The weather is getting warmer, windows are open and screen doors let in the fresh air! This can only mean one thing; time to clean the house after a long winter. For many people, this means that it is time to go to the store and shop for cleaning supplies!
I am always amazed at the aisles full of cleaning products that promise to clean, shine, deodorize, disinfect, and in general, prepare your home for the cover of Martha Stewart’s latest magazine. While I have fallen into the trap of buying the “New and Improved” whatever, I am now a confirmed make-my-own-supplies-thank-you-very-much, cleaner.
This change is in part to things I have read on the internet, friends who practice what I call, “cupboard” cleaning, and my Scotch ancestry that doesn’t want to spend money if I don’t have to. Assuming that you may want to try some home solutions yourself, I’ve listed some that I use!
Kitchen and Bathrooms
Baking Soda and Water: Dust surfaces with baking soda, then scrub with a moist sponge or cloth. If you have tougher grime, sprinkle on some kosher salt, and work up some elbow grease.
Lemon Juice or Vinegar: If you have stains, mildew or grease streaks spray or douse them with lemon juice or vinegar. Let sit a few minutes, then scrub with a stiff brush. The lemon smells wonderful!
Disinfectant: Instead of bleach, make your own disinfectant by mixing 2 cups of water, 3 tablespoons of liquid soap and 20 to 30 drops of tea tree oil. (This oil is a natural disinfectant and can be purchased at your health food store)
Cleaning Home Windows, Mirrors, Car Windows
White Vinegar, Water and Newspaper: Mix 2 tablespoons of white vinegar with a gallon of water, and pour into a used spray bottle. Squirt on, then scrub with newspaper, not paper towels, which cause streaking. If you're out of vinegar or don't like its smell, you can substitute undiluted lemon juice or club soda.
Cleaning Area Rugs
Take any removable rugs outside and beat the dust and hair out with a broom.
Cleaning Spots on Rugs
Club Soda: You've probably heard that club soda works well on carpet stains, but this needs to be poured on immediately after a spill. Lift off any solids, then liberally pour on club soda. Blot with an old rag. The soda's carbonation brings the spill to the surface, and the salts in the soda thwart staining.
Cornmeal: For big spills, dump cornmeal on the mess, wait 5 to 15 minutes, and vacuum up the gunk.
Spot Cleaner: Make your own rug cleaner by mixing: 1/4 cup liquid soap or detergent in a blender, with 1/3 cup water. Mix until foamy. Spray on, and then rinse with vinegar.
To Deodorize: Sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch on the carpet or rug, using about 1 cup per medium-sized room. Vacuum after 30 minutes.
Cleaning Hardwood Floors
Vinegar: Whip up a solution of 1/4 cup white vinegar and 30 ounces of warm water. Put in a recycled spray bottle, then spray on a cotton rag or towel until lightly damp. Then mop your floors, scrubbing away any grime.
Oven Cleaning
Baking Soda and Water: Coat the inside of your dirty appliance with a paste made from water and baking soda. Let stand overnight. The next day put on your cleaning gloves and scour off the grime. Use a damp cloth to follow-up after you’ve cleaned.
Plugged Drain
Baking Soda and Boiling Water: Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda into the problem drain, followed by 2 cups of boiling water. If that doesn’t work quickly enough, follow this with 1/2 cup of vinegar and cover the drain tightly, allowing the vigorous fizzing of the chemical reaction to break up the gunk. Then flush that with one gallon of boiling water.
