Cleanliness is indeed next to godliness

I'm always looking for ways to save money and be more environmentally friendly. Commercial cleaners tend to be costly and for the most part I hate the smell they leave behind. I've found great replacements to some of my favorite store bought cleaners. If you're looking to save a few $$$ or just want to be a little more kind to mother earth, try the recipes below.

Laundry Detergent - these items can be found in the detergent aisle of your regular grocer.
2 bars Fels Naptha Soap (finely grated)
1 cup Washing Soda (Arm & Hammer)
1 cup Borax (20 Mule Team Borax)Mix well and store in an airtight plastic/metal container. Use 2 tablespoons per full load of laundry.
***Safe to use on baby's delicate skin too.

Stain Fighter
Use leftover pieces of Fels Naptha soap as stain stick. Wet the spot on the garment you wish to treat and rub with the soap. Let it sit for approximately 15 and launder.

Floor Cleaner (tile or vinyl)
1 cup white vinegar
1 gallon warm water

Wood Floor Cleaner
1/2 cup white vinegar
1 gallon warm water

All-Purpose Cleaner
2 T white vinegar
1 tsp Borax (20 Mule Team)
Hot water
A few drops of a mild dish detergent
10 drops of essential oil, optional
In a 16 oz spray bottle put vinegar, borax and hot water. Swish around until borax has dissolved. Add the drops of dish detergent and fill the rest of the bottle with water. Add the essential oil (I prefer lemon or orange).

"Soft Scrub" Cleaner
Place a small amount of baking soda in a bowl and mix with a little mild dish detergent until you form a paste. Use on sinks and countertops. This will not scratch surfaces.

Window/Mirror Cleaner
½ tsp mild dish detergent
3T vinegar
2 cups water
Put all these ingredients into a 16 oz spray bottle. Shake it up and use just like the commercial variety.
*Note - use newspaper or coffee filters instead of paper towels and you won't be left with bits of paper on your windows or mirrors.

Drain Cleaner
1/2 C baking soda
1/2 cup vinegar
Hot water
Pour baking soda down the drain followed by the vinegar. Let if bubble for about 15 minutes. Then pour a kettle full of boiling water down behind it.

Oven Cleaner
1 T liquid soap (dish detergent or mild hand soap such as ivory)
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup salt
3/4 baking soda
Spray oven surface with soapy water. Mix salt and baking soda and sprinkle onto the wet surface. Spray again with the soapy water so mixture damp with a paste consistency. Let it overnight. Scrape off with a wet pumice stone or putty knife.

Toilet Cleaner
1/4 cup borax
Sprinkle on wet bowl brush, scrub and rinse.

Mold/Mildew Remover
Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray, let sit, wipe clean.

Furniture Polish
3/4 cup olive oil or mineral oil
1/4 cup vinegar
Mix in a spray bottle and apply to a soft rag, rub on wood furniture, wipe clean.
(Test a small area in a hidden area first)

Happy Cleaning!