Homemade Cleaners That Actually Work

Learn More

next page

Scented All-Purpose Cleaner

– One part white vinegar – One part water – Lemon rind – Rosemary sprigs Combine the above ingredients together, pour into a spray bottle, shake, and then let infuse for a week before using. Once done, you can use the homemade all-purpose cleaner to remove hard water stains, clean trash cans, wipe away wall smudges, and much more. Besides a fresh scent, the lemon rind may help boost cleaning power.

next page

Kitchen Cleaner and Deodorizer

– 4 tablespoons baking soda – 1 quart warm water To clean kitchen counters, appliances, and the inside of your refrigerator, all you need is baking soda for this homemade kitchen cleaner.To deodorize, use the homemade baking soda solution above or pour baking soda straight from the box into your drain or garbage disposal to remove odors. To shine and remove spots from stainless steel, make a paste of baking soda and water.

next page

DIY Glass Cleaner

– 2 cups water – 1/2 cup white or cider vinegar – 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol 70% concentration – 1 to 2 drops of orange essential oil for smell (optional) This homemade cleaner will leave your windows and mirrors sparkling. Simply combine these ingredients and pour them in a spray bottle to make a homemade cleaner with ingredients you already have on hand.

next page

Homemade Brass Cleaner

– White vinegar or lemon juice – Table salt To clean non-lacquered tarnished brass cabinet pulls, decorative ware, fixtures and more, dampen a sponge with vinegar or lemon juice, then sprinkle on salt. Lightly rub over the surface.  Rinse thoroughly with water or a clean damp cloth, then immediately dry with a clean soft cloth.

next page

Natural Heavy-Duty Scrub

– 1/2 lemon – 1/2 cup borax powder Rust stains on porcelain or enamel sinks and tubs are no match for this heavy-duty homemade cleaner. Dip the lemon into the borax and scrub the surface, then rinse. (This is not safe for marble or granite.)  Tip: You can find borax, a laundry booster, in the detergent aisle or order it on Amazon.

next page

DIY Grease Cleaner

– 1/2 cup sudsy ammonia – Scant 1 gallon of water Get rid of grease with this homemade kitchen and oven cleaner. Sudsy ammonia contains detergent that helps remove tough grime on metal surfaces. Mix 1/2 cup with enough water to fill a one-gallon container.  Then clean your oven racks, stove hood, and grill by dipping a sponge into the solution and wiping over the surface before rinsing with clear water.

next page

Clothing Stain Remover

– 1 gallon hot water – 1 cup powdered dishwasher detergent – 1 cup regular liquid chlorine bleach, not ultra or concentrate Treat badly stained but washable white clothing that hasn’t responded to other techniques by mixing the above ingredients into a stainless steel, plastic or enamel bowl (not aluminum). Soak garment for 15-20 minutes. If stain is still there, let it soak a bit longer, then wash the item as usual.

next page

Natural Marble Cleaner

– 2 drops mild dishwashing liquid – 2 cups warm water This sudsy homemade cleaner can be used to clean marble. To make this cleaner, simply mix 2 drops of dish soap, like Dawn, and water the next time you want to clean natural stone countertops.  Sponge over marble and rinse completely to remove any soap residue. Buff with a soft cloth; do not let the marble air-dry.

Read more

10 Easy-to-Make Candles for Your Home

10 DIY Twin Room Decorating Ideas