Make Your Own Cleaning Products

Howard Garrett and I chatted about reducing our reliance on chemicals this morning on the Dirt Doctor Radio Show, on 660 AM Radio in DFW.

We're green and clean this week as we are going to post some wonderful eco-friendly cleaning products that we have tested ourselves. But first, here are some very effective formulas that you can make yourself.

Make Your Own!

You don't need to purchase a different product for each cleaning task. Baking soda, ammonia, distilled white vinegar, Borax and a good liquid soap or detergent will do most tasks nicely. These cleaners are more versatile, better for you and the environment, and cost significantly less than formulated products.

Heavy-duty all-purpose cleaner

Mix one tablespoon of ammonia, one tablespoon of clear laundry detergent and 2 cups of water and it into a spray bottle and presto, you’ve got an all-purpose cleaner at your fingertips. Just make sure that you DO NOT mix this solution with chlorine bleach, as the mixing of the bleach and ammonia creates a toxic gas.

Drain, sink, bathtub and toilet cleaner:

½ cup baking soda and ½ cup white vinegar with a squirt of dish detergent. Add the baking soda first and then the vinegar, followed by the detergent. It makes a fun and safe “explosion” that kids love to watch. It’s a great way to get them to clean the bathroom! This formula does not store safely because of the bubbling action so make a new batch each time you need it.

Here are some more homemade cleaning formulas from our friends at Mother Earth News.

Plus some more ideas on Dirt Doctor Howard Garrett’s website!

Subscribe to our feed for more great cleaning product ideas later this week...