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Tip of the Week: Do-It-Yourself Cleaning Products


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*Presented by Pauline Williams, USU Extension Agent*Basic Ingredients for Homemade Cleaning Products

  1. 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.
  2. Cornstarch: Deodorize your carpet by sprinkling 1/4 to 1/2 cup cornstarch on carpet, let sit for 30 minutes, and then vacuum.
  3. Lemon Juice: Pour down disposal or drains to cut grease and deodorize
  4. Mineral or Olive Oil: Mix with vinegar or lemon juice to make a furniture polish
  5. Table Salt: Use in place of abrasive cleaners
  6. Vinegar: Combine with water to clean mirrors and glass. Use full strength to clean hard water deposit in sinks and showers. All-Purpose Cleaner
    1 Tbs. ammonia
    1 Tbsp. liquid soap
    2 cups water

    Mix in spray bottle and use for general household cleaning.

    Furniture Polish
    1/2 teaspoon olive oil
    1/4 cup vinegar or lemon juice

    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

    Boil 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 water

    Window Cleaner
    3 Tbsp. Vinegar
    2 cups water

    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.

    Outdoor No Wipe Window Cleaner
    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)

    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.

    Silver Polish
    3 part baking soda
    1 part water

    Mix together to form a paste. Rub on silver with a clean cloth, rinse thoroughly, and dry.

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