Homemade Cleaning Products

Get a jump on your spring cleaning with these homemade cleaning products!

“Cleaning, deodorizing, and disinfectant products need not contain harsh, chemical toxins to get the job done-there is a natural solution for every household cleaning job. By making your own from the simple staples, you’ll not only help the environment-you’ll save money, too.”

All of these cleansers come from the book Home Made Best Made by Reader’s Digest. I have tried some of these cleaners while others I have not. Please use your own judgment before using any of the recipes to clean your home.

Lemony Furniture Polish
“This furniture polish protects the wood surface and make it shine. Mix it fresh before each use.”

1 c. olive or vegetable oil
1 tsp. lemon essential oil

Mix oils together and apply sparingly with a soft rag. Wipe dry with a clean, soft cloth, buffing to a gleaming finish.

Nonstreaking Spray Glass Cleaner
“Use crumpled newspaper instead of paper towels for better results.”

¼ c. white vinegar
1 Tbl. Cornstarch
2 c. warm water

Mix in a spray bottle and shake well to dissolve the cornstarch. Spray liberally onto glass surface. Wipe dry with a clean cloth or newspapers, buffing to a streak free shine.

Eucalyptus Tile Cleanser
“This fresh, tangy powder leaves kitchen and bathroom tiles shiny and clean.”

½ c. pure soap flakes
1 c. chalk or diatomaceous earth
1 c. baking soda
1 tsp. eucalyptus essential oil

In a small bowl crush the soap flakes with the back of a spoon, or whirl them in a blender until powdered. Mix chalk or earth and the baking soda, breaking any lumps. Sprinkle essential oil over the surface of the powdered mixture and stir in with the spoon. Continue stirring for several minutes to disperse the oil then spoon the mixture into a screw top jar or can that has small holes punched into the lid. Cover the holes with masking tape to keep the powder dry while it is stored. Let the mixture sit for a week before using so that the essential oil is thoroughly dispersed.

Pine Floor Cleaner
“This cleaner is an effective cleaning agent that quickly cuts grease and removes stubborn stains. Mixed with soap and salt, it makes an excellent cleanser for most hardwood floor surfaces.”

½ c. soap flakes
¼ c. washing soda
2 c. water
2 tsp. pine essential oil
1 c. salt

In a sauce pan, place the soap, salt, water, and soda and heat gently, stirring until it is dissolved. Cool the mixture to lukewarm, then add the oil. Stir well and pour into a jar or other container. To use, put 2-3 tablespoons of the mixture into a half filled bucket of hot water, stirring well. For large areas, you may need to double the amount. After cleaning, rinse the floor with half a bucket of clean water into which you have poured a cup of white vinegar.

Non Toxic Toilet Bowl Cleaner
“Clean and sanitize your toilet without harmful chlorine! For no scrub convenience, simply pour in and leave overnight.”

1 c. borax
½ c. white vinegar

Flush the toilet and wet the side of the bowl. Sprinkle the borax around the toilet bowl, then drizzle with the vinegar. Leave for several hours before scrubbing with a toilet brush.

Fabric Gel Wash
“The old fashioned method of washing clothes in pure soap is still one of the most reliable ways of getting them clean. This fabric gel, with it’s built in fabric softener, is partially good for washing in hard water."

2 c. pure soap flakes
1 ½ c. borax
6 c. water
½ c. glycerin
2 tsp. of eucalyptus, lemon, or lavender essential oil

In a sauce pan, stir together the soap, borax, and water. Heat gently and stir until the liquid is clear. And the glycerin and cool to lukewarm. Add the oil and stir thoroughly. Pour into a wide mouth jar or other container until needed. Add a cupful to the washing machine, making sure that the soap is fully dissolved before adding any clothing. For best effect, use this gel with warm or hot water.

Fabric Softener
“Use this simple treatment to make fabrics soft and fluffy.”

¼ c. baking soda
½ c. white vinegar

Fill the washing machine with water. Add the soda and then the clothing. During the final rinse cycle, add the vinegar.

All Purpose Cleanser and Disinfectant
“This spray is great for both kitchen and bathrooms surfaces. It works double duty, cutting grease and grime while killing germs.”

1 tsp. borax
½ tsp. washing soda
2 Tbl. Lemon juice.

In a spray bottle, combine the ingredients. Add 1 cup of very hot water and shale well to mix and dissolve the dry ingredients. To use, simply spray on the surface and wipe off with a spine or rag. This solution can be stored indefinitely.

Dishwashing Liquid
“Used with hot water, this liquid gel cleans dishes beautifully without creating unnecessary suds. Do not use in dishwasher.”

¼ c. soap flakes
2 c. hot water
¼ c. glycerin
½ tsp. lemon essential oil

In a bowl, combine flakes and water until flakes are dissolved. Cool to lukewarm. Stir in glycerin and oil and leave to cool. As the mixture cools, it forms a loose gel. Stir with a fork to break up the gel and using a funnel, pour into a narrow neck plastic bottle. To use, squirt 2-3 teaspoonfuls under running water into the sink.

Automatic Dishwasher Soap
“If you live in a hard water area, add the spotless dishwasher rinse to the machine before washing.”

2 c. borax
2 c. washing soda

Mix together and store in a closed plastic container. To use, add 2 tablespoons to the soap compartment.

Spotless Dishwasher Rinse
“You can get dishes spot free in you dishwasher without using chemical rinsing agents.”
1 ½ c. white vinegar

Add vinegar to your dishwasher. Wash dishes as usual.
Note From Ryan He said to NEVER put vinegar in the rinse compartment of your dishwasher. He said it breaks down the seal inside the washer. He said it is okay to put vinegar into the washer itself, they use that to clean the scum, but NEVER in the rinse compartment. He said they have done several repairs due to people putting vinegar in the rinse compartment.



“You can find diatomaceous earth in garden, pool, and hardware stores. Use store bought brands of pure soap flakes such as Ivory or Dreft, or make your own by grating a bar of pure soap. Washing soda is available at grocery store laundry sections.”