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You are here: Home / Make your Own / Make your own: Cleaning Supplies

Make your own: Cleaning Supplies

May 22, 2014 by Playne Jayne 38 Comments

Make your own: Cleaning Supplies

 Make Your Own: Cleaning Supplies

I like to keep things simple… and clean!  But I decided a long time ago I wouldn’t pay the ridiculous prices for cleaning supplies.  I’ve been the route of “homemade” cleaners, and I’ve found my cleaning needs for the most part, come down to some simple separate items!

Meet my arsenal.  My dream team!  I feel powerful when I’ve gone through and filled all my Dollar Tree Spray Bottles and my Dollar Tree Shaker with my dirt and grime-fighting favorites!  They take all of a few seconds to fill, no mixing or waiting!

BAKING SODA

In the shaker I use plain baking soda. I make shampoo for our family, so I always have lots of baking soda on hand!  It is a wonderful, natural, cleansing, scrubbing agent! Easy as that!  Inexpensive and no harsh chemicals.

Ahh, my beloved spray bottles!  (Ask my family – I have a thing for them.)

PEROXIDE

First, straight peroxide.  It packs a punch as a bleach alternative. It’s a powerful bacteria fighting agent for counters and cutting boards!

BLEACH

Next, bleach mixed with water (ratio = about one part bleach to five parts water). Hey, I live on a farm so this baby gets used a lot. I like to use it to make sure my sinks stay germ free. Really anything plastic or stainless steel gets a dose quite regularly, and a rinse in hot water.

ALCOHOL

Thirdly – my all time favorite! My life wouldn’t be the same without my mix of rubbing alcohol and water (50/50). I’m serious here.  My stainless steel refrigerator, oven, microwave and trash cans love this stuff! It cleans and cuts grime like a champ and delivers a fantastic shine.  Mirrors? YES! Granite???  YES! Granite especially – the key is the alcohol evaporates quickly not leaving anything to dull your beautiful counters.

VINEGAR

I keep a bottle on hand of (50/50) white vinegar and water for washing vegetables and fruits. Vinegar wash removes pesticides and 98% of bacteria.  I rinse in warm water, spray the solution on, let it sit for 5-10 minutes, and rinse well.  If it’s a leafy food like kale or if it grows in clusters like broccoli, I often soak it in a bowl of the solution instead of spraying.

FLOOR CLEANER

Lastly, my wood floor cleaner. It’s important to use very small amounts of vinegar on your hardwoods, too much is harsh on them. This cleaner is simply 1/4 cup of white vinegar, peppermint essential oil (20-30 drops) and water. Easy!  And I adore the smell.  Works with my Swiffer nicely, but I must admit – I’m old school and I like to get on my hands and knees and use a cloth.

What about you?  Any easy must-have cleaners in your home?  Please share!

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Filed Under: Make your Own Tagged With: alcohol, appliances, baking soda, bleach, cleaners, Cleaning supplies, counters, mirrors, produce spray, rubbing alcohol, sinks, spray bottles, vinegar

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Comments

  1. Nolie says

    July 14, 2014 at 11:28 am

    Great tips. Great way to save money and keep crazy chemicals out of your home.
    Nolie recently posted…8 Tips to a Better Nights Sleep

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  2. Dawn says

    July 14, 2014 at 1:37 pm

    I love these tips! I always like to use homemade cleaning products whenever I can. I really like know what I’m cleaning with.
    Dawn recently posted…Try New Degree Women MOTIONSENSE with a Coupon & a Giveaway

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  3. Jennifer says

    July 14, 2014 at 1:38 pm

    I love making my own cleaning solutions whenever possible. It’s so much more affordable than having a house full of cleaning supplies. It’s better for the environment as well.
    Jennifer recently posted…Nescafe Dolce Gusto Genio Coffee Maker Sweepstakes

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  4. Amy Desrosiers says

    July 14, 2014 at 2:59 pm

    I really need to get more bleach for my towels because they have that dank smell. I eventually plan on making all my own cleaners.
    Amy Desrosiers recently posted…DIY Kid’s Good Behavior Chart Craft + Share a Coke Reward

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  5. Meagan says

    July 14, 2014 at 3:43 pm

    Vinegar and water make such a great floor cleaner! I love how making your own products save money too.
    Meagan recently posted…Designer Clothes for Toddlers

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  6. Robin (Masshole Mommy) says

    July 14, 2014 at 3:57 pm

    These are awesome. I much prefer to make my own cleaners as opposed to buying them.
    Robin (Masshole Mommy) recently posted…5 Tips to Making Travel and Exercise Successful

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  7. Tammi @ My Organized Chaos says

    July 14, 2014 at 4:30 pm

    I’ve never made my own but this looks so easy. Think of all the money saved!!
    Tammi @ My Organized Chaos recently posted…Hyatt Place Los Angeles – LAX El Segundo

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  8. Angela S says

    July 14, 2014 at 5:54 pm

    I haven’t made my own cleaners in forever. I really need to start doing that again.

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  9. Shauna says

    July 14, 2014 at 5:54 pm

    OOOh, great idea. I never thought about doing this. Thanks so much!

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  10. Amber Edwards says

    July 14, 2014 at 6:40 pm

    What a great recourse for household cleaners! I use baking soda and Vinegar a lot in my household cleaning!
    Amber Edwards recently posted…One of a Kind Dr Pepper Date Night Kit for a last minute Backyard Bash

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  11. Chelley @ A is For Adelaide says

    July 14, 2014 at 6:59 pm

    I love this post! I will be making a shaker of baking soda for us. I hate the clumps and overuse that comes from just spooning it onto messes from the bag!
    Chelley @ A is For Adelaide recently posted…Marvelous Monday

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    • LauraH says

      July 14, 2014 at 8:44 pm

      That is great Chelley. I am glad our post was helpful. Thank you for taking time to comment.

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  12. Ellen Christian says

    July 14, 2014 at 7:54 pm

    I’ve always tried to make a lot of our cleaners. It’s so much better for you that way.
    Ellen Christian recently posted…Dealing with an Overactive Bladder – 7 Tips

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    • LauraH says

      July 14, 2014 at 8:42 pm

      They sure are Ellen. I’m glad to know you make your own too. It’s nice to frugal and environmentally conscious 🙂

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  13. Sarah @ Must Have Mom says

    July 14, 2014 at 8:07 pm

    Wow, I could save SOO much money by making my own cleaning supplies. Never realized it was this simple. Thanks!

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    • LauraH says

      July 14, 2014 at 8:41 pm

      I know Right? How much we spend is staggering. Let us know if you do make your own and how you like it? I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

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  14. Marina @ Mommy Snippets says

    July 14, 2014 at 8:08 pm

    Great tips! I’ve yet to find a wood floor cleaner I like, so I will CERTAINLY be trying this one! Wish I would have thought about making my own.
    Marina @ Mommy Snippets recently posted…Healthy Popcorn Trail Mix for Movie Night {#StreamTeam}

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    • LauraH says

      July 14, 2014 at 8:40 pm

      Hi Marina.I’d love to hear after you have made your own. We just love them and so much better for our home 🙂

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  15. CrazyMom a/k/a Melanie says

    July 14, 2014 at 8:54 pm

    Great list… we make all our cleaning supplies, too. I swear by Vinegar a drop or two of dish soap and hot water.. gets the job done and then some… Thanks for sharing
    CrazyMom a/k/a Melanie recently posted…Dinner on the Go ~ Save anywhere, anytime, anyplace with Restaurant.com #ReviewCrew

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    • Playne Jayne says

      July 15, 2014 at 1:12 pm

      Yes! Vinegar is an absolute unsung hero, Melanie! I agree! Thanks for dropping in!

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  16. Dede says

    July 14, 2014 at 9:06 pm

    I haven’t really tried making my own cleaning supplies. Occasionally I’ll use a lemon to clean the countertops, but for the most part I rely on storebought products. Interested in learning, though!
    Dede recently posted…#FlashYourLash and other weekend fun

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    • Playne Jayne says

      July 15, 2014 at 1:12 pm

      Thanks for the feedback Dede… I don’t remember what prompted me at first but it has really been a lifesaver for me:)

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  17. Liz Mays says

    July 14, 2014 at 9:12 pm

    This is so helpful to know all the good these cleaners can do. I’m so glad you posted this.
    Liz Mays recently posted…What Makes You Sparkle? #SparkleWithDasani

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    • Playne Jayne says

      July 15, 2014 at 1:13 pm

      I’m glad you enjoyed Liz… your feedback is always so encouraging! We really appreciate that!

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  18. Jenn says

    July 14, 2014 at 9:27 pm

    I have to say HECK YES on the alcohol! It is awesome on my mirrors and stainless steel as well!
    Jenn recently posted…Celebrate Summer & Be Prepared with a Puracyn® First Aid Kit #PuracynFirst

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    • Playne Jayne says

      July 15, 2014 at 1:16 pm

      Jenn! – YES! Fellow alcohol lover… wait that sounds bad. 😀 You know what I mean. I love the grime cutting power of the alcohol and I LOVE how inexpensive it is!

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  19. Janel (A Mom's Take) says

    July 14, 2014 at 9:29 pm

    My oldest actually likes to help me clean, so I do make my own all-purpose cleaner so he can help me. I want to learn how to make other cleaners.
    Janel (A Mom’s Take) recently posted…The Voice Tour & $1000 Giveaway!

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    • Playne Jayne says

      July 15, 2014 at 1:17 pm

      Cool Janel! – That’s more than a lesson in ‘cleaning’ for him too – for him to see you being resourceful and making your own. Awesome.

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  20. Pam says

    July 14, 2014 at 9:39 pm

    Great tips. I have never used peroxide in cleaning, but now I will have to try it!

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    • Playne Jayne says

      July 15, 2014 at 1:20 pm

      Thanks so much Pam!

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  21. Toni says

    July 14, 2014 at 10:32 pm

    Great tips. I bet making your own is much better than using th e ones from the store.
    Toni recently posted…Easy Movie Night Snack and Family Fun With Big G Cereal Movies #BigGCerealMovies #Ad

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    • Playne Jayne says

      July 15, 2014 at 1:22 pm

      Definitely – I run to the store very seldom now Toni:) I just make my own refills. Much easier and economical to stock up on these types of items.

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  22. SHELLEY R ZUREK says

    July 14, 2014 at 11:30 pm

    What would you say is best for Spot removal? I struggle with that.
    SHELLEY R ZUREK recently posted…5 Light Bladder Leakage Solutions, Helping You With Your Triggers!

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    • Playne Jayne says

      July 15, 2014 at 1:23 pm

      Ooh, Shelley, the dreaded SPOT. On what, carpet? I have completely removed blood from fabric with peroxide and baking soda.

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  23. Aimee Smith says

    July 15, 2014 at 1:12 am

    These are great tips! The less chemicals the better!
    Aimee Smith recently posted…The Voice Tour & $1000 Giveaway!

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    • Playne Jayne says

      July 15, 2014 at 1:25 pm

      Thanks for dropping a line Aimee!

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Trackbacks

  1. Make Your Own Chèvre - Goat Cheese says:
    August 10, 2014 at 7:46 am

    […] more I dabble in “making my own  _______ ” (from cleaners to kefir / crackers to planters … the list keeps growing!) One thing has become very apparent: […]

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  2. 21 Easy Cleaning Hacks to Add to Your Routine | Jody Minns's Notes says:
    January 7, 2016 at 9:05 am

    […] 13. Clean wood floors with a little vinegar and peppermint oil Project via Laura’s Little House Tips […]

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