash most items in hot water with a small amount of Soft Soap. For wool,
use Soft Soap and cold water.
Soft Soap (jellied soap)

Several bits, slivers, and pieces of used soap enough
to make 1 cup, dried out, or 1 cup soap flakes
1 cup boiling water
If using soap bits, grind them in a food processor blender until they are fine. Mix with
the soap flakes, if necessary to make 2 cups. Pour boiling water over the soap and
stir until soap is completely dissolved. Cool. Label and store in a pump-type
dispenser or a squeeze-top plastic container.
Spackle
Baking soda
"Elmer's" Glue
Mix to the proper consistency.
Spider Spray
1 cap Lemon Joy (dish soap)
1 cap Listerine
1 cap ammonia cleaner
1 quart water
Mix together and spray on areas where spiders are coming in.
Sponge Reconditioner
2 tablespoons salt
2 quarts water
Soak sponges in this solution, then wash in the washing machine along with your
towels.
Spot Remover
This is especially good for removing spots from delicate fabrics.
3 tablespoons hydrogen peroxide
Mix ingredients and dab on the stained area. Leave on for up to 1 hour, then rinse
off. Reapply if necessary.
CAUTION: Fumes from this cleaner may seem strong, so work in a well-ventilated
area. Also, do not make this recipe in a larger quantity as it will not keep. Also the
two chemicals generate heat if left together for long.
Spot Stopper (for dishwasher)

1 cup borax
1/2 cup baking soda
Mix ingredients and store in a clean, tightly closed pint-size jar or can. Label and
keep out of the reach of children.
To use, add 1 teaspoon of the mixture to your dishwasher in addition to the
dishwasher detergent.
Spotless Dishwasher Rinse

1 to 1 1/2 cups white vinegar added to the rinse compartment of your dishwasher
will do! Don't overfill. Add before washing. Also helps with odors from your
dishwasher.
Spray and Wash
1 teaspoon liquid soap or detergent
1 pint warm water
Mix. Store in a spray container. Spray on tough spots and let set for 15 minutes.
Wash as usual.
Spray Starch
1 part liquid starch
1 part water
Mix and put into an old spray bottle. Add a small amount of cologne if desired.
Squirrel Repellent
1 ounce Murphy's Oil Soap
1 ounce hot sauce
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Mix everything together and put the mixture in a 22 ounce spray bottle. Fill the
bottle to the top with water. Gently mix. Spray everything around where the
squirrels are unwanted.
Stainless Steel Cleaner

1/2 cup cornstarch
1/2 gallon warm water
Wipe on with paper toweling; polish with a soft lint-free cloth.
Stainless Steel Cleaner 2

1 pint water
Mix. Use to clean stainless steel.
Starch (basic)
1/2 cup starch
2 1/2 quarts boiling water
1/2 cup cold water
Mix starch with the cold water and stir to a smooth paste. Add the boiling water
gradually to the creamed mixture and cook, stirring constantly, for about 5 minutes
or until the mixture becomes transparent.
Heavy Starch: Mix 1 part basic starch with 1 part lukewarm water.
Medium Starch: Mix 1 part basic starch to 3 or 4 parts lukewarm water.
Light Starch: Mix 1 part basic starch to 5 or 6 parts lukewarm water.
Starch (for crocheted baskets and favors)

2/3 cup water
Boil sugar in water for three minutes. Cool slightly; dip basket, stretch on jar, vase
or other object. Place on heavy cardboard or several layers of paper. Pull and stretch
to desired shape and size as it hardens, then let dry to set the shape.
Starch (for doilies)

1/2 cup starch
1 1/4 cups water
1/2 cup cold water
Dissolve starch in cold water. Boil the 1 1/4 cups water, stirring constantly. Remove
from flame, then slowly stir the starch mixture into boiling water, stirring constantly.
Place back on flame until it thickens. As soon as the starch is cool enough to handle,
dip doily and squeeze through it thoroughly. Wring out the extra starch. The doily
should be wet with starch, but there should be no starch in the spaces or openwork.
Pin center of doily in true shape and allow to dry thoroughly. After it is dry, press
with a steam iron. If a regular iron is used, dampen the doily slightly before
pressing. Pin folds of ruffle in position and leave until thoroughly dry.
Steam Iron Mineral Deposit Remover

1 part water
Fill the steam iron with water vinegar. Let it steam for several minutes, then
disconnect and let set for 1 hour. Empty and rinse out with clear water.
Strong All-Purpose Cleaner

1 T clear, non-sudsing ammonia
1 T clear laundry detergent
2 cups water
Strong Glass Cleaner

1 cup rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol
1 cup water
1 tablespoon clear, non-sudsing ammonia
Stuck Glass Stopper Remedy

1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon glycerin
1 teaspoon rubbing alcohol
Mix. Dribble the mixture around the top of the bottle, a little at a time, until it works
its way down around the neck of the bottle, inside the stopper. Add more of the
mixture as needed and be patient as it takes time. You should eventually be able to
lift out the stopper, but it may require a little nudging. If so, tap the neck of the
bottle VERY lightly with a wooden spoon.
Super Drain Cleaner Recipe

1 cup baking soda
1 cup table salt
1/4 cup cream of tartar
1 cup boiling water
Cold Water.
Mix baking soda, table salt, and cream of tartar. Stir each time before using. Keep in
a clean, covered jar.
When ready to use, pour 1/4 cup of mixture into drain. Immediately add the 1 cup
boiling water. Wait ten seconds, then flush with cold water for at least 20 seconds.
SUPER GLUE REMOVER

Use acetone nail polish remover on a cotton ball and let it saturate the super glue to
remove it.
Swiffer Refill Cloths

This works well for both the wet and dry Swiffers!
Cut up an old receiving blanket or other similar heavy fabric in the size needed for
your "Swiffer." Use and toss in the washing machine to be used again.
Tailor's Crease Remover

1 1/2 ounces rubbing alcohol
8 ounces water
1/2 ounce fabric softener
Mix. Spray on hemline or trouser crease and press dry. This is the professional
method used by tailors.
Tea Kettle Lime Deposits Remover

1 part vinegar
1 part water
Fill tea kettle with the above mixture. Bring to a boil, turn off heat, then let stand
overnight. Rinse thoroughly.
Tea Kettle Lime Sediment Remover

1 1/2 cups apple cider vinegar
1 1/2 cups water
3 tablespoons salt
Mix the above in the tea kettle and boil for 15 minutes. Let set in kettle overnight,
then rinse with clear water.
Tea Tree Spray For Mold

2 teaspoons tea tree oil
2 cups water
Combine in a spray bottle, shake to blend, and spray on problem areas. Do not rinse.
Makes 2 cups
Preparation Time: Under a minute
Shelf Life: Indefinite
Storage: Leave in the spray bottle
Termite Remedy
1 quart creosote
1 (1 pound) box moth balls
1 quart household ammonia
1 package hartshorn
Mix and dissolve all ingredients in a gallon jug. Put 1 cupful in 3 gallons of water for
spray. Keep corked and out of the way of children. Spray around the foundation of
house and porch, wooded areas, basement, sheds and buildings.
Thermos Bottle Cleaner

Hot water
Fill thermos with hot water. Add baking soda. Let soak overnight. Rinse thoroughly.
Tile and Grout Cleaner

1/2 cup baking soda
7 cups warm water
Combine in a gallon container.. do yourself a favor .. and put the water in FIRST!
Shake.. and don't get it near anything with BLEACH! To use: fill a spray bottle, spray
onto tile/grout- wipe with a damp cloth or sponge, or use a scrub brush.
Tile Cleaner and Grease Remover

1 cup baking soda
1 cup ammonia
1 cup vinegar
14 cup warm water
Mix all ingredients together and place in a spray bottle. Apply directly to tile, and
grease and mildew will vanish.
Tile Floor Cleaner

1/4 cup ammonia
1 gallon hot water
Tile Floor Shiner

This will give the tile floor a shiny, glazed look.
1/2 cup powdered clothes starch
1 gallon warm water
Apply a very thin layer, then let dry.
Tips for Clean Dishes

Tips for Clean Dishes
*For very greasy dishes, add 1/2 cup vinegar or lemon juice to the water.
*To loosen baked-on food from pots and pans, immediately add some baking
soda and wait 15 minutes before you've had a chance to add baking soda, boil a
solution of 1 cup water, 5 drops cedar or other essential oil, and 3 tablespoons.
baking soda directly in the pot or pan. Allow the mixture to stand until the food
can be scraped off easily.
Toilet Bowl Cleaner
1 cup bleach
1 to 10 cups water
Pour bleach and water into a clean gallon-size plastic jug. Label, cap, and keep out of
the reach of children.
Pour 1 cup into the toilet. Let sit for 30 minutes with the lid closed and then swirl
around and under the rim with a toilet bowl brush. Flush.
Toilet Bowl Cleaner 2

* 1/4 cup baking soda
* 1/4 cup white vinegar
1. Sprinkle baking soda into the toilet bowl and add vinegar. Let sit for a couple of
minutes before cleaning with a toilet brush.

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Toilet Bowl Ring Remover

Borax
Lemon juice
Make a paste of borax and lemon juice. Flush toilet to wet sides. Apply paste. Let set
for 2 hours, then scrub thoroughly.
Toilet Bowl Ring Remover 2

Hydrogen peroxide
Cream of tartar
Few drops ammonia
Make a thick paste. Rub on and let set for 20 minutes. Scrub with very fine
sandpaper.
Toilet Cleaner
10 drops tea tree essential oil (optional).
Pour the ingredients slowly into the toilet bowl. Leave it for 15 minutes then scrub.
Toilet Stain Cleaner

Here is how to clean those toilet stains.
1 cup borax
1/4 cup lemon or vinegar juice
Mix, then pour into the toilet bowl. Let sit for about 15 minutes, then scrub the stains
away.
Tough Hand Cleaner

1/4 cup grated naphtha soap ends
2 tablespoons mason's sand or pumice
1 cup water
Place soap and water in a saucepan. Place over low heat; stir until soap is melted.
After mixture cools, add mason's sand or pumice. Store in a cottage cheese
container or margarine tub. To use, dip fingers into soap mixture and lather hands.
Rinse well. This works well on greasy tools, also. Be sure to rinse and dry tools
thoroughly.
Tough Toilet Stain Cleaner

Pour a box of borax into the toilet bowl; let sit overnight. In the morning the stains
will be gone.
Transplant Mix
2 quarts finely sifted topsoil
2 quarts finely sifted compost or high-quality leaf mold
1 quart coarse builder's sand, perlite OR vermiculite
1 teaspoon weak organic fertilizer (3-2-2), dehydrated poultry manure or 2
teaspoons dehydrated cow manure
Triple-Action Multipurpose Cleaner

1/4 cup baking soda
1 cup ammonia
1 gallon warm water
Mix thoroughly. Store in a bottle.
Tub & Tile Cleaner

Mix 1 2/3 cup baking soda, 1/2 cup liquid soap, and 1/2 cup water. Then, as the last
step, add 2 tablespoons vinegar (if you add the vinegar too early it will react with the
baking soda). Immediately apply, wipe, and scrub.
Tub and Tile Cleaner

1 2/3 cups baking soda
1/2 cup liquid soap
1/2 cup water
a few drops of Tea tree essential oil
Mix soda and soap. Add water, then add vinegar and oil. Store in a squirt-top bottle
and shake before using. Rinse thoroughly to avoid leaving a residue.
Tub and Tile Cleaner 2

Combine 1/2 cup baking soda with enough vegetable-oil-based liquid soap to make a
frosting-like mixture.
Add 15 drops of Tea tree oil .
Scoop the mixture onto a sponge and scrub the bathtub, sinks, Formica countertops
or shower stall. Rinse.
Tub and Tile Cleaning Spray

1 12 oz spray bottle
essential oils, such as orange lime lavender, grapefruit, tea tree etc etc etc
10 oz water
2-3 tablespoons 40 volume cream hydrogen peroxide (found at beauty supply
stores)
Directions:
Wear gloves when mixing this, the hydrogen peroxide wont hurt you, but it could
bleach your skin at full strength and itch a little:) also, don't use the peroxide on
your hair:)
Mix peroxide, water and oils of you choice. the cram consistency of the peroxide will
help it cling to the moldy areas of your tile, and just like a scrape full of germs, the
spray foams on contact with the mold, wiping it out fast!
I usually buy a 6-10 oz bottle of peroxide, make the spray, and dump the rest into a
running tub to "bleach" out the rust stains and I let it soak for 15 minutes before I
scrub!
Serves: 1 12 oz bottle
Tub Scrub
1/4 to 1/2 cup baking soda
essential oil (optional)
water
Directions:
Put baking soda in a bowl (cereal size is good). Add 10 drops of essential oil if using.
I use sweet orange oil which smells heavenly while scrubbing the tub. Add a tiny bit
of water at a time mixing with a spoon until a paste forms. Smooth the paste over
your bath tub and let sit for 5 minutes. Use sparingly as you aren't going for
thinkness on this. Come back and scrub your tub clean.
Twenty Mule Team Soap

1 can lye
6 cups water
1/2 cup Twenty Mule Team Borax
9 cups tallow or lard
6 cups water
Mix lye, Borax and water. Let stand one hour to dissolve. Melt the tallow or lard to
lukewarm and add the lye-borax mixture. Stir for 5 minutes or until it starts to
thicken. Pour into pans. Let thicken, and cut into squares. Use an old pan and a
wooden spoon to make this soap.
Upholstery Cleaner
1/2 cup mild detergent
Mix; let cool until it forms into jelly. Whip with a hand beater for a good stiff foam.
Test solution on an out-of-sight spot before you apply all over.
Vanilla Room Spray

1 (4 ounce) clean spray bottle with a fine mist setting
1 1/2 ounces distilled water
1 1/2 ounces clear vanilla extract
Fill the spray bottle with vanilla extract and distilled water.
Let the bottle sit for one day before use.
Shake the bottle prior to each use. Mist lightly in the room. Be careful not to allow
the air freshener mist to fall onto furniture or into open beverages.
Varnish Remover
1 cup cornstarch
1/2 cup ammonia
1 cup sal soda
Add hot water to cornstarch to make a thin paste. Add sal soda and ammonia. Mix
well and apply hot; wait 10 minutes more and apply once more. Wait 10 minutes
more and then remove.
Vegetable Cleaner
From Linda (carnation037)
At the grocery store you can find a product in the produce aisle - a spray bottle of
"fruit and vegetable cleaner." When you look at the label for the ingredients, you will
find the main ingredients are vinegar and water. You can make your own veggie
wash solution very cheaply, for the cost of a spray bottle and a bottle of vinegar
(which you probably already have in your cupboard, anyway.)
To make the solution, simply mix a few tablespoons of vinegar with the water in the
spray bottle and you're in business for a whole lot less! (Don't worry, it doesn't leave
a smell on your produce, and it works great!)
Velvet Scrub
Use this on fiberglass or the inside of a refrigerator.
1 tablespoon Soft Soap

4 cups warm water
Combine and pour into a plastic pump-type spray bottle. Spray directly on the
surface to be cleaned and wipe off with a damp sponge.
Vinegar Deodorizer
A spray bottle filled with straight vinegar is a good item to keep handy. Vinegar is a
great countertop deodorizer and mold killer. Vinegar can also be sprayed directly
onto cutting boards and left overnight to deodorize and kill germs. Straight vinegar
also works well for cleaning the toilet rim: just spray it on and wipe off.
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Vinegar Mold Killer

Fill a spray bottle 3/4 full with white vinegar and the rest with water, spray on the
icky moldy area and in a few minutes wipe off. It practically melts the mold!
Vinegar Shower Cleaner

This is a wonderful, natural alternative to chemical bath and shower cleaners (and
it's much less expensive).
1 cup white vinegar
3 cups water
Put into a large spray bottle and shake well before each use. Use to clean your
bathroom, allowing the mixture to sit longer on more stubborn stains. The acidity in
the vinegar will help remove grout and grime.
Vinyl Cleaner
1 part whiting
3 parts baking soda
2 quarts warm water
Combine whiting and baking soda in a bowl or bucket. Stir well. Rub powder onto the
vinyl with a damp sponge. Mix dishwashing liquid and water in a bowl to make a
sudsy solution and wash off the baking soda mixture. Rinse and wipe dry.
Wall and Woodwork Cleaner

1 cup ammonia
1/4 cup baking soda
1/2 cup vinegar
1 gallon water
Wall Cleaner (for heavy dirt)

1 gallon hot water
1 cup ammonia
1/4 cup baking soda
Scrub with a terry cloth rag, then wipe dry with a clean rag.
NOTE: This is so strong it may dull a glossy wall.
Wall Paper Remover

1 part vinegar
1 part hot water
Dip roller or sponge into solution and wet paper thoroughly. After two applications,
the paper should peel off in sheets.
NOTE: Use a paint roller. It is much more effective than using a brush.
Wall Wash (for painted walls)

1 quart warm water
2 tablespoons liquid detergent
Mix well. Dust the walls first with a dry mop. Wash with Wall Wash mixture, rubbing
gently. Sponge off with 1 tablespoon borax to 1 quart rinse water. Wipe dry.
Water Rings on Wood

Water rings on a wooden table or counter are the result of moisture that is trapped
under the topcoat, but not the finish. Try applying toothpaste or mayonnaise to a
damp cloth and rub into the ring. Once the ring is removed, buff the entire wood
surface.
Waterproof Glue Recipe
2 Packets unflavoured gelatin -- (1/2 ounce)

2 tablespoons cold water
3 tablespoons skim milk
several drops oil of cloves (optional)
1. In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over cold water. Set aside to soften.
2. Heat milk to boiling point and pour into softened gelatin. Stir until gelatin is
dissolved.
3. Add oil of cloves as preservative if glue is to be kept for more than a day.
Makes about 1/3 cup
Store glue in a screw-capped jar. It will gel as it cools, but this will not affect its
adhesiveness. Set jar in a pan of hot water to soften glue for reuse.
Wax Stripper
1 cup granular laundry detergent
1 gallon warm water
6 ounces ammonia
Weekly Drain Cleaner Recipe

1 cup baking soda
1 cup vinegar
very hot water
Pour the baking soda into the clogged drain followed by the vinegar. As this foams,
flush with very hot water. Done on a weekly basis, this keeps the drain free of hair
and clogging grease. Great for kitchen sinks and bathrooms.
Wet Carpet Cleaner

1 cup Spic 'N' Span
1/2 cup ammonia
2 gallons hot water
White Sock Soap

1 cup powdered dishwasher detergent
1 gallon hot water
Use a plastic, enamel or stainless steel container (not aluminum) or the kitchen sink.
If the fabric or material cannot take hot water, let it cool. Let socks soak for 5 to 10
minutes. Check them and, if needed, soak a little longer. Rinse well and then wash
as usual.
Whitening Soak
1/2 cup bleach
1/4 cup dishwasher powder (such as Cascade)
1 gallon hot water
Soak clothes for 30 minutes, then launder as usual.
Wild Life Repellent

Source: vicon.net by Carol Martino
1 whole Spanish onion
1 jalapeno pepper
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
Chop up the onion and the pepper. Mix together and boil in 2 quarts of water for
about 20 minutes. Let cool, and strain the water through a cheesecloth. Using a
garden sprayer, spray any area outside where wild animals or even neighborhood
pets are being a nuisance. This probably will not work for birds (birds do not have a
sense of smell.) This process may have to be carried out for a period of 2 weeks to
ensure success.
This mixture is non-toxic and it will not harm any animal, but will succeed in keeping
them away.
Window and Glass Cleaner

* 1/4-1/2 teaspoon liquid soap
* 3 tablespoons vinegar
* 2 cups water
* Spray bottle
1. Put all the ingredients into a spray bottle and shake. The soap in this recipe cuts
down on wax residue, commonly found in commercial window and glass cleaners.

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Window and Surface Cleaner

1 cup ammmonia
1 teaspoon Dawn dish liguid
1 pint (2 cups) alcohol
Place ingredients in a one-gallon jug and fill the remainder of jug with tap water. To
use pour some into spray bottle and use on widows and other surfaces.
Window Cleaner
This is the old-fashioned variety.
1/2 cup ammonia
1/2 cup white distilled vinegar
1 bucket warm water
Dry the windows with two towels. The second towel will make windows sparkle.
NOTE: If cold weather, add 1/2 cup rubbing alcohol to the above mixture to prevent
ice from forming on your windows.
Window Cleaner (blue)

3/4 cup water
2 drops blue food coloring
Window Cleaner (for cold weather)

1 quart warm water
Window Cleaner (for warm weather)

2 tablespoons rubbing alcohol
2 quarts water
Window Washer
1/3 tsp liquid Castile or other liquid vegetable based soap
3 tbsp cider vinegar or white vinegar
2 cups water.
Mix vinegar and water in spray bottle. Add soap. Mix and use.
Windshield Cleaner (extra-strength)
1/2 cup whiting
1/4 cup baking soda
Mix, and add enough water to make a paste. Apply with a sponge. Polish with a dry
lint-free cloth.
Windshield De-Icer
3 parts vinegar
1 part water
Put into a spray bottle. Before going to bed at night, spray the windshield and all the
windows and mirrors. In the morning, the windows should be free of ice.
Windshield Washer Spray

Water
1/4 cup vinegar
Put vinegar in dispenser first, then fill with water.
Wintergreen Air Freshener

To add a touch of wonderful wintergreen scent, all you need are some cotton balls
and some oil of wintergreen. (Find that in any pharmacy - ask the pharmacist if you
can't find any & they'll likely order some in.) Dip the cotton balls in the oil of
wintergreen and place near opened windows or anywhere out of sight where the air
will circulate around them - smells minty and wonderful!
Wonder Spray
2 teaspoons Borax
1/4 cup liquid soap
32 ounces hot water
20 drops essential oil*
Combine all ingredients. Use as you would any other cleaning spray.
* Lavender is an antibiotic, antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial.
Wood and Wall Cleaning Solution

1 gallon warm water
1 cup ammonia
1/2 cup vinegar
1/4 cup baking soda
Combine and use to clean walls and woodwork.
Wood Cabinet Cleaner/Polish

1/3 cup safflower oil
Pour vinegar into blender. With the blender running, add oil in a thin stream. Blend
until the mixture is emulsified. Apply with a soft cloth and buff to a shine.
Wood Cleaner/Reviver
1/3 cup boiled linseed oil
1/3 cup WHITE vinegar
1/3 cup turpentine
Mix together and shake well. Apply with a wad of steel wool and lightly scrub the
surface. Stir the formula, as needed, to keep the vinegar suspended. Wipe again
with a clean cloth.
NOTE: DO NOT TRY TO BOIL YOUR OWN LINSEED OIL AS IT IS NOT THE SAME. BUY
IT AT A HARDWARE OR PAINT STORE.
Wood Floor Cleaner

cup vinegar
1 gallon water
The most important thing to keep in mind while cleaning wood floors is that they can
not get overly wet. When you use the above mixture, dip your sponge mop into the
solution and squeeze until almost dry. Then mop. Never put the cleaner directly on
the floor. Dry any streaked or wet area with a clean towel as you go along the floor.
Wood Floor or Furniture Polish

1/8 cup lavender base oil
(or plain olive or other vegetable oil if you don't have the base oil handy)
1 Tbsp cider vinegar

1 tbsp vodka
10 drops oil of lavender
Mix all together well and rub into the wood with a clean soft rag.
Wood Floor Soap

1/8 cup vegetable oil-based liquid
1/2 cup fragrant herb tea
Soap (such as Murphy Oil Soap)
1/4 to 1/2 cup vinegar or lemon juice
Combine in a bucket. Swirl until sudsy, then use for mopping.
Wood Floor Wax

1 cup base oil, 1/2 cup vodka, 1 to 1-1/2 oz grated beeswax, 1-1/2 to 2 oz carnauba
wax (depends on hardness desired), 20 drops of essential oil of lavender.
NOTE: Carnauba wax is brittle and can be quickly pulverized by placing in a plastic
bag and gently tapping with a hammer or other suitable tool.
Put the base oil and the waxes into the top of the double boiler and place over the
bottom portion of the double boiler to which water is already added and is at a
simmer. At "low heat" stir gently until all waxes are dissolved. Remove from heat
and add vodka and essential oil and blend well. Pour into a clean, recycled nut can or
other similar size heat-resistant container. Allow to harden. Use a rag to rub into the
wood. If the rag "drags" too much, dip it into a tiny bit of the base oil.
Wood Polish
1/2 teaspoon olive oil, 1/4 cup white vinegar or lemon juice. Mix the ingredients in a
glass jar. Dab a soft rag into the solution and wipe onto wood surfaces.
Wood Stain (all-purpose oil-based)

1 part boiled linseed oil
2 ounces Japan drier
2 parts turpentine
Up to 1/2 pound dry artist's pigment
Wearing rubber gloves, mix linseed oil, Japan drier, and turpentine in a sealable
container, then stir in artist's pigment to get the desired color. The pigment does not
dissolve. It is suspended in the linseed oil and turpentine. When not using the stain,
keep the container sealed to prevent evaporation.
Wooden Floor Cleaner

(for floors with a hard-coat finish only)
4 teabags
1 quart water
Boil teabags in water, then let cool. Clean small areas of the floor at a time. Wipe dry
to prevent water-spotting and warping.
OR
Few drops mild dish soap
1 gallon warm water
Clean small areas of the floor at a time. Wipe dry to prevent water-spotting and
warping.
Wooden Floor Cleaner 2

5 tablespoons turpentine
1 pint mineral oil
1/2 cup vegetable oil
Mix in a jar. To use, add 1 cup mixture to 1 quart warm water in a bucket. Mop the
floor, following the grain. Wipe completely dry with a clean cloth.
Wooden Floor Paste Wax

9 tablespoons carnauba wax
5 tablespoons ceresin wax
1 pint mineral spirits
2 1/2 tablespoons montan wax
1/4 cup turpentine
2 tablespoons yellow beeswax
Melt all waxes in a double boiler. Add pine oil and blend well. Remove from heat and
cool slightly. Slowly add mineral spirits and turpentine, stirring constantly until well
blended. Store in a covered jar. Apply a small amount to floor; let dry and polish
vigorously.
Wooden Floor Polish (non-slip)

1/2 cup orange shellac
2 tablespoons turpentine
1 pint denatured alcohol
1 pint denatured alcohol
Mix shellac, gum Arabic and turpentine until the gum Arabic dissolves. Store in
covered jars. Apply with a cloth, sponge or mop. Allow to dry 30 minutes, then buff.
Woodwork/Wood Cabinet Cleanser

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 quart warm water
4 tablespoons white vinegar
Combine all ingredients in a 2-quart bottle, cap, and shake to mix. Dampen a cloth
with the solution and wipe cabinets or woodwork. Dry with a clean cloth. Shake the
bottle frequently while using to keep the oil dispersed in the water.
Work Surface Cleanser

2 cups water
1 cup white vinegar
3 Tablespoons bicarbonate of soda
Few drops tea tree essential oil
Few drops lavender essential oil
Directions:
Put all ingredients in spray bottle and shake well.
Spray worktops and wipe down. This mixture cuts grease on worktops, removes
mold spores, AND repels ants. The repellent effect lasts for three or four days, and
the mixture is not harsh on granite worktops.

Household Cleaning Recipes

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"Commercial" Paper Wallcover Cleaner

Air Freshener Spray

1/4 cup baking soda

Air Freshener Spray 2

Alice s Wonder Spray All-Purpose Household Cleaner

To scent, add 10 to 15 drops of an essential oil.

All Purpose Cleaner 2

All Purpose Cleaner in a Bucket

ALL PURPOSE CLEANERS

All Purpose Metal Polish & Cleaner

1/2 cup isopropyl alcohol (70%)

All purpose/Window Cleaner

1 gallon hot water

All-Purpose Insect Spray

All-Purpose Kitchen and Bath Cleaner

Pour all ingredients in a spray bottle and mix well.

All-Purpose Liquid Cleanser

All-Purpose Quick Shine

All-Purpose Spray Cleaner

All-purpose Spray Cleaner 2

All-Purpose Spray Cleaner 3

Read more at Suite101: Natural Household Cleaning Guide: Eco-Friendly Ways to

All-Purpose Tree Fertilizer

Aluminum Pot Cleaner

AmazingAll Purpose Cleaner

2 cups very hot water

Antibacterial Bathroom Cleaner

Antimicrobial Shower Spray

1/4 cup tea tree oil castile soap

10 drops rosemary, lavender, or citrus essential oil

Appliance Cleaner Spray

Aromatic Carpet Cleaner

Aromatic Vanilla Air Freshener

Automatic Dishwasher Soap

Automatic Dishwashing Soap

Base Oil for Wood Floor Wax or Furniture Polish

Basic Dish Soap

Bathroom Tile Cleaner

Bathroom Tub Stained Strip Whitener

Bathroom Window Frost

Bathtub and Shower Cleaner

Batik Barrier Paste

2 teaspoons alum (find in the grocery store

Bay Leaf "Tea" Remedy for Ants

Beeswax Furniture Polish

Beeswax Wood Polish

300 ml Pure turpentine

Better Baby Wipes

FUMES WHEN MIXING.

Bleach (hydrogen peroxide)

Blue Window Cleaner

Blues Dish Soap

Bug Spray for Plants

Buttermilk Spray (for spider mites)

Cabinet Grease Remover

Calcium Deposit Remover

Car Floor Mat Cleaner

2 gallons warm water

Carpet Cleaner (for oil and grease)

Carpet Cleaner (heavy duty)

1/4 cup white distilled vinegar

Carpet Color Restorative

Cast Iron Burner Cleaner