All-Purpose Household Cleaner
1 qt. warm water
1 tsp. liquid soap
1 tsp. borax
squeeze of lemon or splash of
vinegar
This solution can be used for a multitude of cleaning jobs including countertops, floors,
walls, rugs, and upholstery.Air Freshener
-Leave open boxes of baking soda in refrigerators, closets, and bathrooms
-Open doors and windows for good ventilation
-Use stove fan when cooking
-Use flowers, herbs and spices to add subtle fragrances to indoor air
Drain Opener
1/2 cup baking soda
1 cup vinegar
boiling water
Dissolve baking soda and vinegar in boiling water, and pour down the drain. Continue
to flush with hot tap water until the clog breaks
Degreaser (engine and tool)
Use a water-based cleaner in place of kerosene, turpentine and commercial engine
degreaser
Degreaser (kitchen)
Use a non-chlorinated scouring powder with abrasive scouring pad or fine steel
wool
Disinfectant
Use 1/2 cup borax in 1 gallon of hot water. To inhibit mold and mildew, do
not rinse off borax solution
Floor Cleaner
-Vinyl floors: 1/2 cup vinegar or 1/4 cup borax with 1 gallon water. Polish with
club soda
-Wood floors: damp mop with mild vegetable oil soap
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Glass-Cleaner
1/4 cup vinegar in 1 qt. warm water.
(Do not use this as a windshield wiper
solution as it may damage the pump;
use plain water for this purpose.) Mildew Cleaner
Scrub with baking soda or borax; for extended mold inhibition, do not rinse off
Oven Cleaner
-Scrub with 2 tbsp. or more of baking soda or borax in 1 gallon water, using very
fine steel wool (0000). Wear gloves. For baked-on spots try scrubbing with pumice
-As a last resort, use a pump oven cleaner that says "No Caustic Fumes" and
"No Lye"
Rug and Upholstery Cleaner
Use the All-Purpose Household Cleaner Recipe
Scouring Powder
Use baking soda or a non-chlorinated commercial scouring powder
Spot Removers
-All-purpose: 1/4 cup borax in 2 cups cold water; soak the stain prior to washing
as usual
-Blood: Pour 3% hydrogen peroxide solution directly on the stain; rinse with water and
wash as usual
-Ink: apply a paste of lemon juice and cream of tarter; allow to dry, then wash as usual
Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Scrub with baking soda or mild detergent
Tub/tile Cleaner
Use scouring powder or baking soda
Furniture Polish
1 pint mineral oil with a few drops of lemon juice
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