For a while now I have been seeking more natural alternatives to everyday cleaners. It has been fun experimenting and finally finding ones that are not only safer for my family, but also effective.
Today I’d like to share 3 tried and true recipes that I’ve been using for a while now.
My staples for my homemade cleaners are dish detergent, baking soda, vinegar, and hydrogen peroxide. They are things that most of us already have in hand and they are so versatile it makes them very cost effective!
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1. Laundry Stain Remover: two parts peroxide and one part dish soap and baking soda.
Mix it till it forms a paste, use an old toothbrush to apply to the stain. Let sit for 30 min. and wash as you normally would.
This stuff is pure magic, I’ve been using it since my boys were babies and it took off food, poop, and mysterious stains. Even stains that had been through the dryer several times, it’s magic I tell you!
Additional tips: store in a dark container so the peroxide doesn’t lose it’s properties. Also, don’t make too big batches and let sit for a bit before you close it tightly or it will explode. I know, basic science but also, mommy brain! Oh, one last thing, if you are using blue detergent and using it right after you made it don’t leave it on the clothes for longer than 30 mins. before washing, it will stain your clothes blue!
2. Laundry pretreatment: one part dish detergent and one part hydrogen peroxide.
Mix it in a spray bottle, spray as needed, and let sit before washing as you normally would.
The use for this is very similar to the previous one but in a more practical presentation. I have used it on fresh stains and shirt collars.
Additional tips: store in a dark container so the peroxide doesn’t lose it’s properties.
3: Window and mirror cleaner: one part water, one part vinegar.
Mix in a spray bottle, spray your mirror or window and wipe clean with a peace of newspaper.
This trick, I learned from my dad many years ago. It is the best window and mirror cleaner ever! The newspaper doesn’t leave any residue behind which drives me crazy about cleaning with any other cloth!
Additional tips: This may be obvious but only use the newspaper on glass, it will stain any other surface. Also, if you don’t want your fingers to be black, wear gloves!
Bonus tip: If your towels or clothes smell like mildew (which is easy in such a humid place) put a cup of baking soda and a cup of vinegar in your wash, fill the washer and let sit for a bit then wash normally. They will be fresh and ready to go!
