7 Cleaning Products You Can Make Right Now

We’ve all been there: a glass of wine spills on the carpet, and you realize you’re out of stain remover; the in-laws are on their way over, and you remember you forgot to buy bathroom cleaner. Don’t panic! You likely have everything you need to make a high-quality cleaning solution right inside your home.

Homemade cleaning products are a great way to save a few dollars and reduce the number of chemicals you’re exposed to daily. They’re safe, effective, and easy to make. In this post, Gem City Cleaning Solutions discusses the common cleaning agents found in most homes and provides recipes for seven cleaning products you can make right now.

Cleaning Agents You Probably Have At Home

If you’ve ever read the back of a bottle of a name-brand cleaning product, you probably won’t recognize many ingredients. Though chemicals certainly have their place in disinfectants, polishers, and stain removers, there are a variety of natural alternatives that you probably already have around the house.

Before you run to the store to spend your hard-earned money on a new product, consider making an equally effective alternative at home. You can do so by using:

Baking Soda

Baking soda is a dependable option for lifting grease and dirt from clothes, carpets, and other fabric-covered surfaces. And, because it’s non-toxic and an effective odor eliminator, it’s great for scrubbing microwaves, fridges, ovens, and stoves.

White Vinegar

An incredibly cheap cleaning agent, vinegar has the power to disinfect all surfaces. Use a 1:1 ratio with warm water, and you’ll have a bottle of non-toxic cleaner that’s safe to use in every area of your home.

*Pro-Tip: If you’re worried about the smell, add leftover citrus peels to your vinegar solution and allow them to soak for around four hours before use. Alternatively, you can leave a few small dishes of baking soda where you spray the vinegar solution. It’ll trap the odors and keep your home smelling fresh.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a mild bleach, perfect for spot-cleaning laundry, carpets, curtains, and more. It can easily lift wine, chocolate, grass, blood, and other stains. Just be sure to test it on a small piece of fabric first to avoid discoloration.

Liquid Dish Soap

Dish soap can clean more than just pots and pans. It’s an excellent cleaner for floors, countertops, and other hard surfaces. You can also mix a drop or two of dish liquid in a bottle of warm water and use it as a streak-free glass cleaner. Additionally, it can help lift oil-based stains from clothes and other fabrics.

Salt

Table salt’s granular texture makes it an effective scrubbing agent. It works particularly well on grease build-up that can accumulate in the oven and on the stove. A strong saltwater solution can also be added to your laundry to brighten colorful items.

Lemons

The acidity in lemons makes them a powerful cleaning agent. They can be used to polish copper that’s developed rust, and remove stains from nearly any surface. Plus, their bright, citrusy scent will keep your home smelling fresh.

Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is a powerful germicide and therefore is an excellent option for disinfecting surfaces. It can also be used to polish jewelry, deodorize shoes, and remove permanent marker stains.

While many of these household cleaning agents are useful as stand-alone solutions, they’re even more powerful when combined. Keep your closet and pantry stocked with the essentials, and you’ll always be able to whip up a:

1. Bathroom Cleaner

Ditch the need for separate products for the shower, toilet, and floor. Instead, try this all-in-one bathroom cleaner. Just combine:

• 1½ cups baking soda
• ½ cup warm water
• ½ cup liquid dish soap
• 2 tablespoons white distilled vinegar

Spray on tile, porcelain, or other hard surfaces to easily lift the bathroom grime while disinfecting along the way.

2. Carpet Cleaner

Be it the family dog’s muddy paws or a toddler’s overturned plate of spaghetti, it seems there’s always a spot on the carpet that needs scrubbing. For a carpet cleaner that’s tough on any stain, mix:

• 2 tbsp hydrogen peroxide
• 1 tbsp dish liquid

Scrub the solution into the problem area, and then rinse with warm water. If the stain doesn’t lift, sprinkle it with baking soda, let it sit for 30 minutes, and then try the peroxide solution again. If you’re still having trouble, it may be time to call a professional.

3. All-Purpose Cleaner

For a spray that will clean anything from countertops to light fixtures, combine:

• 1½ cups hot water
• ½ cup white vinegar
• 20 drops of your favorite essential oil

If you don’t have essential oils on hand, add leftover citrus peels or herbs to the solution to help cut the vinegar and freshen the scent.

4. Window and Glass Cleaner

For a streak-free shine on all your glasses and mirrors, mix:

• ¼ cup white vinegar
• 1 cup warm water
• 3 drops dishwashing liquid

Be sure to wipe with a microfiber cloth for maximum effect.

5. Hardwood Floor Cleaner

Enjoy the dual effect of a disinfectant and sparkling shine. Simply mop with:

• 1 gallon warm water
• 2 tbsp dish liquid

For a more powerful freshening effect, you can also add a few drops of your favorite essential oil.

6. Garbage Disposal Deodorizer

Before deodorizing your garbage disposal, mix a strong saltwater solution (equal parts table salt and warm water) to rinse your drains. It’ll help loosen up the grease and other food particles that get stuck in the plumbing.

When you’re ready, combine:

• 1 cup white distilled vinegar
• 1 cup baking soda
• Juice from one lemon

Pour the mixture down the drain and let the disposal run for about one minute. When complete, toss the used lemon down the drain and turn on the tap for another minute. Your drains (and nose) will thank you!

7. Air Freshener

Consider a homemade air freshener for a crisp, earthy scent that isn’t hard on your nose. Simply mix:

• 1 cup hot water
• 1 bunch chopped fresh sage
• 1 cup distilled white vinegar
• ¼ tsp salt

Let it sit for 12 hours before using to give all the aromas time to blend together. Store in a cool, dark place for months of easy use.

Get Help When You Need It

Having a few items on-hand for fast, easy cleaning solutions can save you time and money when it matters most. For more DIY cleaning tips, head to our website and browse our blog.

Interested in seeing what more Gem City can do for you? Contact us today to schedule a deep clean to get your home clean as can be!