{ cleaning up naturally }

A few years back I started to make homemade cleaning products

as a way to save money and to be Eco Friendly.

Striving to use products that would be safer for the environment and safer for my family (me included).

Here are a few recipes that I use when cleaning.

Photo Credit ~ Corbis Images

Microwave Cleaner

½ c. Vinegar

2 c. Water

Combine in microwave safe bowl, heat on high for 3-4 minutes, remove bowl and wipe down inside of microwave.

Dishwasher Detergent

2 c. Borax

2 c. Baking Soda

2 T. Citric Acid

1 Package of Unsweetened Lemon Kool-Aid

Vinegar for the rinse cycle.

Mix all of the dry ingredients and place in a container with lid.
Use about 1-2 Tablespoons per load.
Pour a few tablespoons of white vinegar into the "rinse aid" compartment of your dishwasher or simply pour in during the rinse cycle. This will help to keep your dishes from having a "cloudy" look!
You may substitute Kool-Aid or “Fresh Fruit” for the citric acid; which both are basically citric acid. The citric acid also helps keep the dishes from building up a cloudy residue. I have been using this recipe and it works great. My dishes come out sparkling clean. Love it!

Green Glass Cleaner
1/4 c. Rubbing Alcohol
1 c. Vinegar
4 c. Water
1 T. Lemon Juice or a few drops of Lemon Essential Oil.
2-3 Drops Blue Food Coloring (optional)
I use this recipe on all hard household surfaces, glass, marble, bathtubs, sinks and tile. Everything comes out “Sparkling” clean. The acetic acid in the vinegar is an effective disinfectant, deodorizer, and cleaner which will cut grease and soap scum, dissolve mineral buildup, cuts water spots, inhibit mold and bacteria growth.
Vinegar is a organic bi-product of fruits, grains and vegetables. It is therefore edible and biodegradable. Vinegar is very safe for the environment and for family members. It is also a very effective and amazingly versatile household cleaner that is very crazy cheap. It doesn't contain harmful chemicals, so if 'pour it down the drain' or ‘flush it down the toilet’ it has no impact on sewer and water treatment system. White vinegar has no real affect on the environment. I just can’t say enough about vinegar. The only thing that I'm not fond of is the smell so I often cover it up with a few drops of lemon essential oil.

I have shared the Laundry Detergent recipe that I use on my other blog Handmade Soap Gossip. You can find that recipe here: Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent.

Do you have cleaning recipes to share? Or just cleaning tips? I would love to hear from you.

Smiles, Paula