DIY cleaning ingredients are natural substances that you can use to create your own cleaning solutions at home. They are often more environmentally friendly and less toxic than commercial cleaning products. Here are some common DIY cleaning ingredients and how to use them:
1. Vinegar
- Uses: Disinfectant, deodorizer, and stain remover.
- How to Use: Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Use it to clean glass, countertops, and bathroom surfaces. Avoid using on natural stone surfaces like granite or marble.
2. Baking Soda
- Uses: Abrasive cleaner, deodorizer, and stain remover.
- How to Use: Sprinkle baking soda on surfaces like sinks, tubs, or stovetops. Scrub with a damp sponge or cloth, then rinse. You can also mix it with water to form a paste for tougher stains.
3. Lemon Juice
- Uses: Natural bleach, deodorizer, and stain remover.
- How to Use: Use lemon juice directly on stains or mix it with baking soda to create a paste. It can also be used to clean cutting boards and to freshen up the microwave
4. Castile Soap
- Uses: All-purpose cleaner.
- How to Use: Mix 1-2 tablespoons of liquid Castile soap with a quart of water in a spray bottle . Dilute with water (1-2 tablespoons per quart) for general cleaning.
5. Essential Oils
- Uses: Add fragrance and additional antibacterial properties.
- How to Use: Add a few drops to your cleaning solutions (e.g., tea tree oil, lavender, or lemon oil).
6. Hydrogen Peroxide
- Uses: Disinfectant and stain remover.
- How to Use: Use 3% hydrogen peroxide in a spray bottle for disinfecting surfaces.
7. Cornstarch
- Uses: Window cleaner and furniture polish.
- How to Use: Mix with water to clean windows or use dry to polish furniture.
8. Olive Oil
- Uses: Furniture polish.
- How to Use: Mix with vinegar (1 part oil to 2 parts vinegar) for a natural furniture polish.
9. Rubbing Alcohol
- Uses: Disinfectant and stain remover.
- How to Use: Use undiluted for disinfecting surfaces or removing sticky residues.
10. Salt
- Uses: Abrasive cleaner and stain remover.
- How to Use: Use with vinegar or lemon juice to scrub surfaces.
Basic Recipes
All-Purpose Cleaner
- Ingredients: 1 cup vinegar, 1 cup water, 10-15 drops of essential oil (optional).
- Instructions: Mix in a spray bottle and shake well before use.
Glass Cleaner
- Ingredients: 1 cup water, 1 cup vinegar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch.
- Instructions: Mix in a spray bottle and shake well before use.
Scrubbing Paste
- Ingredients: 1/2 cup baking soda, 1/4 cup liquid Castile soap, 1/4 cup water.
- Instructions: Mix to form a paste and use for scrubbing tough stains.
11. Borax
- Uses: Stain remover, deodorizer, and laundry booster.
- How to Use: Add 1/2 cup to your laundry for extra cleaning power or mix with water to create a paste for scrubbing.
12. Washing Soda (Sodium Carbonate)
- Uses: Heavy-duty cleaner and laundry booster.
- How to Use: Mix with water to create a paste for tough stains or add to laundry for extra cleaning.
13. Epsom Salt
- Uses: Scrubbing agent and deodorizer.
- How to Use: Mix with dish soap to create a scrubbing paste for cleaning pots and pans.
14. Tea Tree Oil
- Uses: Antimicrobial and antifungal properties.
- How to Use: Add a few drops to your cleaning solutions for added disinfecting power.
15. Coconut Oil
- Uses: Furniture polish and stain remover.
- How to Use: Mix with vinegar or use alone to polish wood surfaces.
More Recipes
Laundry Detergent
- Ingredients: 1 bar of soap (grated), 1 cup washing soda, 1 cup borax.
- Instructions: Mix all ingredients and store in an airtight container. Use 1-2 tablespoons per load.
Carpet Deodorizer
- Ingredients: 1 cup baking soda, 10-15 drops of essential oil (like lavender or lemon).
- Instructions: Mix and sprinkle on carpets. Let sit for 15-30 minutes, then vacuum.
Toilet Bowl Cleaner
- Ingredients: 1 cup baking soda, 1 cup vinegar.
- Instructions: Pour baking soda into the toilet bowl, followed by vinegar. Let it fizz for 10-15 minutes, then scrub with a toilet brush.
Oven Cleaner
- Ingredients: 1/2 cup baking soda, water (to make a paste), 1/4 cup vinegar.
- Instructions: Spread the baking soda paste on the oven surfaces, let it sit for a few hours or overnight, then spray with vinegar and wipe clean.
Furniture Polish
- Ingredients: 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup vinegar, 10 drops of essential oil (optional).
- Instructions: Mix in a spray bottle and shake well before use. Apply with a soft cloth.
Streak-Free Glass Cleaner
- Ingredients: 1 cup water, 1 cup rubbing alcohol, 1 tablespoon vinegar.
- Instructions: Mix in a spray bottle and use on glass surfaces for a streak-free shine.
Then wipe with a coffee filter over the surface.
Mold and Mildew Cleaner
- Ingredients: 1 cup vinegar, 1 cup water, 1 teaspoon tea tree oil.
- Instructions: Mix in a spray bottle and spray on affected areas. Let sit for an hour before wiping clean.
Tips for Using DIY Cleaners
- Safety First: Always wear gloves when handling cleaning solutions, especially those with vinegar or essential oils.
- Storage: Keep all cleaning solutions out of reach of children and pets.
- Test Surfaces: Always test a small area before applying any cleaner to a larger surface, especially on fabrics or delicate
Tips
- Always label your DIY cleaning products.
- Test any new cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area first.
- Store cleaning solutions in a cool, dark place to prolong their effectiveness.
These ingredients can be combined in various ways to create effective cleaning solutions for different surfaces and purposes. Enjoy your DIY cleaning!
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