You’ll be amazed at how easy these DIYs cleaning projects are to pull off, and how after making the initial investment in ingredients, these cleaning supplies cost pennies per concoction to make.
1. All Purpose Cleaner
For a simple, all-purpose counter cleaner, mix together equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. If your countertop is made from marble, granite, or stone, skip the vinegar (its acidity is no good for these surfaces) and use rubbing alcohol or vodka instead.
2. Toilet Cleaner
For a heavy-duty toilet scrub that deodorizes while it cleans, pour ½ cup of baking soda and about 10 drops of tea tree essential oil into the toilet. Add ¼ cup of vinegar to the bowl and scrub away while the mixture fizzes.
3. Tub and Shower
Tubs and showers can produce some of the toughest grime, but it’s no match for the cleaning power of vinegar. Spray pure white vinegar on the offending area, let it sit for at least 30 minutes, and then rinse with warm water (don’t be afraid to use a sponge if rinsing doesn’t clear away the grossness on its own).
4. Disinfectant
Skip the bleach and make a homemade germ-killer instead. Just mix 2 cups of water, 3 tablespoons of liquid soap, and 20-30 drops of tea tree oil. Voila!
5. Air Freshener
All you need to defeat unpleasant odours is baking soda, your favorite essential oil, and an old jar with a lid you don’t mind poking holes in.
6. Furniture Polish
For an all-purpose furniture polish, combine ¼ cup vinegar with ¾ cup olive oil and use a soft cloth to distribute the mixture over furniture. For wood furniture (or as an alternative to the first recipe), combine ¼ cup lemon juice with ½ cup olive oil, then follow the same procedure.
Always remember to label your finished products and store them safely away from children and pets. These are just a few of the many homemade cleaners you can create that are versatile, affordable, and eco-friendly..
If making your own cleaning supplies is not your thing, check out this “Sustainable shoppers guide to cleaners” from the David David Suzuki Foundation.
http://www.davidsuzuki.org/publications/downloads/2012/shoppersguide-cleaners.pdf