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Natural Household Cleaning Products

From Cathy Wong,
Your Guide to Alternative Medicine.
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Here is some information on how to make homemade cleaning products:

Oven Cleaner

  • 1/2 cup salt
  • 1 1/2 cups baking soda
  • 1/2 cup water

    Mix the ingredients until it forms a smooth paste. Plug the holes in the oven with aluminum foil. Spread the paste (try not to get any on metal parts). Leave overnight. In the morning, mix:

  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/4 cup vinegar

    Mix the ingredients in a spray bottle. Spray the oven with this mixture. Wipe away. Rinse with clean water. Note: the mixture needs to be rinsed well or it will leave a white residue.

    Glass Cleaner

    Pour plain club soda (not the low-sodium kind) into a spray bottle. Spray it on glass or mirror. Use a lint-free cloth or paper and wipe until it's clean.

    Microwave Cleaner

  • 1/4 cup vinegar
  • 2 cups water

    Add the ingredients to a large bowl. Microwave uncovered for 3 minutes on high. Leave for another three minutes. Open the microwave, remove the bowl and wipe down the inside of the microwave with a clean damp cloth.

    Toilet Cleaner

  • 3 cups white vinegar
  • 10 drops tea tree essential oil (optional).

    Pour the ingredients slowly into the toilet bowl. Leave it for 15 minutes then scrub.

    Bathtub and Shower Cleaner

  • 1 part vinegar
  • 1 part water

    Mix ingredients in a spray bottle. Spray the shower wall and tub. Let it sit for at least 1/2 hour. Rinse it off. If you need extra cleaning power, use liquid detergent and a nylon or plastic sponge. Avoid soap, which can leave a residue.

    If there are rust stains in your tub, mix a bit of cream of tartar with water until the consistency is like toothpaste. Put a little on the stains and use a sponge to wash off.

    Precautions:

    • Don't mix homemade cleaners with store-bought cleaners.
    • Work in a well-ventilated area.
    • Use the same precautions as with store-bought cleaners - keep them out of reach of children and pets.
    • If using unmarked bottles and containers, make sure to label them.
    • Don't use food containers to mix cleaning products.

    To Learn More:

    To see videos on how to make these and other cleaners:

  • How to Make Homemade Bathroom Cleaners

  • How to Make Homemade Kitchen Cleaners
  • Updated: January 23, 2008
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