Homemade Cleaners

My mother-in-law sent me some of her tired and true homemade cleaning solutions. She says they all work great and don’t leave a chemical smell.

Window Cleaner:

• ½ c. ammonia
• 1 c. white vinegar
• 1 gal. hot water
• may add ½ c. rubbing alcohol for cold weather cleaning

To Freshen Drains:

Pour ½ c. baking soda into drain. Add ½ c. white vinegar. Let stand 5 min. Flush with tea kettle of boiling water, (4-5 cups).

Soap Scum Fighting Spray (bathroom cleaner):

• 1 tsp. borax
• ¼ c.  white vinegar
• ½ tsp. liquid detergent (Dr. Bronner’s)
• 5-10 drops essential oil (optional)
• 2 c. hot water

Combine all ingredients in spray bottle. Shake to blend. Follow with sponge or scrubber, rinse and wipe dry. Makes 2 ¼ c.
Note: I dissolve the borax in hot water before blending with other ingredients.  Sometimes the solution may separate from sitting so I heat the solution in the microwave for about 1 minute then shake to blend.

For quick cleanups around the house

I keep a spray bottle handy mixed with 1 part white vinegar and 1 part water. Great for spills on the floor and safe for pets.