I found these simple and inexpensive recipes in the April 2013 issue of ShopSmart (consumer reports) and thought I’d share them with you. Really, I just needed a place to put them so I wouldn’t lose where I noted them so I could recycle the magazine! LOL 

All-purpose vinegar cleaner  Good for counters

1 cup white vinegar

1 cup water 

1. Combine the vinegar and water in a spray bottle

2.Shake well to blend

 

All-purpose soapy ammonia Good for walls and floors

1/2 cup household ammonia

1 tsp. mild liquid dishwashing detergent (without bleach)

1. combine the ammonia and liquid dishwashing detergent in a bottle. 

2. Shake well to blend. 

3. Dilute in 1 gallon of water for use on walls and floors

 

Glass-and-window Cleaner 

7 pints cold water

1/2 cup soapy ammonia (see above recipe)

1 pint rubbing alcohol

1. Fill a 1- or 2- gallon bucket with water. Carefully add the ammonia and rubbing alcohol (see safety tips below). 

2. Mix well and pour into spray bottles. The mixture should clean glass well and leave few or no streaks. (yay!)

 

** SAFETY MUSTS** 

NEVER mix bleach with ammonia, vinegar or other acids as the combinations create deadly gasses. 

ALWAYS wear gloves to protect your skin and nails. 

STORE safely. Keep all cleaners, including home-made ones, well labeled. Store them away from kids and pets. 

TRY a cleaner in a hidden spot before using it on a surface for the first time.