It is easy to make your own all purpose cleaners, and they can be just as effective as the store bought cleaners. This page contains homemade all-purpose cleaner recipes.
Mix the ingredients until dissolved. You may want to test it on painted surfaces before using. I've never had it fade any paint, but you never know.
By Copasetic 1 from North Royalton, OH
By Jodi from Aurora , CO
Peel an orange, a couple tangerines, or any citrus fruit you like. (And yes, I did it in one continuous cut :-)
Put the rind twist into a jar. Add just enough vinegar to cover it. Let it sit and infuse on a sunny window for a few days.
Then pour into a spray bottle. The vinegar smell should be cut quite a bit. This makes a good cleaner for most any situation.
A side benefit: When I was a kid, we never bought conditioner (did they have it in the 50 and 60s?), we always rinsed our hair with straight vinegar mixed with a big cup of water. Had the shiniest, tangle-free hair. But I never cared for the smell while using it, even though the smell went away after use. I'm going to give this citrus-infused vinegar a try instead of conditioner.
Source: posted by Somewhiteguy @ comments @ The Kitchen
By June from upstate NY
When you make your own cleaning products, you avoid exposing yourself and your family to hundreds of harsh chemicals. You also protect the environment, and save money, too! The following all-purpose cleaner recipes contain simple, ordinary ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice. You probably already have most of these ingredients on hand. If you don't, they are inexpensive and easy-to-find at your local supermarket. Best of all-they really work! With the exception of the laundry detergents, these cleaning recipes should be used immediately (not stored), as some of the ingredients will become inactive after standing for a period a few hours. Although the ingredients are mild, some may stain or scratch certain surfaces, so always test them out before applying them to a large area. Any ingredients known to harm certain materials are marked with an *asterisk.
All-Purpose Household Cleaner
Mix one teaspoon of liquid soap or borax with a gallon of hot water. Lemon juice or vinegar added to the mix will cut grease and leave a fresh scent. Vinegar is a great deodorizer.
All-Purpose Fruit and Veggie Wash
In a bowl or spray bottle, mix together 3 cups filtered water, 3 tablespoons of white distilled or apple cider vinegar, and 2 tablespoons baking soda. Spray on veggies, scrub gently, and then rinse them under cold water.
Note: Do not use this solution on mushrooms as they will absorb the flavor.
Cutting Board Sanitizer
Apply with a spray bottle, scrub with a sponge, and then rinse clean.
Coffee Maker Cleaner
Pour 1 cup of white distilled vinegar into the water reservoir (use ¼ cup for smaller coffee makers). Fill the rest of the reservoir with water. Turn the coffee maker on, and without adding coffee or a filter, let it run through a cycle. Empty the pot. Run it through another cycle using plain water only to get rid of any remaining vinegar residue. Repeat a third time (water only again) if necessary.
Glass Cleaner
Mix ingredients together and pour into a clean spray bottle. Once mixed, this solution can be stored for later use, just make sure you label the bottle and keep it out of reach of children.
Oven Cleaner
Place baking soda in a bowl. Add water, a little at a time, until the mixture forms a spreadable paste. Spread the paste evenly over the bottom of the oven and let it sit overnight. If necessary, spritz the paste with water the next morning to dampen it and make it easier to wipe clean. Wipe away the baked on residue using a damp sponge and follow with a damp cloth to remove any remaining baking soda. For really tough baked on spots, try sprinkling the damp sponge with salt for a little extra scouring power.
Pots and Pans Cleaner
Sprinkle two tablespoons of baking soda into dirty pots and pans. Add 2 to 3 inches of hot water and a little squirt of dish soap. Let stand for 10 to 15 minutes (preferably on still warm burner) before scrubbing. For extra tough stains, add 1/4 cup of white distilled vinegar (it will foam!). Most baked on food can be easily removed from pots and pans if you act quickly.
When you're done cooking, immediately squirt a little hot water and dish soap into the empty pan and leave it site on a warm (turned off) burner. By the time you're finished eating, the dish soap and water will have worked its magic and the stuck on food should come off easily.
Note: Do not use baking soda solutions on non-stick pots and pans, as it may scratch the coating, which may then leach into your food. This solution should also not be used on aluminum pots and pans as it may discolor them.
Porcelain Whitener
Sprinkle 1 teaspoon each of oxygen bleach powder and baking soda in the porcelain dish (2 teaspoons for a larger dish). Fill the dish with hot water and swirl to dissolve the powders. Let it stand for 10 to 15 minutes before scrubbing.
All-Purpose Stainless Steel Cleaner
Combine the ingredients in a bowl. Use a soft damp cloth or non-abrasive sponge to rub the mixture onto the stainless steel surface. Wipe clean (no rinsing necessary) and polish with a soft cloth.
All-Purpose Anti-Bacterial Cleaner
Using a wooden spoon, mix the baking soda and detergent in a bowl until it is the consistency of frosting. Stir in essential oils. Slather some of the mixture onto a soft sponge and scrub. Rinse well. Use this recipe to clean glass, porcelain, ceramic, and most plastic surfaces. It's abrasive enough to clean without scratching. You can find essential oils at health food store.
Porcelain Tub and Sink Brightener
Apply to a sponge. Scrub thoroughly and rinse. For stubborn stains, allow to stand for 15 minutes before scrubbing.
Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Squirt liquid soap into the toilet bowl, followed by a sprinkle of oxygen bleach powder and baking soda. Add essential oils (optional). Scrub with a toilet brush. For tough stains, let the solution stand for 10 to 15 minutes and scrub a second time. Flush when finished.
Drain Opener
A plumber's drain snake can be used to manually clear a clogged drain. You can find both professional grade and inexpensive plastic versions at most big-box home stores. As a preventative measure, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of white distilled vinegar (it will foam!). Do this once every two weeks to help prevent future clogs.
Soap Scum Cleaner
Use the All-purpose cleaner (see above) plus add 1/2 cup baking soda and 1/2 cup vinegar. It will foam up when the vinegar is added to the baking soda, so don't be alarmed. Use an old toothbrush to clean hard to reach places and rinse with warm water. Soap scum build-up is easy to prevent just by wiping down wet surfaces regularly after bathing.
All-Purpose Liquid Laundry Detergent
Place the grated soap in a small saucepan and cover with water. Dissolve over low heat. Fill the bucket with water, and add the dissolved soap. Stir in 1 cup of washing soap and mix well. As the solution cools, the liquid should start to thicken up. Store soap in covered bucket. Use 1-2 cups per load. Fels-Naptha® bar soap and washing soda (usually Arm & Hammer® brand) can both be found in the laundry aisle of most supermarkets.
All-Purpose Powdered Laundry Detergent
Combine all ingredients and store in a covered container. Use 1 cup for light loads, and 2 cups for large or heavily-soiled loads.
Fabric Softener
Add 1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar to the rinse cycle.
Stain Remover
Spot-treat stains with a solution of 3 tablespoons borax and 2 cups of room temperature water. Test on a concealed piece of fabric first, before using on a large area.
Bleaching
Use a clothesline and some sunshine as a natural way to bleach!
Tile/linoleum Floor Cleaner
Dissolve 1-2 teaspoons of dishwashing soap in 3 gallons of warm water. Mop the floor with this solution. To rinse, follow with 1 cup of white vinegar in 3 gallons of cool water and dry with towels.
Wood Floor Cleaner
Dissolve 3 tablespoons of baking soda and 1 cup of white vinegar in 3 gallons of warm water. After mopping, wipe floor dry with a clean towel.
Rug/Carpet Spot Remover
Blot immediately with a soft, dry towel. Sprinkle with baking soda, cornstarch or borax and let dry. Wash with club soda, let dry and vacuum.
Furniture Polish
Test in an inconspicuous area first.
Rust Remover
Sprinkle a small amount of salt on the rusted area. Soak the area with the juice of one lime, saving the rind. Let stand for about three hours. Use the leftover rind to scrub the surface clean.
By Ellen Brown
By Jodi from Aurora, CO
I am looking for "recipes" for all purpose liquid solutions cleaner for general bathroom, kitchen, etc. Please help.
By "Sweet Pea" from Nevada City, CA
By mom2hhh04/02/2011Put 2 cups rubbing alcohol & 1/2 cup white vinegar in a clean, empty 1 gal. milk jug. Fill the rest of the way with water, squeeze (approximately 1 tsp.) dawn dish soap in. Put top on and give it a light shake. Fill a spray bottle. Use in the bathroom anywhere, kitchen counters, windows, mirrors, anywhere. Safe and super cheap. Never leaves a residue.
Looking for recipes for homemade household cleaners.
Debby from London, Ont. Canada
By kayson09/05/2008i am looking for a safe homemade cleaner for my walls and painted woodwork
I am looking for recipe for a general cleaner (mainly kitchen), strong enough to clean off my stove.
By mklema9265812/09/20111 cup each of 70% alcohol, ammonia and water into a spray bottle.
I have mixed just about every homemade cleaner "recipe" known to man. It is satisfying and I like knowing I am not putting pollutants and irritants in our home. I have just found the BEST all purpose cleaning mixture ever! It cleans appliances to a sparkle, windows, wood, counter tops, bathroom surfaces, etc It is a disinfectant and anti mildew cleaner as well - and it is cheap, cheap, cheap!
Here is what you need:
By Carol from Landisville, PA
By
By Teri
By mulberry204
By DownSouth
By Mel
Mary (01/30/2009)
The best grease-cutting all purpose cleaner I have ever used is a mixture of water, a little bit of dish detergent (I use Dawn) and some vinegar in a spray bottle. This cuts through absolutely everything. I especially like to use it on the stove to both cut through the grease and clean at the same time.
My aunt told me the idea of mixing the soap and water, so I added some vinegar to it. Its also great for spraying on dishes to start breaking up the scum before you wash them.
And, the vinegar makes the blue Dawn a really pretty color of blue, so it could be something fun to show the kids when it happens.
Source: My Aunt Linda.
By Dorinmoz from Sugar Land, TX
By SusanMarie
I was doing a site search for this cleaner that I have heard so much about and I cannot find it.
Editor's Note: Here's the recipe we have. Please everyone, if you have others, post them here.
All Purpose Cleaner
A good cleaner for spills and general, light cleaning.
Mix all ingredients and put solution in a spray bottle. Use
on stains or quick clean ups in the kitchen.
Like most cleaning solutions, this might irritate some
people?s skin. Use with rubber gloves.
I use on my shower tile and never have to scrub or even wipe down. I also use in the toilet, bathroom sink, kitchen sink and counters.
A word of warning: I only use Dawn, some other dish washing cleaners have warning labels not to mix with bleach but Dawn doesn't. It does get fumey smelling so make sure to leave doors open or a window for a few minutes. (07/24/2003)
By OSI1
By April
By CoCo 007
You know how you pick up a hint somewhere and it sits around for a year before you get around to trying it? Well here's one.
Mix well and put some in a spray bottle. I tested in an out of the way spot first. It worked. Floor, sink, bathroom & painted wall.
By Great Granny Vi
Editor's Note: Make sure this solution never comes into contact with bleach. When bleach and ammonia are mixed it creates a gas that is extremely dangerous to inhale.
Combine together. This is window cleaner and can be used on stoves and refrigerators. Surface really shines!
By Robin from Washington, IA
Here's a homemade cleaning recipe for people with allergies, asthma, or who just want to make something homemade and earth friendly. In a large bowl place 2 tsp. baking soda and 1/2 cup vinegar.
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Homemade All Purpose Cleaner