Do You Even Need To Buy Cleaner?

Do you even need to buy cleaner?  Well, no not really.  It these tough economic times if you are in a pinch to find places to save a little money consider making your own cleaner.  Not only does it keep things green but its a great way to save a few bucks you can use elsewhere. 

Consumer Reports shares products that can be used to make cleaners and what those products can be used for.  Some include:  white vinegar, lemon juice, hydrogen peroxide, baking soda.  These can be combined to make common household cleaning products.

• Sanitizer:  You can sanitize cutting boards by spraying them with vinegar and then spraying them with 3% hydrogen peroxide.

• Tub and Tile:  You can clean the tub and tiles by mixing 1 2/3 cup baking soda,  1/2 cup liquid soap, and 1/2 cup water.  Right when you are ready add 2 tablespoons of vinegar.  The vinegar will create a chemical reaction with the other ingredients so you don't want to add it too soon.
  

• Furniture Polish:  To make furniture polish simply mix olive oil and vinegar in a one-to-one ratio and polish with a soft cloth.  To clean windows simply add 3 tablespoons of vinegar per one quart of water to a spray bottle.

• Air Freshener:  Add 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of vinegar (or lemon juice), and 2 cups of hot water into a spray bottle and spritz your room.

• Wood Floors:  Add 1 cup of vinegar per pail of hot water.

• Laundry Detergent Booster:  To reduce the amount of detergent you use try adding baking or washing soda.  These products soften the water and increase the detergent's power.  For liquid detergent, add 1/2 cup of baking soda at the start of the washing cycle.   For powdered detergent, add it during the rinse cycle.

For many more ideas including handling mold, dry cleaning, carpet cleaning, cleaning toilet bowls and drains, check out Consumer Reports Greener Choices by clicking here.