Cleaning Recipies

For the next few days we will be discussing my true love: being green. As my post explained yesterday it is my effort to get rid of all but one of my cleaning solutions. When I conquered this the first time I managed to clean almost everything with vinegar, lemon juice, and warm water. I was able to use what was in the house for the majority of my cleaning. My primary "go to" cleaning solution was vinegar however, once I was out of vinegar the lemon juice would come out.

What I used and How:

Swifter wet jet solution:
Warm water
Vinegar
~Shake well and start moppin'

Kitchen Counters, Bathroom Counters, and table.
I would place vinegar in a straight spray bottle.
I would spray directly on surface and clean.

Mirrors and Windows
Warm water
Vinegar
Place in spray bottle and use just like Windex


Even though it may take a while before you and I  can rid our selves of these cleaning products I decided to go online and compiled a good list of substitute cleaners.  These cleaners can be used while you are weeding out your supply and they can be used after you weeded out your supply.  Of course there is always the "green" cleaners you will favor and have on hand at all times... Like vinegar.

All Purpose Kitchen Cleaner (instead of Comet)
2 tablespoons vinegar
2 cups hot water
1/4 cup liquid soap

~Mix everything but soap in a spray bottle and shake. Add 1/4 cup liquid soap last. Mix gently. Apply and wipe clean. Good for counters, wood work, appliances, etc.

Drain Cleaner
1/2 cup baking soda
1/2 cup vinegar

~Pour baking soda down the drain followed by vinegar. Let it bubble for 15 minutes, then pour down a teakettle full of boiling water.


Floor Cleaner (instead of Mr. Clean)
1/2 cup vinegar
1 gallon water

~Combine in a bucket or sink and use on vinyl or title floors

Fabric Softener
Vinegar

~Add 1-2 cups of vinegar to rinse cycle to deodorize and soften fabrics.

Tub & Tile Cleaner
1 2/3 cup water
1/4 cup liquid soap
1/4 cup baking soda
2 tablespoons vinegar
A few drops of essential oil (optional)

~Add soap to water and let dissolve. Stir in baking soda, then add vinegar. Store in a squirt bottle and shake before using. Rinse thoroughly to avoid leaving a residue.

To clean grout, mix lemon juice and baking soda and apply to grout. Let dry and then rinse.

Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Tub and Tile Cleaner (see above)

Wood Floor Polish
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup vinegar
10 drops essential oil (optional)

~Mix and apply. Wipe clean.

Glass Cleaner (instead of Windex)
1/8 cup vinegar
1 cup water

~Mix ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake and apply. Wipe clean with newspapers.

Carpet Deodorizer
1 pound box baking soda
1 teaspoon essential oil

~Mix using a fork to work out lumps. Sprinkle on carpet. Vacuum after 1 hour.

Carpet & Upholstery Stain Remover
Equal parts vinegar and water

~Mix and use to remove tough stains including grass, perspiration, rust, jam, coffee, orange juice, wine, beer, ketchup, barbeque sauce, chili, urine and pet stains.

TIP: Never use warm or hot water on stains containing sugar!


While I close for the day I would like to point out that you must note which ingredients are used most.