We have blogged before about green and simple home cleaning products, but what about special surfaces like counters, floors, and windows? Here are a few recipes to keep your home clean and safe.
Homemade Cleaner Tips
When making your own green cleaning supplies, here are a few tips to follow:
- Store cleaning supplies in unused cleaning containers. Do not use old containers or bottles that held chemicals. You can pick up inexpensive containers at a local dollar store. Makes sure and label all your bottles!
- Test a small area before using a cleaner to make sure you don’t do any damage.
- Don’t use vinegar-based cleaners on stone, granite, marble, cast iron, aluminum, or waxed surfaces.
Counter Cleaner (non porous or stone)
Vinegar is an acid that makes it perfect for cutting through grease and gunk. It is also a natural deodorizer and disinfectant. Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water for an effective counter cleaner, and add a little bit of your favorite essential oil to get rid of that vinegar smell.
Window Cleaner
Vinegar is excellent for windows, too, and you can add a little rubbing alcohol to reduce streaks. The glass cleaner recipe is one cup water, two tablespoons vinegar, and ¼ cup rubbing alcohol.
Floor Cleaner
When cleaning your floors, you want to get all of the dirt and grime. You mix 1 gallon of water and 4 ounces of vinegar for a quick tile cleaner. Check out this blog to learn about a few natural floor cleaner recipes depending on your needs!
Carpet Stain Remover
Our friends over at Oh So Spotless recommend using shaving cream to remove juice, oil, or grease stains on the carpet. Blot the spill as much as possible, then use squirt a bit of shaving cream on the stain and leave it for a few minutes, remove with a damp sponge. This will work particularly well on light-colored carpets.
Stone Cleaner
You do not want to use vinegar on stone surfaces, so mix one and ½ cup warm water with ½ cup of rubbing alcohol and a few drops of dish soaps.