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*Presented by Pauline Williams, USU Extension Agent*Basic Ingredients for Homemade Cleaning Products
- Baking soda: Use as an all-purpose cleaner, deodorizer, polisher, and stain remover. Put on a damp sponge to clean shower doors and curtains or mix with water to clean the floor.
- Cornstarch: Deodorize your carpet by sprinkling 1/4 to 1/2 cup cornstarch on carpet, let sit for 30 minutes, and then vacuum.
- Lemon Juice: Pour down disposal or drains to cut grease and deodorize
- Mineral or Olive Oil: Mix with vinegar or lemon juice to make a furniture polish
- Table Salt: Use in place of abrasive cleaners
Vinegar: Combine with water to clean mirrors and glass. Use full strength to clean hard water deposit in sinks and showers. All-Purpose Cleaner
Mix in spray bottle and use for general household cleaning.
1 Tbs. ammonia
1 Tbsp. liquid soap
2 cups waterFurniture Polish
Combine ingredients in a jar. Dab a soft rag in the solution and wipe over wood furniture or other wood surfaces. Polish will keep for months when tightly covered. Discolored Aluminum Cleaner
1/2 teaspoon olive oil
1/4 cup vinegar or lemon juiceBoil one of the following solutions in the aluminum pan and watch the discoloration disappear.
1 Tbsp. vinegar to 1 quart water OR
2 tsp. cream of tarter to 1 quart waterWindow Cleaner
Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake well before using. To cut any wax residues you can add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of liquid soap to bottle.
3 Tbsp. Vinegar
2 cups waterOutdoor No Wipe Window Cleaner
Mix all ingredients in 3 or 4 gallon bucket. Brush or sponge mixture on window; immediately hose off. The water will sheet off with no spots, no drying necessary. Caution: be sure windows are tightly closed.
Great for outdoor windows
2-3 gallons water
2-3 Tbs. laundry or dishwashing detergent
1 Tbs. dishwashing rinse agent (such as Jet Dry or cascade)Silver Polish
Mix together to form a paste. Rub on silver with a clean cloth, rinse thoroughly, and dry.
3 part baking soda
1 part water