HOMEMADE CLEANERS
Painted Walls and Woodwork
Use one of the following to wash painted surfaces: 1/4 cup ammonia and 1 gal
warm water, OR 1 tbsp trisodium phosphate and 1 gal warm water, OR 1/4 cup
liquid dish detergent and 1 gal water. To prevent streaking, begin washing
at the bottom of the wall and work toward the top; wash ceiling last. Rinse
thoroughly and change rinse water frequently.
Windows and Glass
Use one of the following mixtures to clean glass and windows: to remove soil
and grease, use 1/4 cup ammonia diluted in 2 qts warm water; to remove hard
water deposits and soil, use 1/4 cup vinegar diluted in 2 qts warm water; to
remove extra heavy soil and grease build-up, combine 1/2 cup ammonia, 2 cups
rubbing alcohol and 1 gal water.
Tips- When washing windows, wash sills and cross-pieces first wipe windows
with lintless cloth, paper towels or crumpled newspapers to prevent
streaking, wash windows out of direct sunlight for touch-ups, keep any one
of the above preparations in a spray bottle, spray on dirty area and wipe.
Upholstery
(Note: Commercial upholstery shampoos do a good job and are easy to use.
However, if you wish you can use the following homemade preparation.)
Combine 1/4 cup liquid dish detergent or laundry detergent and 1 cup warm
water. With a hand mixer, whip until dry suds form (the suds will look like
whipped cream). Test upholstery in an unnoticeable area by applying dry suds
with a cloth or soft brush and lightly scrubbing. Allow to dry. If the area
looks the same but cleaner, the entire piece of upholstery may be cleaned in
this manner. Shampoo only a small area at a time and use a spatula or rubber
scraper to lift off dirty suds. Repeat if necessary, then wipe area with a
clean cloth dipped in clear water and wrung nearly dry. Dry completely.
Tips-Keep upholstery as dry as possible while shampooing to prevent damage.
For quick drying, open windows or turn on an electric fan, a dehumidifier,
or an air conditioner in the same room
Household Odors
To freshen room air, dampen cotton balls with oil of wintergreen and place
out of sight but where air will touch them.
Candles, Telephones
Sponge with a piece of cotton dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Carpet Freshener
Combine 3/4 cup baking soda, 2 tbsp corn starch, and 1/4 cup perfumed talcum
powder. Sprinkle on dry carpet, let stand 5 to 15 minutes, then vacuum.
Cobwebs
For hard to reach spots, slip a sock over the end of a yardstick and secure
with a rubber band, then sweep the area. This method works well for cleaning
under radiators and refrigerators also.
Pet Urine
Dab area with toweling, wash with suds of liquid dish detergent, and rinse
with 1/2 cup vinegar diluted in 1 qt warm water. Lay towels or paper towels
over the spot and weight down to absorb excess moisture. Let stand 4 to 6
hours, then remove toweling, brush up nap and allow to dry completely. To
speed drying, use an electric fan.
Ovens
Fill a small glass bowl with 1/2 cup full-strength ammonia, place in oven
and close. Let stand overnight, then wipe loosened dirt with paper towels or
newspapers. If necessary, rub surfaces with a suitable abrasive, such as
fine steel wool, then wash with warm soapy water and rinse. Repeat process
if necessary.
Pots and Pans
Burned, and Crusted, on Foods Soak or boil a solution of 2 tbsp baking soda
per qt of water in each pan. Let stand until particles are loosened, then
wash as usual. Use a mild or moderate abrasive if necessary.
Discolored Aluminum
Heat a solution of 1 tbsp vinegar per qt of water or 2 tsp cream of tartar
per qt of water in each pan until
discoloration disappears.
Grease
Rub greasy spots with a mild or moderate abrasive, such as fine steel wool,
and a dish detergent until they disappear.
Stained No-Stick Cookware
To remove stains from no-stick surfaces, pour a solution of 1 cup water, 2
tbsp baking soda and 1/2 cup chlorine bleach into the pan and simmer 5 to 10
minutes. Do not allow mixture to boil or to boil over the side of the pan.
Wash in hot soapy water, rinse and dry. Apply a light coating of cooking
oil. (Note: This formula may fade dark-colored surfaces.)
Copper Pots
To remove tarnish from copper pots, rub with lemon halves dipped in salt.
Refrigerators
To clean exterior and interior walls, dissolve 2 tbsp baking soda in 1 qt
warm water and wipe all surfaces. For stubborn spots, rub with baking soda
paste. Be sure to rinse with a clean, wet cloth. (This works well on other
enamel-finished appliances as well.)
To clean interior fixtures, such as vegetable bins and shelves, wash in hot
soapy water, rinse well and dry.
Enamel, Ceramic or Glass Baking Dishes
Soak in hot soapy water, then scour with salt or baking soda and rinse
thoroughly.
Coffee and Tea Stains
To remove coffee or tea stains from cups or counters, rub with baking soda
paste. For stubborn stains, rub a drop of chlorine bleach into the affected
area until the stain disappears, then wash immediately with hot soapy water
to prevent fading, and rinse well.
Sticky Labels
Cover label with a cloth or sponge saturated with warm vinegar and let
stand. When the label is saturated, it should peel off without scraping or
causing damage. Rinse. (Note: Use this method only on washable surfaces and
washable paint.)
To remove labels from plastic, dab with dry-cleaning fluid, then rub. Wipe
away any excess fluid and wash plastic immediately in hot soapy water
(dry-cleaning fluid may dull the finish of plastic). If labels on plastic
have been wet or the article has been stored in a hot, damp area, the label
will be more difficult to remove.
Drains
To keep drains clear, flush daily with scalding water. For grease buildup,
dissolve 1 lb washing soda in 3 gal boiling water and pour down drain. To
avoid burns from boiling water, hold water container close to drain and pour
slowly and directly into drain. For heavy grease buildup, use a commercial
drain opener. Exercise extreme caution when using and follow label
instructions exactly. (Commercial drain openers can be used to clear hair
buildup from bathroom drains, also.)
Disinfectant/Mildew Remover
Dilute 3/4 cup chlorine bleach in 1 gal of water. Apply to tile and grout
and scrub; wipe shower stall and curtain; rinse thoroughly.
Fixtures
To clean stainless steel, chrome, fiberglass, ceramic, porcelain or enamel
fixtures, dissolve 2 tbsp baking soda in 1 qt of water.
Rust Stain and Hard Water Deposit Remover
Apply full-strength vinegar or lemon juice and let stand until spot
disappears, then rinse. Repeat if necessary.
Soap Scum
Apply baking soda dry or as a thick paste, rub vigorously with a wet sponge,
then rinse.
Toilet Bowl
Pour 1/4 cup full strength chlorine bleach OR 1/2 cup full strength ammonia
into bowl. DO NOT USE BOTH. Swish with a bowl brush and flush.
Combs and Brushes
Fill a basin with hot water, and add either 2 tbsp ammonia OR 1 tsp liquid
dish detergent. Drop in combs and brushes and soak 10 minutes, then use
combs to clean brushes. Rinse thoroughly and air dry.
This article was written by
Anne Field, Extension. Specialist, Emeritus, with references from MSU
Extension bulletin Money Saving Tips on Household Cleaners.
Published by permission.
Source: Michigan State
University Extension | Submitted by: Rose Ann | Posted: June 2008 |
