Do you ever worry about all the harmful chemicals you use when you clean your home? Making your own cleaning supplies can cost less than the ones you buy at the store. They are safer to use. And, they are better for the environment. Plus, you will cut down on the amount of plastic bottles and containers that are cluttering up your cleaning closet and under the sink. These recipes come from Organized Simplicity: The Clutter-Free Approach to Intentional Living by Tsh Oxenreider (can’t you tell that we love this book?). She challenges you to try them the next time you run out of your regular, store-bought cleaner and see if you get hooked!

**Test out each cleaner in a small spot before you clean the entire surface to make sure it does not stain or harm anything**

• All-Purpose Cleaner
  • ¼ cup white vinegar
  • 2 TBSP baking soda
  • ¼ gallon hot water
  • A few drops of essential oil (optional)
  • Combine ingredients in a bucket, stir and let mixture cool. Pour into a spray bottle.
• Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner
  • Equal parts white vinegar and water
  • A few drops of essential oil (optional…try lavender, orange, lemon or grapefruit)
  • Combine ingredients in spray bottle and shake.
• Heavy Duty Carpet Cleaner
  • Equal parts salt, white vinegar and borax
  • Mix ingredients into a paste, rub on affected area and let sit for a few hours. Scrub away with a brush or damp cloth.
  • Does not store well.
• Dishwasher Soap
  • Equal parts borax and washing soda
  • Mix ingredients and store in a labeled container.
  • Use the amount normally called for in your dishwasher.
  • If your water is hard, use more washing soda.
• Glass Cleaner
  • 2 tsp. white vinegar
  • ¼ gallon water
  • A few drops of essential oil (optional…lemon cuts grease well)
  • Combine ingredients in a spray bottle and shake.
  • Works best when wiping with crumpled newspaper.
• Laundry Soap
  • 1 cup unscented, dye-free soap (like Ivory), grated or ground in food processor
  • ½ cup washing soda
  • ½ cup borax
  • A few drops of essential oil for scent(optional)
  • Combine ingredients and store in a labeled container.
  • Use 1 TBSP for light loads and 2 TBSP for heavier loads.
• Oven Cleaner
  • ¾ cup baking soda
  • ½ cup salt
  • ¼ cup water
  • Combine into a paste and spread over affected areas. Let sit overnight. Scrape off and rinse clean.
• Toilet Bowl Cleaner
  • ¼ cup baking soda
  • 1 cup white vinegar
  • Combine ingredients and pour into toilet bowl.
  • Let it sit for a few minutes then scrub with a toilet brush and rinse.

Have you ever tried any home-made cleaning supplies?  What are some of your favorite ingredients/recipes?

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