DIY cleaning solutions are a great way to save money and the planet while helping your home sparkle. You can create cleaners that work on everything from refrigerator doors to carpet threads. In fact, there are all sorts of combinations that pack a powerful punch (no, bleach and ammonia aren’t one of these!). Consider trying the following:
Baking Soda Bathroom Cleaner
Baking soda isn’t just for soufflés; it’s for soap scum, too. This solution uses 1.5 cups of baking soda, ½ cup of warm water, ½ cup of liquid dish soap, and two tablespoons of white distilled vinegar. It works wonders on grimy grout and cruddy tubs. It’ll even get the globs of toothpaste out of your kid’s bathroom sink.
Dish Soap Carpet Cleaner
From elderly dogs to wayward glasses of red wine, chances are you’ll need carpet solution at some point. This cleaner uses a teaspoon of clear dish soap, a cup of warm water, and patience (the solution needs to sit for roughly 10 minutes). If the stain proves stubborn, consider adding baking soda and hydrogen peroxide.
All-Purpose Vinegar Cleaner
This all-purpose cleaner uses white vinegar, water, a lemon rind, and rosemary sprigs. While it has numerous uses, from kitchen countertops to toilets and coffee tables, take caution with certain appliances. Some aren’t compatible with the acidity of vinegar, so check your owner’s manual to be safe.
Rubbing Alcohol Glass Cleaner
If you think repeatedly washing windows is a pain (and a pane), this glass cleaner just might be the clearest choice for long-term results. You’ll need two cups of water, ½ cup of white or cider vinegar, and ¼ cup of rubbing alcohol (with 70% concentration). To improve the scent, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil. One point of caution: don’t use this solution when the blaring sun is directly overhead; it’ll dry too fast to be effective.
Vodka Disinfectant
This homemade disinfectant is what happens when you merge chore time with happy hour. It uses ½ cup of white vinegar, ½ cup of unflavored vodka, 10 drops of lemon essential oil, 10 drops of lavender essential oil, and 1.5 cups of water. Use a spray bottle to apply the solution to various surfaces throughout your home; your house will be ready to party in no time at all.
Give one of the DIY solutions a try to help your place look spotless, whether the cleanliness lasts for a week or, more likely, five minutes flat.
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