Chemicals in cleaning products can be harmful to your health and the environment. Have you tried making your own household cleaners? UT Extension has some information on how to make your home healthy by keeping it “Green Clean.” Here are ideas on how to make your own household cleaners.
Why make and use your own green cleaners?
● Most of the ingredients you may already have in your home.
● You save money.
● Generally, green cleaners work as well as those with harsher chemicals.
● Green cleaning keeps dangerous toxins out of your home.
Ingredients you will need:
● Baking soda
● Washing soda
● Borax
● Vegetable oil-based liquid soap
● Essential oils
● Vinegar
Most cleaning jobs only need soap or detergent, water, and a little work. Some surfaces may need sanitizers or disinfectants to destroy germs. These products tend to be more toxic and should be used with care. Always label all cleaners clearly.
To make a good All-Purpose Cleaner use 2 tablespoons borax, 1⁄4 cup vinegar, and 2 cups hot water. Mix ingredients in a spray bottle and apply and wipe clean.
To make Furniture Polish use 1 lemon, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and 1 tablespoon water. Apply a thin coat on wood surface, then buff with a soft cloth to a deep shine. This polish should be made fresh for each use.
To clean refrigerator use 1 tablespoon baking soda and 1 quart warm water. Wipe all surfaces inside and out. Rinse well with a clean, wet cloth.
For Tub and Tile Cleaner use white vinegar, baking soda, or non-iodized salt. Apply full-strength vinegar to a sponge and wipe surface. Next, use baking soda or salt as a scouring powder. Rub with damp sponge and rinse well with clean water.
For a Scouring Powder mix 1 cup baking soda, 1 cup borax, and 1 cup non-iodized salt. Put in container. Sprinkle on area to be cleaned, then wipe with a sponge and rinse well.
For Grease Remover use vinegar, baking soda, and vegetable oil. Put full-strength vinegar on surface and let sit for a few minutes. Wipe clean. Repeat if stain remains. Put baking soda on a damp sponge and scrub surface. Rinse well with clean wet cloth. Grease removes grease, so put vegetable oil on paper towel and scrub.
A good glass cleaner is 1⁄4 cup white vinegar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and 1 quart warm water. Mix ingredients and apply with a sponge or spray bottle. Wipe with lint free cloth or crumpled newspaper.
For a floor cleaner mix 1⁄2 cup white vinegar and 1 gallon warm water but avoid over-wetting. Mop as usual and rinse with clean water. For heavy-duty cleaner use 1 cup white vinegar, ½ cup washing soda, 1 tablespoon vegetable oil-based liquid soap and 2 gallons hot water. Mix and mop.
For a Drain Cleaner use 1/2 cup baking soda, 1 cup white vinegar, and 1 gallon boiling water. Pour baking soda down drain and follow by pouring vinegar down drain. Allow the mixture to “foam” for several minutes, then pour the boiling water down the drain to flush out the pipe.
For a good fragrance, use your choice of essential oils.
Magic Cookies
1 stick butter, melted
1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
1 14 oz can Eagle brand milk
12 oz chocolate chips
1 1/3 cup coconut
1 cup chopped pecans
Melt butter and add graham cracker crumbs. Pour milk over mixture. Add chocolate chips, coconut, and nuts. Press the mixture down into a clear glass baking dish. Bake at 325 degrees for 25 minutes. Submitted by Marcia Tisdale, Elmwood/Chestnut Mound FCE Club.
