Recipes for Safe Homemade All-Purpose Cleaners

Make at Home Cleaners Are Cheaper, Safer, and Better for the Planet

Dec 14, 2008

Commercial cleaners are responsible for many poisons in the home and pose a risk to human health. These easy recipes for general cleaners are economical and effective.

The dangers are real. An “EPA study stated that the toxic chemicals in household cleaners are 3 times more likely to cause cancer than outdoor air,” according to Dr. George Grant, toxicologist and founder of the International Academy of Wellness. By utilizing common items found around the home to make alternative cleaners, the risk and dangers are reduced.

Some ingredients recommended are safer, but not non-toxic. They have been identified with an asterisk(*). Never mix home chemicals together without a recipe. Combining bleach with ammonia, commercial toilet cleaners or acids (such as vinegar) can produce dangerous fumes. These recipes come from Michigan State University Extension, Readers Digest Practical Problem Solver (1991), and grandmothers everywhere.

Mix 1/2 cup vinegar and 1/4 cup baking soda (or 2 teaspoons borax*) into 1/2 gallon (2 liters) water. Store and keep. Use for removal of water deposit stains on shower stall panels, bathroom chrome fixtures, windows, bathroom mirrors, etc.If Borax* is not available, the nearest alternative is non-chlorine laundry bleach powder. It is a safer, minimally "toxic" bleaching alternative containing Sodium Percarbonate which replaces "Chlorine Bleach" with minimal health effects .

For removing heavy-duty tough stains from countertops, woodwork, or tile, combine ½ cup household ammonia*, 1//2 cup washing soda, and 1 cup warm water. Then add an additional 6 cups warm water.

Mix in a sprayer bottle, 1 cup white vinegar and 1 cup water. Use this spray to clean counters, range surfaces and and back-splashes. In the bathroom, use it to clean countertops, floors, and exterior surfaces of the toilet.

For really tough bathroom surfaces such as shower walls, increase the cleaning power by removing the sprayer top and heating the solution in the microwave until barely hot. Spray shower walls with the warmed solution, allow to stand for 10 to 15 minutes, then scrub and rinse. The heat helps loosen hard water deposits and soften stubborn soap scum.

For another strong all-purpose cleaner, mix in a sprayer bottle, 1 T. clear, non-sudsing ammonia*, 1 T clear laundry detergent, and 2 cups water.

Marks on Walls and Painted Surfaces

Many ink spots, pencil, crayon, or marker spots can be cleaned from painted surfaces using baking soda applied to a damp sponge. Rub gently, then wipe and rinse.

Rust Remover

Sprinkle a little salt on the rust, squeeze a lime over the salt until it is well soaked. Leave the mixture on for 2 - 3 hours. Use leftover rind to scrub residue.

Using these formulas and substitutions help reduce the use of toxic substances in the home, and minimize the environmental harm caused by the manufacture, use and disposal of toxics. Before applying any of these recipes, always test in small hidden areas. Make sure to keep all homemade formulas well-labeled and out of the reach of children.

The copyright of the article Recipes for Safe Homemade All-Purpose Cleaners in Green/Simple Living is owned by Christopher T. Reilly. Permission to republish Recipes for Safe Homemade All-Purpose Cleaners in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.