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50 Homemade Cleaners That Work! (Cheap & Easy)

I may get paid for ads or purchases made through links in this post.

Not only are these DIY Homemade Cleaners Recipes so simple to make… they will save you SO much money, too!

Then… save even more money when you learn How To Cut Your Grocery Bill In Half!

Homemade Cleaners That Work

On the hunt for some Homemade Cleaners Recipesand DIY Homemade Cleaning Solutions??  I’ve got you covered!

Not only are Homemade Cleaning Solutions healthier to use, they are one of my favorite ways to Save Money Fast!

Seriously… the savings you’ll experience once you start making Homemade Cleaners truly is mind blowing!

I couldn’t believe how I was able to cut my household expenses so drastically, so FAST, just by mixing up some simple solutions.

Not only are these recipes a more natural version of your store-bought favorites, they often work so much better, too!  Talk about a win-win, right?

Whether you’re looking to stock your bathroom cabinet on a dime, or just want to make some effective cleaning products for your house cleaning Side Hustle… THESE are the recipes for you!

So are you ready for some ridiculously easy ways to swap out your old cleaners with new homemade versions?  Let’s get started!

Check out my favorite fool-proof DIY cleaning products below…

Related: How To Cut Your Grocery Bill In Half (35 Money Saving Tips)

Spring Cleaning Hacks

How to Speed Clean Your Home

Now before we get to the Homemade Cleaners… check out this simple speed cleaning schedule!

Are you ready to get your home all sparkly clean in a flash?  This is my favorite way to tidy up in a jiffy!

Set your timer, stay focused, and check out my 30-Minute Quick Cleanup Plan here…

  • 2 Minutes: Start a Load of Laundry
  • 5 minutes: Dust off Window Blinds
  • 5 minutes: Swish & Clean Toilets
  • 8 minutes: Swish Sinks, Wipe Down Countertops & Clean Mirrors
  • 10 minutes: Mop Floors

Who knew you could get so much done so fast?!?  And don’t forget to turn on the tunes while you clean.  I’ve found that cleaning to my favorite playlist helps the time fly by!

So now that you know how to clean up fast, are you ready to start making your own cleaners?

It’s SO much easier than you think!

Use these easy DIY Homemade Cleaners below to supercharge your savings this month…

Homemade Laundry Detergent Powder

Slash the price of your laundry detergent when you make this Homemade Laundry Detergent Powder Recipe at home!

It’s so simple to make and cleans like a champ!

Carie writes: “I’ve been making this for years… it’s easy – everyone should. The savings is crazy!”

Homemade Liquid Laundry Detergent Recipe

Or, make your own Liquid Laundry Detergent for pennies!

I have been personally using this recipe for almost 10 years!

Misty writes: “I wish I had discovered and known about this many years ago!! I could have saved so much money!!”

Homemade Liquid Laundry Detergent Recipe

How to Clean Your Diamond Ring at Home
(Tip From a Jeweler)

Are you ready for your ring to sparkle like the first day you got it?  You won’t believe how gorgeous your ring will look after you try this easy trick!

This simple little trick comes straight from my Jeweler, and works like a charm!

Suzana writes: “That’s a GREAT trick! My jeweler told me to do that, too.”

Homemade Glass Cleaner Recipe

This glass cleaner has been on repeat in my home for years!

The recipe was shared by a fellow Frugal Girls reader who owns her own cleaning company, and it has been an absolute game changer.  It works like a charm and saves SO much money!

In addition to windows and mirrors, it’s one of the best homemade cleaners for showers and glass shower doors, too!

Rebecca writes: “This is such an amazing solution! It works so well.”

DIY Carpet Powder Freshener

I love using this DIY carpet powder on the carpets.  Talk about an effective and frugal way to make carpets smell fresh!

This is my favorite trick to freshen carpets, can be made in less than a minute, and you can even add a pretty scent of your choice!

Kat writes: “I love the fresh scent on my carpets. The parmesan lid is perfect! Thanks for the tip!”

DIY Carpet Powder Freshener

How To Make Foaming Dish Soap

This foaming dish soap hack is seriously one of the easiest ways to save money on dish soap.

Seriously!  I’ve had this on repeat in my kitchen for years, and it saves a ridiculous amount of money!

Teresa writes: “I have done this for years… I buy Dawn by the gallon at Costco, then the foaming dish soap is super cheap that way!!”

DIY Wool Dryer Balls

I love my wool dryer balls.  I can’t even imagine doing laundry without them!  After making these all-natural wool dryer balls, I ditched the dryer sheets once and for all.

Diana writes: “They work! I put a few drops of essential oils on them and my laundry smells so fresh!”

How to Clean your Hair Brush

When was the last time you actually cleaned your brush?  I know, right?  This simple trick works like a charm, and will have your brush looking brand new!  It will also keep your hair cleaner by getting all of that icky oil and gunk out of your brush!  Bonus!

Christie writes: “Whatttt!!! This is soooo freaking awesome haha! I love this idea.”

How to Clean Your Brush

How to Prevent Water Spots on Shower Doors

This simple little trick has been such a lifesaver on my glass shower doors!

How to Clean your Dishwasher

Even though your dishwasher is used for cleaning… it has a way of building up residue from dish soap, grime, and developing streaks on the interior door.

How to Clean Your Dishwasher

DIY Foaming Hand Soap Recipe

This foaming hand soap is used at every sink in my home.  This trick will save you so much money, and make your soap last SO much longer!

DIY Foaming Hand Soap Recipe

Homemade Fabric Softener Recipe

You won’t believe how much money you can save by simply making your own fabric softener at home.  Plus, I love how well this fabric softener works on my clothes!

DIY T Shirt Rags

Need some more rags for cleaning?  How about some FREE rags?

Did you know that old t shirts actually make AMAZING rags??  It’s true!  I use them ALL the time!

Simply cut them down in large squares and use them when wiping up spills, conditioning your leather, dusting furniture, etc!

Now I always have an endless supply of free cleaning rags in my drawer ready-to-go…

DIY Wrinkle Release Recipe

Cut your laundry bill fast when you make your own homemade wrinkle release!

DIY Wrinkle Release Spray

How to Keep your Washing Machine Smelling Fresh

Keep the odors away with this easy Smelly Washing Machine Fix!

Homemade Toilet Bowl Cleaner Recipe

This is the exact all natural DIY toilet bowl cleaner I use every week, and it works like a charm!

Homemade Toilet Bowl Cleaner Recipe

Homemade 409 Cleaner Recipe

I love knowing exactly what is going into the cleaners I use in my home, don’t you?  This copycat 409 cleans so good, and takes just a few simple ingredients!

How To Make Foaming Shampoo

Whether you’re looking for a tear-free shampoo for your kids, or would like to make your own favorite shampoo last longer, you’re going to love this simple DIY hack!

Homemade Dry Shampoo for Dark Hair or Blondes

If you want to make your own natural Dry Shampoo for Dark Hair or Blondes, I’ve got some seriously easy recipes for you! No crazy chemicals, just products you can feel good about.

Homemade Dry Shampoo for Dark Hair or Blondes Easy

DIY Foaming Body Wash

Are you ready for another simple way to save money?  Turn your favorite body wash into a Foaming Body Wash!  It’s so luxurious in the bath or shower, and will last SO much longer!

How to Clean Makeup Sponges & Beauty Blenders

Whether you’re wondering how to clean a Beauty Blender, your favorite Beauty Blender dupe, or your old faithful sponge that’s never let you down, you won’t believe how clean they’ll get with these easy little hacks!

How to Clean Your Curling Iron

Is your curling iron, wand or flat iron loaded with buildup?  Check out this simple trick for How To Clean Your Curling Iron!

How to Clean Your Ceramic Curling Iron Tips

How to Remove Soap Scum from Shower Doors

If you’ve got scum to deal with, here are my two favorite tricks!

How to Remove Soap Scum from Shower and Walls

Learn How to Fix a Hard-to-Turn Faucet

Is your bathroom faucet hard to turn?  Before you call a plumber, try this trick from a Handyman!

How to Fix a Hard to Turn Faucet

How To Remove Hard Water Spots

If you have hard water, then you need to try this easy tip for How to Remove Hard Water Spots!

How to Remove Hard Water Spots

Homemade Granite Cleaner Recipe

Save money on that overpriced store-bought granite cleaner when you use this frugal Homemade Granite Cleaner instead!

Homemade Granite Cleaner Recipe! {Daily Spray + Deep Clean Spray}

Fruit and Veggie Wash

This simple trick will help you get those fruits and veggies squeaky clean!  I do this to ALL of the produce I bring home from the grocery store.

Easy Drain Cleaner Trick

Is your kitchen sink backing up?  We’ve had some monster clogs at your home, but this drain cleaner works like a charm!

How to Keep Your Garbage Disposal from Smelling

Need a simple trick for How to Keep Your Garbage Disposal Smelling Fresh?  Check out these creative tips…

Melonie writes: “I dump ice cubes in my garbage disposal, sprinkle Baking Soda, and add Vinegar… then let it spin.  It freshens the disposal and the kitchen!”

Shauna writes: “I use Baking Soda a lot!  I use it in my garbage disposal with vinegar.”

Ryan writes: “Baking soda and vinegar works great for regular ol’ stinky drains too. It doesn’t always work and sometimes you have no other choice than to go out and buy some drain cleaner, but it’s worth a shot since baking soda and vinegar are so cheap, and at the very least they’ll keep the drain from smelling bad until you can get to the store”

How to Keep Your Garbage Disposal Smelling Fresh

How to Clean Grout on Tile Floors

It can cost hundreds to get your grout cleaned professionally, so save big and do it yourself for just a couple of dollars!

How to Clean your Kitchen Sponge

You’ll love this easy kitchen tip that will help your sponges last so much longer!

There are several different ways you can go about cleaning your kitchen sponges, but here are my favorites…

Soak It Overnight in Vinegar:

Add 1/2 cup HOT Water and 1/2 cup White Vinegar to a small bowl, and place your sponge in the mixture.

Allow your sponge to soak overnight, then in the morning rinse it out with hot water, and it’s ready to go!

Just Toss It In the Dishwasher!

My other favorite trick is to just toss your kitchen sponge in the top rack of your diswasher, and run it through the next time you wash a load of dishes.

I keep two sponges out at all times ~ one in a small dish on the counter, and the other in the dishwasher.

Then, when I unload the dishes, I simply swap the sponges so one is always getting cleaned.

Now how easy is that?!?  No more worries about icky-sticky stinky sponges!

How to Clean Your Coffee Maker

Keep your coffee maker brewing delicious coffee with this easy hack for How to Clean Your Coffee Maker With Vinegar!

Aurelia writes: “Works great! The first time I had to do it three times. Now I just do it once every couple weeks.”

Here’s what you’ll do…

Where you normally would pour the water for brewing, fill your coffee maker up 1/2 of the way with vinegar.  Run the brewing cycle with vinegar only.  (no need to use a filter)  Then pour the brewed vinegar out of the pot and discard.

Next, fill your coffee maker up all the way with water, and run the brewing cycle with water only.  Then discard.

Now repeat the step above 3 more times (brewing a full cycle with water only).  This will ensure any last traces of vinegar removed.  It’s as easy as that!  Now it’s time to go make some Coffee!!

How to Clean Your Keurig

Has it been awhile since you cleaned your Keurig?  Check out this simple trick for How to Clean Your Keurig Coffee Maker!

You won’t believe how easy it is to clean your Keurig!

Thanks to vinegar, you’ll have your machine running in tip top shape!

Pauline writes: “I’ve been doing this for years! Works wonderfully with my Keurig!”

Here’s what you’ll do…

Fill water container approximately halfway full with White Vinegar (or enough to brew 2 cycles)

Place a mug where you’d normally place your coffee mug, and run a brew cycle (without a k-cup).  The vinegar will run through the machine, cleaning it out along the way!  Toss the contents of the mug down the drain.

Repeat by running a second cycle, and tossing the contents of the mug again.

Pour out all remaining vinegar from the water container, wash container well, and now fill halfway with water (or enough to brew 2 more cycles).

Brew a cycle with water, toss contents of mug, and repeat brewing 1 more cycle with water.  REPEAT this process of brewing water as necessary, until the vinegar taste is gone.

Once the vinegar taste is gone, remove water container again, pour out remaining water, wash well…. and you’re done!  EASY!

Easy Microwave Cleaning Hack

Keep your microwave as clean as possible with these easy tips and tricks.

Microwave Cleaning Hack Vinegar Water

All you’ll need is a little vinegar and water, and that pesky hardened gunk will fly off once you know this trick!  Seriously… give it a try today, you won’t believe how well it works!

Elayna writes: “I do this all the time! Great tip! It’s the best!“

Shelly said:  “Works great for cleaning that hard to get stuck on food in the microwave…. everything wipes clean instantly.”

Laurie writes: “I’ve been doing this for years.  I use Vinegar & a little bit of lemon juice. I just fill up a coffee cup. It’s so easy!”

Vinegar Microwave Cleaner Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup Vinegar
  • 1/4 cup Water
  • Optional: 1 tsp. Lemon Juice

How to Clean Your Microwave with Vinegar:

You won’t believe how quick and easy it is to get your microwave sparkling clean!

Here’s what you’ll do…

Pour vinegar and water into small microwave safe bowl or mug, and place in microwave.

Microwave for 4 – 5 minutes, then leave it in there with the door closed for 2 more minutes, allowing it to get nice and steamy inside.  This will help soften those pesky splatters inside your microwave.

Then dip a sponge or dish towel in the vinegar-water, and use it to clean around inside the microwave… no elbow grease required!

A BIG thanks to frugal friend Drea for sharing this easy trick… it really does work like a charm!

Best Way to Clean a Blender

Cleaning your blender is about to get a whole lot easier with this easy tip!

Angela writes: “Simple but effective and a great time saver!”

How to Clean a Blender

After using your Blender, give it a quick rinse out, then fill about half way full with hot water.

Pump in a few pumps of Homemade Foaming Dish Soap, or a few drops of Liquid Dish Soap.

Then place the blender lid back on, pop on the blender base, and blend for about 10 seconds!

That’s right… just let that blender do all of the swishy scrubby work for you!

Turn it off, pop off the lid, rinse out with hot water, then transfer to a drying mat to let it air dry.  How easy was that?

How to Clean Stainless Steel Pots and Pans

Best Ways to Clean Pots and Pans

Make cleaning your pots and pans easier when you use these easy ways to clean pots and pans!

I absolutely love cooking with healthy stainless steel cookware, and if you follow a few simple rules, it’s so easy to take care of! Here are my 5 favorite gentle cleaning tips:

Avoid the dishwasher and just hand wash your cookware

Skip the harsh, abrasive cleaners and stick to using hot, soapy water

Always use a soft sponge to prevent scratches

Dry immediately after washing to prevent water spots

Fix rainbow-like discoloration on the inside with a splash of white vinegar, then rinse with water and dry.  So EASY!

Homemade Air Fresheners

DIY Cinnamon Air Freshener

I love this cinnamon air freshener.  It’s the perfect way to make your home smell like Christmas!

Lemon Stovetop Potpourri Recipe (with Rosemary & Vanilla)

This beautiful Lemon Rosemary Vanilla Stove Top Potpourri is such a cheerful Springtime or Summer scent!

Lemon Stovetop Potpourri Recipe

Lavender Baking Soda Air Freshener

Make your rooms smell great in a hurry with this easy Lavender Baking Soda Air Freshener!

Lavender Baking Soda Air Freshener

25 DIY Home Air Fresheners (Tips & Tricks)

If you want to make your own homemade air freshener, here are 20+ different ways you can try!

DIY Home Air Fresheners

Easy DIY Homemade Febreze

Sometimes the simplest tricks save you the most money!

DIY Homemade Febreze Recipe

Homemade Baby Cleanser Recipes + Tips

Easy DIY Homemade Foaming Baby Wash

You won’t believe how much money you’ll save on baby wash with this simple little trick!  Bath time has never been so fun and frugal!

How to Make Homemade Baby Wipes

Today I want to share with you some genius tips for how to make homemade baby wipes!

How to Make Homemade Baby Wipes

Homemade Pet Cleaner Recipes + Tips

Homemade Dog Shampoo Recipe

Have you been wondering… how can I make homemade dog shampoo?  It’s easy, and you only need 3 ingredients!

How to Clean a Dog Collar

Got a stinky Dog Collar?  Then you’ll love this tips for How to Clean a Dog Collar!

More Homemade Cleaners

DIY Hand Sanitizer Recipe

Make sure you know exactly what you’re putting on your hands when you use this DIY Hand Sanitizer Recipe instead of those store bought hand sanitizers!  It’s so easy to make, and you’ll love having some on hand!

How To Make Hand Sanitizer Spray

This spray is a convenient alternative to regular hand sanitizers, plus you’ll love how simple and easy it is to make!

How To Make Hand Sanitizer Spray

DIY Sanitizing Wipes

Save money when you make these easy DIY Sanitizing Wipes at home!

How to Fix a Squeaking Door (Easy Squeaky Door Fixes)

Is that squeaky door hinge driving you bananas? Then it’s time to try some of these simple tips for How to Fix a Squeaking Door!

10-Second Carpet Stain Cleaner!

I’ve had a lot of stained carpet over the years with babies, toddler boys, puppies, kitties, you name it!   This trick has been a lifesaver for me… and my carpet!

Creative Ways to Use Baby Wipes

As soon as possible, after the spill or oopsy has happened, simply pull out a Baby Wipe and gently blot, rub and work out the stain.

Now it won’t work on everything, but it’s amazing how many stains will just come right out… just like that!

I’ve used this simple trick for years and years to clean up puppy messes, toddler catastrophes, and a whole bunch of my clutzy moment spills.  And let me tell you… it has saved the day again and again!

Thrifty DIY Weed Trick

You’re gonna love this frugal gardening tip for making your own natural Homemade Weed Terminator with White Vinegar.

How to Clean White Shoes at Home

Whether your shoes need a good cleaning, or you just need to know how to clean white shoelaces, I’ve got you covered!

How to Clean White Shoes

Keep Shoes From Smelling (6 Easy Tricks)

Here are some really easy ways to help remedy that stink and make all those shoes more tolerable once again!

How to Keep Shoes From Smelling Bad

How to Clean BBQ Grilling Grates (Do THIS, Not That)

When you know How to Clean Grill Grates the easy way, you’ll want to ditch the kitchen and head outside way more often for some epic summertime grilling!

More Money Saving Tips and Tricks

Want even more fun and frugal money saving tips?  Get inspired with these ideas I know you’ll love…

How To Cut Your Grocery Bill In Half (35 Money Saving Tips)

Want to know how to cut your grocery bill in half?  Keep more cash in your wallet with these easy money saving tricks!

How To Save Money Fast (20 Easy Ways to Save $2200 this Month!)

Are you wondering how to Save Money Fast?  It’s easy when you start slashing expenses and adding these extra sources of income to your finances!

Save Money Fast! {12 Easy Ways to Save $1100 this Month!}

27 Side Hustles Ideas to Skyrocket Your Income!

Use these creative part time job ideas to supplement your income while you also enhance your social life and stay better connected with others!

25+ Side Hustles Ideas to Make More Money

Got a Thrifty Tip or Trick…. or some favorite Homemade Cleaners you use??

Leave a comment & share!

Comments

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    • Elizabeth says

      November 30, 2023 at 1:56 am

      I never realized how simple it could be to make effective cleaners at home. Your guide is a treasure trove of ideas, and I’m genuinely excited to give some of these a try.

      Quick question: Do you have a favorite recipe from the list? I’m leaning towards trying the citrus-infused all-purpose cleaner first, but I’m open to suggestions!

      Reply
      • Heidi says

        December 6, 2023 at 1:04 pm

        I’m so glad you liked the list of Homemade Cleaners, Elizabeth! They really all work so well, but I’d have to say the carpet powder, foaming soap, and glass cleaner are some of my favorites I use every week! 🙂

        Reply
    • VINEVIDA says

      August 4, 2023 at 5:57 am

      Heidi, you’ve given us a true gift with these 50 homemade cleaners recipes. We appreciate the effort you put into testing and curating this comprehensive list. From kitchen to bathroom, these solutions have transformed our cleaning routine for the better. You’re a cleaning guru.

      Reply
      • Heidi says

        August 6, 2023 at 8:36 pm

        Thank you so much… I’m so glad you liked this big list of diy homemade cleaning recipes!

        Reply
    • Bridge Dale says

      May 15, 2023 at 4:35 am

      Finding these homemade cleaners has completely turned my life around. I never would have imagined something so simple having such a significant effect.

      Reply
      • Heidi says

        May 16, 2023 at 12:26 pm

        I’m so glad to hear you’re enjoying the homemade cleaning solutions!

        Reply
    • Christie says

      October 19, 2020 at 1:29 pm

      That homemade ring cleaner sounds awesome Heidi!!! I’ve been meaning to find a recipe for one. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • Heidi says

        October 19, 2020 at 5:36 pm

        You’re very welcome, Christie! It really is the easiest trick to get your ring sparkling again! 🙂

        Reply
    • Holly says

      September 14, 2020 at 8:15 pm

      Wow! You’ve covered just about every possible need in the home. Amazing! Thank you for sharing these!

      I’m a big fan of DIY or natural living tips. Why wouldn’t we save money AND reduce the toxic load in our home? It’s a win all the way around.

      The jasmine room spray sounds incredible. I love that scent. Looks like you’ve given me my next DIY inspiration. Thanks again! ♥ I hope you & your loved ones are well, happy and blessed.

      Reply
      • Heidi says

        September 22, 2020 at 11:22 am

        You’re very welcome, Holly… I’m so glad you liked the natural homemade cleaners tips! And you will LOVE the Jasmine Room Spray – it really smells so lovely! 🙂

        Reply
    • Scarlet says

      February 7, 2020 at 6:07 am

      What a great collection of homemade cleansers! I love how there is a cleaning recipe for everything:)

      Reply
    • Louise says

      November 5, 2019 at 8:49 pm

      I’m cleaning my whole house today & getting prepared for my scheduled c-section on Tuesday! So I needed some great recipes. Thank you very much for sharing! This helps as in a lot

      Reply
    • Lawrence says

      August 14, 2018 at 12:57 am

      WoW! This website has answers to a lot of things!! I’ve used some of the recipes on here and it works wonders for the cost of almost to nothing! I actually tried cleaning the tiles of my swimming pool using a method on here and i actually enjoyed to a point where i no longer need to get my expensive pool technicians no more… phew.
      thanks a lot!

      Reply
    • Juana says

      July 9, 2018 at 12:13 am

      Hello, you have a great side here, i already try the 409 and it does really works, thank you, now do you have any recipes to clean grease spot from clothing, thanks.

      Reply
    • Helen Sidwell says

      June 11, 2018 at 12:59 am

      Going to try this! I will take a small bleached spot over a dark brown carpet spot

      Reply
    • Charlene says

      May 19, 2016 at 9:06 pm

      What would get a rust stain out of clothing?

      Reply
    • Diane Sharp says

      March 16, 2016 at 5:59 am

      Help I need advise. We recently opened a gym. I’m wanting to make our own green cleaning solution. But afraid the vingear and scented oil might discolor leather seats that are RED. Any experience with leather?
      We are beginners and not sure if water is necessary in mixture, some say yes some say no????

      Reply
    • John says

      January 6, 2016 at 9:21 am

      I finally found amazing cleaning tips. Thanks for sharing posts like this. Keep up the good work.

      Reply
      • Diane Sharp says

        March 16, 2016 at 5:55 am

        We have a gym and I was wanting to make our own cleaning solution. On the metal equipment I believe it will be fine. But the seats are red leather, will it be safe to use on them? I’m a beginner making our own solution.

        Reply
    • Grace Langdon says

      October 19, 2015 at 6:33 am

      Great ideas! I’m so glad I found this post, because I just started my home fall cleaning and needed a new recipe for a carpet cleaning solution. Thanks for all the recipes and the advises.

      Reply
    • Megan Muzny says

      February 15, 2015 at 12:08 am

      Thanks its always nice to save a little money.

      Reply
    • Lee Sleight says

      October 12, 2014 at 9:06 am

      My daughter just moved out and left a nonstick green fry pan with a build up of burnt food. It doesn’t come off. Anybody have any ideas.

      Reply
    • Alma says

      September 27, 2013 at 1:30 pm

      Anybody have a recipe for diy wrinkle releaser? I love the downey one but its like seven bucks a bottle!! would love to know how to make it myself and it be cheaper!

      Reply
      • Heidi says

        October 15, 2013 at 10:22 am

        Hi Alma ~ here is a link to the DIY Wrinkle Releaser.

        Hope that helps! 😉

        https://thefrugalgirls.com/2013/04/diy-wrinkle-releaser.html

        Reply
    • Sylvia Andrews says

      January 3, 2013 at 9:04 pm

      HI, does anyone have a recipe for making tablets the size of
      cupcakes that are used in the bottom of the bathtub,when taking a shower.Vapors are released when the hot steam hits. This helps congestion of the sinus.I saw a recipe on a website,can’t remember the site. I remember the tablets are made of baking soda,3 essential oils & some water. Baked in muffin lined pans,then cooled several hours. Thanks, if you can help. Sylvia

      Reply
    • Dorothy Miner says

      November 17, 2012 at 4:33 am

      My husband found your web site and I’m a prson tat loves to do things myself to save money.. I’ve made your laundry and fab soft. and they are GREAT!!! I have a girl that has really oily hair. The stores do NOT sell shampoo for oily hair anymore. Is there a recipe for shampoo for poily hair.. wold just love it .. thanks for being there girls.. love your site. 🙂

      Reply
    • Nancy says

      October 25, 2012 at 6:54 am

      Any good suggestions for getting the yellow stains out from the armpits of T-shirts? I don’t like having to throw away a good T-shirt just b/c of a stain. Thanks

      Reply
    • Alicia says

      September 17, 2012 at 12:27 pm

      Does anyone know the amount of vinegar to use in place of bleach for whites in the washing machine?

      Reply
    • Claudia says

      August 24, 2012 at 11:10 pm

      Grout Doctor in AZ is a great company! Love them!!!!

      Reply
    • mrsjdt says

      August 14, 2012 at 2:10 pm

      Removing yellow urine from rugs—if fresh, remove as much “wet” as you can…mist with water to re-wet and sprinkle with corn starch—cover with paper towel, copy paper, something, and let it dry. You’ll be amazed at the amount of “yellow” that absorbed in to the corn starch—vacuum up, and do again if needed. When satisfied with that, shampoo as usual.

      Reply
    • Kati says

      July 31, 2012 at 11:19 am

      I just found a handy trick to clean my stone cookware. Mix half a cup baking SODA with 3tablespoons water. I just used my hand to scrub the areas that needed it. I bought a stone piece at a garage sale and it had been kept with metal pans. The soda mix got all the stains off SUPER easy and there are no chemicals! The added plus is, by using my hands, now they are scrubbed soft, like a hand scrub!

      Reply
    • Brooklyn ny Carpet Cleaning says

      July 23, 2012 at 11:00 pm

      Vinegar is my recipe of cleaning. It works great for any type of hard cleaning. And it’s also very easy to apply!!

      Reply
    • Darlene M. Tcholakov says

      July 17, 2012 at 9:55 pm

      I have a rather strange question, I buy very large bags of dog and cat food, along with the largest parrot and cockatiel food, being I am on disability and purchase their foods once a month I am finding I have these little moth like critters coming around the food storage area and around my birds dishes, does anyone have a solution or suggestion I could use to stop this, I did fit the bird food in the freezer, the cat and dog food comes in such big bags I don’t believe I can get them in the fridge…hummm.. unless I repack in smaller bags… my cages are changes every day, during the summer months and every 2 days in the winter.. anyone with a idea please contact me… Thank you, DarMar

      Reply
    • lyn henderson says

      July 13, 2012 at 8:12 pm

      do you know a good mixture for car washing

      Reply
    • Reba Pistole says

      July 4, 2012 at 9:10 pm

      Love everything i have read,made and used.. I am a grandma, and have lots of experience with lots of different things.. One being , the use of milk to get out unwashed blood stains. They sometimes use it in the hospital on carpet. One lady who made wedding dresses used ammonia when she accidently stuck her finger while sewing. took out the blood and didnt leave any spot.Milk will also remove some permanent markers. Once a marker was in the dryer with my little grandaughters new B’Day dress. It looked like poka dots all over.. I soaked it in milk and washed it again and they all came out.. I did rub it some between my hands first though.. so gentle to use.. This is kinda gross to think about,, but milk is blood originally.Thank you all for your wonderful contributions… Reba

      Reply
    • Ang says

      June 26, 2012 at 4:40 am

      What can I use for real wood floors? We’re overseas & I’ve tried the mop & glo type cleaner for wood floors but it makes my floor sticky. What can I use that won’t show prints 30 sec later & won’t leave the floor sticky?

      Reply
    • melissa dehart says

      June 24, 2012 at 2:06 pm

      I saw a cleaning soltion for cleaning mattress stains and now I can’t find it does anyone know what it is? I think it had baking soda and vinager but I’m not sure what else thank you

      Reply
    • Lillian says

      April 7, 2012 at 8:54 pm

      We have an orange carpet in our house. I mean, bright orange. Somehow we always end up with brown, dirt and pet stains all over it that make the carpet well, ugly, and the stained spots are incredibly stiff. Any ideas on how I can get the stains out?

      Reply
    • Amy says

      April 7, 2012 at 12:10 am

      My son and his best friend (both 10 years old) did their science fair project by making the laundry detergent like the one you’ve posted. It’s a Duggar one, I believe. Very good stuff…I should know…I got the fruits of their labor…20gallons of laundry soap. Now, I’m gonna make the fabric softener for sure! Thanks!

      Reply
    • Terri D'Pulos says

      April 5, 2012 at 6:13 am

      I have asthma so I have to stay away from perfumes and harsh chemicals, here is one cleaning tip for any glass surface. Use two microfiber clothes , one wet to clean one dry to dry off. Your mirrors will sparkle. You can add a dab of dish soap to the wet cloth if heavy buildup, you may have to rinse. Also Dollar tree has hand towel size that is perfect for drying.

      Reply
    • Darlene M. Tcholakov says

      March 23, 2012 at 3:45 pm

      This may sound off the wall, but does anyone out there have a solution that I can make to kill poison sumac? I have 2 clusters of them in the area of my home, I cannot sit outdoors in those areas I am so allergic to the sumac, I welcome any suggestions, I want to try to catch this while they are still down and not as high as trees… Thanks to everyone with suggestions… Darlene

      Reply
    • J.B says

      March 23, 2012 at 11:09 am

      This may sound kind of odd, but to get bad stains out of laundry (even blood or grease) use Brake cleaner. You can get a good sized can at walmart for maybe $2… It doesnt smell that great when you spray it on, or put the clothes into the dryer but after its all dry you dont smell the cleaner anymore. It works great!!

      Reply
    • Emilia says

      March 19, 2012 at 10:25 pm

      This is awesome! I just came from Safeway and didn’t buy windex thinking I would make my own glass cleaner. Now I don’t have to look around how. Does anyone know how to make homemade bubble bath for kids?

      Reply
    • Brenda Sarver says

      March 15, 2012 at 3:16 pm

      I have small ants in the kitchen. Does anyone have any ant killing recipes? I’ve tried everything! Thanks, Brenda

      Reply
      • Reba Pistole says

        July 4, 2012 at 9:22 pm

        I have tried this and it is supposed to even work outside for fire ants etc, Cream of wheat ,,dry sprinkled around where they travel. they love it and take it to their homes. when they eat it , it swells up and they cant digest it,, sounds cruel,but is non toxic and has worked good for me even in the garden.

        Reply
    • Laurie says

      February 26, 2012 at 11:03 am

      I just found this site,read through the comments . And now I’m going to try a lot of your homemade recipes and remedies. Thank you all.

      Reply
    • debbie says

      February 17, 2012 at 11:23 pm

      I’m looking for a cleaner and sealer for the grout on my tile floors.
      Thanks

      Reply
      • Claudia says

        August 24, 2012 at 11:20 pm

        Grout doctor is great!!!!

        Reply
    • Susan Barwick says

      February 15, 2012 at 3:10 pm

      My daughter’s Herbal lady told her about using things like peppermint oil and other oils mixed in water for cleaning. The one using peppermint is a general cleaner. I will have to call and get the recipes and other oils that she uses. They really do clean and it smells so good during and afterwards.

      Reply
    • Susan Barwick says

      February 15, 2012 at 3:06 pm

      To clean tubs, surround tiles and glass doors use equal parts of vinegar and Dawn. Heat the vinegar and add to Dawn in a spray bottle. All the reviews say it cleans them and leaves them spotless. Also will clean and shine sink and shower fixtures to look like new.

      Reply
    • Motherhood isn't for the Weak says

      February 7, 2012 at 11:41 am

      I am so glad I came across this site! I’ve been planning on making fabric softener because it’s the one thing I am struggling to get for cheap with coupons. Thank you for posting this and I plan to continue checking out your site and your facebook for more helpful, frugal tips.
      Thanks again,
      -Chelsea

      Reply
    • Kelly Hensley says

      February 4, 2012 at 6:29 am

      Good morning all. The other day I made the laundry soap. Can someone please tell me what the consistency is suppose to be? My soap, initially, had a gelled appearance, but after shaking the bottle appears liquefied again. Is this how it should appear? Thanks All!

      Reply
    • Kamie says

      January 29, 2012 at 7:47 pm

      Does anyone have any alternatives to Dreft stain remover? This stuff works AWESOME, but the stores around me (in WI) are discontiuting it. Please help!!

      Reply
    • Anastasia says

      January 24, 2012 at 1:48 pm

      Hi, I have a question. Does anybody know how to make carpet cleaning soap that would also fight stains. I have a 11 month old son, and we have a lot of stains now on our carpet 🙁

      Reply
    • Pam says

      January 14, 2012 at 10:33 am

      I absolutely love you site. So many helpful tips and ideas. I cant help but keep coming back. Heep up the good work and God bless !!

      Reply
      • Heidi says

        January 14, 2012 at 11:00 am

        Aww ~ thanks so much for the kind words, Pam! 😉

        We’re so glad to have you here, joining in the $$-saving FUN!

        ~ Heidi

        Reply
    • Tracy says

      January 11, 2012 at 9:15 am

      For cleaning your microwave put a bowl of vinegar water in the microwave heat for about 2 – 2.5 minutes and all the junk and grime wipes off easily. Tip- I use the hot vinegar water that I ran through my coffee maker.

      Reply
    • Belinda says

      January 10, 2012 at 2:25 pm

      I polish my stainless steel sink with baby oil and it gives it a great shine. I have also used it on Formica counters and wipe off the excess oil.

      Reply
    • Sara says

      December 30, 2011 at 11:08 am

      I have a recipe for homemade “Bottom Spray” for your baby when changing diapers. In a 4oz spray bottle (in travel section at Walmart or Target) add 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp baby bath soap, and fill with water. You’ll need to shake it when you use it but it’s great! After you have wiped your baby’s bottom, give it a spray or two for and wipe one last time. The soap and water clean and the baby oil moisterizes.

      Reply
    • Betsy says

      December 27, 2011 at 3:36 pm

      i have been using the Laundry soap recipe for over a year now… i think it’s good.. but our Tshirts and sometimes denim stinks.. like has an old ,sour smell.. what causes this ? Also, how do clean out an HE washer ? It has an old, yucky smell too ??? HELP !!

      Reply
      • Heidi says

        January 17, 2012 at 12:47 pm

        Hi Betsy ~ for my HE Washer, I use Clorox Washing Machine Cleaner {or just bleach} and run it through with nothing else in the washer on the hot sanitizing mode about once a month or so. I also always leave the door to the washer open when not in use, and dry out with a cloth between the rubber seals after every use. {that tip comes from my sister-in-law, and has helped a bunch!} Hope that helps!

        ~ Heidi

        Reply
    • Dolores says

      December 26, 2011 at 6:48 pm

      To clean granite: pour equal parts rubbing alcohol and water in a spray bottle. Cleans and disinfects too! I’ve been using it on my granite counter for 9 years.

      Reply
      • Hannah says

        January 10, 2012 at 11:42 am

        I use pledge spray on my granite to make them shine! Just spray and buff away.

        Reply
    • Lila says

      December 22, 2011 at 5:58 pm

      Iam looking for a recipe for a spray on carpet cleaner or spot cleaner like you can buy that doesnt leave a sticky film to grab dirt. thanks

      Reply
      • KAREN MILLER says

        December 29, 2011 at 9:10 pm

        HI-WE OWNED SEVERAL CARPET CLEANING FRANCHISES FOR 20 YRS-OUR SON NOW OWNS IT. JUST USE BAKING SODA AND WATER TO CLEAN UP THE STICKY RESIDUE FROM THE CARPET CLEANERS. This may take several times to get it all out-depending on how sticky your carpet is. Let dry between spotting-also don’t overrub the carpet(this causes wear) just blot.

        Reply
    • Christina says

      October 6, 2011 at 8:36 pm

      I have been searching for more ways to save my family of 5 money. With the economy the way it is and the price of all products including food has risen. Therefore I have become a couponing momma so to speak and penny pinching diligently=-] I soooo soooo love this site and all the homemade recipes which save on the moola. Added to the cost effective items is the healthy additive to it. Thank you so much for all these recipes and added ways to save money.

      Much Love,

      Christina

      Reply
      • kathy says

        January 6, 2012 at 7:28 pm

        Pinterest.com has tons of diy cleaners, beauty products ect. and it’s WAY fun.

        Reply
    • Pennie Wood says

      September 19, 2011 at 8:42 am

      I love this site!!! It has so many great ideas. I am looking for a way to make homemade disinfecting wipes like the Lysol ones you buy. They are so expensive but I love the convenience and the quick disinfecting and throw away option. Does anyone have anyideas or recipes? thank you in advance for your help and ideas

      Reply
      • Heather Reed says

        May 16, 2012 at 8:41 am

        White vinegar is a good disinfectant. Just keep some mixed with water under the sink with some paper towels and use that!

        Reply
    • Danielle Roman-Ekhoff says

      September 6, 2011 at 1:14 pm

      We are startingto make our own cleaners and have found just about everything thing I need except for one for the dishwasher soap preferably a powder but liquid will do to ?? Anyone have a recipe for that please share need soon so don’t have to go by some lol. THX

      Reply
      • Paula Geistfeld says

        September 14, 2011 at 11:33 am

        Dishwasher Detergent

        I have been using this for a few years and works great.

        1/2 cup Borax
        1/2 cup washing soda
        1/4 cup kosher salt
        1/4 cup citric acid….(we use this in water for new batches of weaned pigs when they come in…we purchase it from the Feed Mill at our local elevator in 50 lb bags…dont know where to tell you to buy it otherwise as we always have it on hand but it has to be around…do a google search.

        Put in a container and shake it up…It will clump up on sometimes which isnt a big deal as they will dissolve in wash cycle…I have noticed if I shake it often…like every day…it stays fine. Use 1 tbsp. /scoop for each trap..
        I also use straight vinegar as my rinse agent…my glasses always look spotless.
        Was very impressed the first load of dishes I did using this recipe…it was amazing the difference in appearance in everything…so bright and clean.
        Good Luck…hope you like it

        Reply
        • Angie says

          October 24, 2011 at 7:10 pm

          I use the same recipe and LOVE it! Works like a charm and is so much cheaper. For the citric acid, I use LemiShine. I found mine at Walmart by the Borax.

          Reply
        • Shelly says

          January 25, 2012 at 10:06 am

          Probably a dumb question, but what is washing soda?

          Reply
          • Jenn says

            February 21, 2012 at 9:42 am

            Washing Soda is found in the laundry aisle. It is made my Arm & Hammer. 🙂

            Reply
    • Julee says

      August 24, 2011 at 9:51 am

      Im looking for a alternative to clorax colorsafe bleach- my daughter has a feeding tube that leaks blood and other stomach fluids on her clothes and sheets. I use homemade laundry soap – borax,washing soda and fels napa. I need a good stain remover but dislike paying for clorox its expensive. Any ideas? I have tried oxy clean.

      Reply
      • Janneth says

        January 21, 2012 at 8:01 pm

        Often times, just using a bit of soap on the stain and scrubbing it out will get it out completely. I’ve also used hydrogen peroxide to get out dried in blood stains. or, if you have borax, dampen the stain with water, sprinkle some borax over it, and leave it alone for a half hour. Come back to it and in a bucket, agitate it with your hands (a sort of kneading motion, like making bread) and a bit of scrubbing if the agitating motion isn’t getting it out will do the job. I’ve also read that some rubbing alcohol will revitalize old stains and thus will make it easier to get out.

        Reply
        • Teresa says

          March 7, 2012 at 7:13 pm

          My daughter would use dial liquid soap in poop stains on her new born. It worked well. Maybe it could work on blood also. I don’t know. It’s a thought.

          Reply
      • Mona Plubell says

        March 1, 2012 at 5:31 pm

        I am a nurse and I have always used warm salt water to remove blood, works great!

        Reply
      • Beverly says

        August 8, 2012 at 3:07 pm

        When I broke my leg in 2001, the nurses told my mom to use straight peroxide on the blood in the carpet. I have since used it to get blood out of my hubby’s clothes (he is a bleeder). It works great! I have not had any problem with discoloration of clothes or carpet but I would still check your clothing for color fastness. Hope this helps.

        Reply
    • ila says

      August 23, 2011 at 1:00 pm

      I would love to have a homemade cleaner for a carpet cleaner. We have a small Bissel and I would love to do my own cleaner.

      Reply
      • Kris says

        December 7, 2011 at 7:45 pm

        I used to have a bissel…instead of putting the cleaner in the soltion part i would add vinegar…the house did have a strong vinegar scent but my carpets always looked better and they weren’t “stiff” like they were when i used the commerical cleaner…

        Reply
    • Paige says

      August 18, 2011 at 9:18 pm

      I have been using the homemade laundry detergent recipe for the last 3 years. I LOVE IT!!! I make it,put it in mason jars and give it as gifts. It’s so easy to make and affordable and works great on clothes. I made a believer out of my husband with it. We have five kids between us and laundry NEVER stops,so this is one more way for us to save money without losing quality. I also make it for my mother to use on my dad and sister’s clothing. They are both very physically ill people and have sensitive skin. They never have skin problems using the homemade detergent.

      Reply
    • Kathy says

      August 14, 2011 at 6:58 pm

      Hello, I used to have a recipe for a spray bottle to clean my kitchen counter tops, but lost it. It was water/bleach/and my favorite smell of Pine-Sol, or you could even use Mr.Clean. Can you, or rather, shall I ask, do you know the ratio to make this spray? It makes the whole house smell SO good!! If I shall change my mind on using bleach, what could I use instead, ammonia? Sometimes I worry about getting bleach on my clothes.
      Thank you!

      Kathy

      Reply
    • Darlene M. Tcholakov says

      July 29, 2011 at 5:03 pm

      Would any of us frugal girls know a receipe for dishwasher soap to share with us?

      Reply
    • Robyn says

      July 23, 2011 at 11:32 am

      For fleas,sprinkle borax all over floors, work into carpets with a broom. Leave overnight or all day while away. Come home and vacuum it alll up. Works great without harsh chemicala, and leaves the house with a clean, fresh scent

      Reply
      • Robbi says

        July 23, 2011 at 1:43 pm

        Will the Borax harm the Animals? I have 3 Maltese Pups.

        Reply
      • christa says

        January 31, 2012 at 8:17 am

        I had a huge flea problem last year and tried everything including the borax method with no luck. We were ready to rip up all of the carpet. I own a Eureka Enviro Steamer and decided as a last resort to use it in every room. It worked so good! I think maybe after that I saw just a couple of fleas. I have also heard that the steamers work to kill bed bugs.

        Reply
    • Karen says

      July 21, 2011 at 9:37 am

      Does anyone have any ideas to remove fleas from carpet? without having to treat the whole house?

      Reply
      • Toni says

        August 3, 2011 at 3:09 pm

        Use equal parts of water and Pine Sol in a spray bottle, spray everything from carpets to baseboards!!

        Reply
        • nickie says

          August 22, 2011 at 10:06 am

          You can also use just plain old table salt. sprinkle it thru your carpet and on your fabric furniture it will get rid of the fleas. Let it set for about 3-4 hours the runt he vac. you get up the salt and the dea* fleas.

          Reply
      • Tania says

        March 19, 2012 at 10:40 pm

        I read yrs ago to put out a nightlight in areas pet goes in and under it a small bowl of water with a drop or so of dish liquid. I have used this for yrs. off and on when we have a problem. And to check if we have a problem in spring and summer months especially.You will be surprised how it gets fleas,gnats,spiders. They love that warm light and can’t get out of the Dawn water. Getting ready to put mine out since we had a warm winter this yr.

        Reply
    • barb says

      July 5, 2011 at 9:31 am

      Can anyone tell me where to buy these essential oils????
      Thanks!!

      Reply
      • Waterflower says

        October 25, 2011 at 1:44 pm

        Essential oils can be bought online, just google “essential oils”.

        Reply
    • Angela says

      June 20, 2011 at 12:24 pm

      Has anyone ever used Hydrogen Peroxide instead of bleach? Just wondering!

      Reply
      • Barbara L. Robinson says

        July 25, 2011 at 5:40 pm

        Yes, I have used both. When I use bleach, I do the 1-10 mix. Being a nurse, this is what we used to clean up spills…would even kill HIV germs if such were in a blood spill! If you have never read about the peroxide, do a search…it is awesome and cost effective!

        Reply
    • trudy thayer says

      June 20, 2011 at 10:13 am

      I love this cleaner. I also have it in spray bottles in the essential rooms…..for me this also works great on carpets, I have kitties and no smell, no stains, and no toxins. Love this site, thank you for the wonderful ideas.

      Reply
    • sherri says

      June 17, 2011 at 4:46 pm

      I just wanted to say “Thank you” for all the wonderful tips for saving money. I started making my own 409, fabric softener and washing detergent this week and I could not believe the difference in my laundry. Thanks again Frugal Girls.

      Reply
    • Marie Gush says

      June 17, 2011 at 1:06 am

      have granite counter tops??? or basic countertops in kitchen and or bathroom? I have a Bissell steam mop and let me tell you what an awesome job it does on granite countertops without any chemicals. The countertops sparkle, smudges and muck comes off with ease (the steam mop comes with 2 cloth head covers so prior to doing the floors we hit the counters!!) and love the fact that the counters are sterilized pretty much without any chemicals.

      Reply
      • Holly says

        June 17, 2011 at 1:07 pm

        I love my bissell Steam mop!

        Reply
    • khit says

      June 16, 2011 at 9:27 pm

      i do have a spray bottle with vinegar, water, baking soda in my countertop! all around cleaning supply 🙂

      Reply
    • Stephanie says

      June 13, 2011 at 10:41 am

      I would love to have a recipe for homemade liquid dishwasher detergent that didn’t contain borax.

      Reply
    • Julie S says

      May 25, 2011 at 8:16 pm

      My husband accidentally hit a candle that was lit and the wax spilled onto a sweater that was near it. The sweater is not a thick weave but a looser knit weave. I went to the fabric store and they didn’t know of anything that I could use to remove the wax. I read somewhere about using towels, and iron, and a lot of blotting but would like to use something easier if I could. Thanks for the help.

      Reply
      • Anne says

        May 31, 2011 at 2:09 pm

        PUT IT IN THE FREEZER FOR A HALF HOUR AND WHEN U TAKE IT OUT IT SHOULD CRUMBLE OUT WHEN U RUMPLE IT

        Reply
      • Jen says

        June 16, 2011 at 8:42 am

        a hair dryer on the low setting and paper towels work great and it really doesnt take long. One of our tenants got candle wax on the carpet in a bedroom and I had it cleaned up within a couple minutes.

        Reply
      • Mamajana says

        January 22, 2012 at 12:14 pm

        Set a wet towel on top and iron, it transfers to the wet towel, this also works on carpet. We spilled a RED candle on lt beige carpet, came out! Learned it from a friend in the carpet cleaning business!

        Reply
    • Julie says

      May 19, 2011 at 3:00 pm

      Vinegar should NOT be used on tile floors. I tried it and to this day my tiles are dull and dingy. The vinegar ruined the tile finish.

      Reply
      • Jen says

        June 16, 2011 at 8:40 am

        Try cleaning them with Finish dishwashing powder. All you do is mix it with water like you do when you mop the floor normally. It takes everything up and makes white tile white again gets rid of every little dirt spot I cinderella clean (on my hands and knees) and it works great! I use it in my jacuzzi tub also! I learned all this from working at a resort!

        Reply
        • Amanda says

          November 25, 2011 at 1:46 pm

          I also use Finish Dishwashing tabs in my jacuzzi tub! Works like a champ, and I dont have to crawl in there and scrub it!

          Reply
        • Connie Roche says

          August 20, 2012 at 4:24 pm

          actually I sat in a chair that a candle was knocked over in– my brand new pantsuit was ruined– and since it was – I placed in a large pot on stove with almost boiling hot water, the wax (oil) floated to the top and I used paper towels to remove wax from the water– turned off pot and then placed brown paper bags over item and ironed, turning bag often until all wax was gone.

          Reply
    • Beckie says

      May 19, 2011 at 1:12 pm

      Instead of buying dryer sheets, I use a washcloth and fabric softener. I put some into a spray bottle (undiluted) and put about six or seven squirts onto each side of the washcloth and throw it into the dryer. Works just as good as a dryer sheet and is great for the environment. I always do my towels last so I then throw the washcloth in that load and wash and dry as normal.

      Reply
    • Erica B says

      May 19, 2011 at 8:52 am

      Instead of scrubbing a pot, pan, or dish that has baked-on crud on it, fill it with hot water and put a dryer sheet in the water. Let it sit for an hour and all the food will slide right of the edges. Even used dryer sheets work. When I get done with a load of laundry, I just put the used sheets under my kitchen sink. I know this sounds weird, but it works amazingly! This trick also works for cleaning paintbrushes.

      Reply
      • deana says

        January 19, 2012 at 1:42 pm

        this really does work. I actually tried it last night on some baked on chicken i had in the dish i baked it in. I just added a little hot water, put the fabric softener in and let it soak while I was finishing up cooking the last bit of dinner. About 10 minutes or so later dumped the water out, threw away the fabric softner and the pan wiped out clean.

        Reply
    • molly says

      May 19, 2011 at 8:51 am

      does anyone have a recipe for homemade wipes that uses bleach?

      Reply
    • Lisa says

      May 19, 2011 at 8:10 am

      Help! Can anyone tell me how to get finger nail polish out of carpet? Thanks

      Reply
    • Amanda J says

      May 18, 2011 at 11:03 pm

      Thank you for this! I will definitely be making several of these!!

      Reply
    • Candy says

      May 18, 2011 at 9:50 pm

      Be Careful! I have read numerous places not to mix vinegar and peroxide. Here is one explanation:When cleaning with vinegar, make sure that it does not come in contact with hydrogen peroxide. Mixing the two will create Peracetic Acid (C2H4O3).

      The toxicity of Peracetic Acid is low. However, peracids are highly irritating to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. It has a strong oxidizing potential, is highly corrosive, and can exp*ode at temperatures exceeding 110ºC.

      Reply
    • Candy says

      May 18, 2011 at 9:37 pm

      Sheri,
      The washing detergent works great in my front load HE machine. I’ve been using it since October.

      Reply
    • Tonya says

      May 18, 2011 at 9:37 pm

      Gorgeously Green All Purpose Spray-I make up a spray bottle for the Kitchen & Bathroom. Cuts Grease, germs & grime and it smells good. You can use it on just about everything:Fridge, counter tops, walls, doorknobs, toilet seats, sinks & so on.

      32 oz plastic spray bottle
      2 cups water
      1/2 cup distilled white vinegar
      1 teaspoon pure castile soap
      3/4 cup hydrogen peroxide
      20 drops tea tree oil
      20 drops of lavender or lemongrass essential oil

      Fill plastic bottle w/ water, add vinegar, castile soap, hydrogen peroxide, tea tree oil, and lavender or lemongrass essential oil. In Hot Summer Months, add about 10 drops of citronella essential oil to spray bottles, as it is an excellent insect repellent.

      This spray is suitable for acrylic, ceramic tile, wood, marble & granite. For other Great Money Saving & Green Products you might want to get this book…Gorgeously Green 8 Simple Steps to an Earth-Friendly Life. Love, Love, Love this book. Lots and lots of Information and some really Good Green Recipes for use indoors, outdoors and some cooking recipes. Enjoy!!

      Reply
    • Aileen horch says

      May 18, 2011 at 7:23 pm

      I started making homemade laundry soap about 6-7 months ago and I LOVE it! With 8 kids and 3 grandkids laundry is an every day chore. The money I have saved on laundry soap has been amazing. I have told a number of friends about it and several have tried it and liked it.

      Reply
    • Sherri says

      May 18, 2011 at 7:20 pm

      The washing detergent does it work in the HE washing machines?

      Reply
      • Julie says

        May 23, 2011 at 7:27 am

        It works wonderful in HE machines. I made two batches this weekend and am sharing it with family and friends. Clothes are very soft and the scent is wonderful.

        Reply
        • Onie V. Coleman says

          November 16, 2011 at 3:21 pm

          I really like the Home-made Laundry Detergent, it cleans and it smells so refreshing, but I don’t get any suds at all, I realize it’s a low-sudsing mixture, but nine

          Reply
    • Amy@LifeAsAMomma says

      May 18, 2011 at 7:18 pm

      Love, love, love my homemade furniture polish! (Similar to Pledge Dusting Spray)

      Reply
      • Aimee says

        July 6, 2011 at 4:39 am

        How do u make the furniture polish?

        Reply
    • Lynda says

      May 17, 2011 at 8:30 pm

      HELP!!!! Can anyone tell me (at this point it doesn’t matter cost/chemical embedded,etc.) if you know of anything that will take permanent parker off of a leather seat and cloth top in a vehicle. My 2 year old found one that his brother accidently dropped and now….you know the rest of the story. I would be grateful for any suggestions. I know it says “permanent” for a reason but I am hoping all is not lost. Thank you to all my frugal friends!

      Reply
      • Tracy says

        May 18, 2011 at 12:22 pm

        I can say about a car but I got permanet marker on my suede comforter,I removed it with hairspray and alcohol.I worked really well and then rinsed it really well because the material was stiff.Hope this helps.

        Reply
      • Anne says

        May 31, 2011 at 2:03 pm

        Fingernail polish remover works GREAT on permant marker just dab it on with a paper towel until the mark is gone IT HAS NOT DISCOLORED ANYTHING FOR ME SO FAR *GOOD LUCK*

        Reply
      • Tammy Burgess says

        June 16, 2011 at 9:16 pm

        Mr. Clean eraser got permanent marker off of a door and a wall for us…two year old artist…:)

        Reply
      • Holly says

        June 17, 2011 at 1:07 pm

        Go Gone, works for everything!

        Reply
      • kris says

        July 4, 2011 at 10:57 pm

        Mr. clean eraser will clean anything, I had permanent marker on a white shelf (actual pictures) from a house I moved into, took it off like it was nothing.

        Reply
        • Diane says

          January 19, 2012 at 6:05 pm

          I agree… Mr. Clean Eraser WILL clean anything. Use it inside your glass coffee pot, one whoosh and the stains are gone. Use it on glass cassarole dishes to get off those black/brown burnt-on, left-over food particals. I have used them on cookie sheets. Removes soap scum inside the tub/shower walls. Great for leather shoes….

          Reply
          • barb says

            May 5, 2012 at 8:02 am

            I used Mr. Clean Eraser on my shower and it did not work.I also tried fabric softener sheet and still nothing.

            Reply
      • Jenn says

        August 23, 2011 at 5:52 pm

        On any polished surface, you can use a dry-erase marker. Just go over the mark and wipe with a dry cloth, its like wiping off a white board.

        Reply
      • Ginger says

        April 12, 2012 at 11:02 am

        Tea tree oil works great on permanant marker. My grandson got marker on my wood table and tea tree oil worked wonders.

        Reply
    • Christie says

      May 6, 2011 at 9:24 am

      Does anyone have any recipes for homemade “shower clean”? I’m talking about the stuff you spray on the shower after you get out. As it is, I am using scrubbing bubbles automatic cleaner in a spray bottle since the little sprayer machine stopped working despite fresh batteries. Any ideas will be greatly appreciated!

      Reply
      • Alaina says

        June 1, 2011 at 5:19 am

        I keep a spray bottle with a mixture of bleach and water in the shower. My family uses this each time we take a shower and just spray all the surfaces. I even spray the back of the shower curtain liner. This really keeps it clean and sanitized. Just be careful not to spray any fabric (curtains, towels, etc.)

        Reply
        • Angela says

          June 20, 2011 at 12:17 pm

          Also if you use bleach/water mixture. Be very careful about using too much bleach per water and then breathing the fumes. That will burn your nose hair off! LOL (I learned from experience, I’m said to say!)

          Reply
          • Angela says

            June 20, 2011 at 12:18 pm

            Whoops! That should have read Sad to say.

            Guess the bleach got to me a little more than I thought. 😉

            Reply
    • Ang says

      April 10, 2011 at 8:01 pm

      Thanks so much for all of these tips! I had a new Army wife email me once she checked their LES (the shutdown week) & I was able to remember most of these & pass them on. I’m almost out of laundry detergent & since the possible shutdown scared the bejeebers out of me too, I’ll be making my own this week.

      Reply
    • Dawn says

      April 8, 2011 at 12:28 pm

      How do you clean water marks from glass shower? I feel like I’ve tried everything, the previous owners evidently didn’t!
      Thanks in advance!!!
      Dawn

      Reply
      • Ashley says

        April 12, 2011 at 11:13 pm

        the homemade 409 on this website works wonders… i would try that… it takes the rust stains off too…

        Reply
        • Dawn says

          April 13, 2011 at 5:18 am

          Thanks Ashley ! I will give it a try !!

          Reply
          • nickie says

            August 22, 2011 at 9:55 am

            I have really hard water and it leaves the water marks and spots behind on my glass shower doors. I have found that to get them really clean with very little effort use Lysol toilet bowl cleaner and one of the green scrubby pads it will take off all of the water marks and make the glass look new just be sure to wear rubber gloves so the Lysol does not get on your hands. It is not too expensive and what ever is left you have to clean your toilets with.

            Reply
            • Mamajana says

              January 22, 2012 at 12:07 pm

              Magic Erasers!! My new house had HORRIBLE hard water stains, couldn’t see out of the shower! Wiped it with the magic Erasers and they are crystal clear! I keep one in there and periodically wipe to keep them clear

              Reply
            • Donna says

              September 9, 2012 at 9:22 pm

              be careful if acid in cleaner will turn your chrome black. so protect your chrome or metal.

              Reply
      • Tammy says

        October 9, 2011 at 2:49 am

        I seen an article that dryer sheets work on shower doors but haven’t tried it yet

        Reply
      • Tommy says

        December 27, 2011 at 3:09 am

        Hey Dawn,
        Use baby oil on a rag and wipe away all the soap scum and white streaks/spots from the doors and all the chrome trim on the door frames. I have been doing it here for years. Leave some of the baby oil on the chrome and doors too, it almost acts as a wax and the water will bead off. I usually do this once a month, that’s it and it takes me 15 minutes or less.

        Reply
      • Cindy says

        April 29, 2012 at 7:44 pm

        1-1 ratio of dishwashing liquid & vinegar. I personally used my homemade dishwasher liquid, & it worked better than the 1st batch I made with commercial dishwashing liquid. Heat the vinegar in the microwave for about 2 minutes. Pour it into a spray bottle & mix it with an equal amount of dishwashing liquid. Spray it on the shower door & chill for about 2 hours (I didn’t wait, & it still worked, but I didn’t have a really disgusting mess). Rinse it off well & enjoy the clarity!!! I also saw that if you want to KEEP the ick off your shower once it’s gone, use RainX. Sounds logical!

        Reply
        • Barb says

          July 22, 2012 at 8:43 am

          Dawn and vinegar is all I use now on my shower doors and they are crystal clear.

          Reply
    • Marcia says

      April 6, 2011 at 1:29 pm

      Just another tip for windows: Use newspaper instead of paper towels. It leaves NO streaks! And it makes you glass so clear, that it looks like its not there at all!! 😀

      Reply
    • PATRICIA BELL says

      April 4, 2011 at 5:11 pm

      Thanks but I do not see it here. I am almost positive that it was water, vinegar and alcohol general cleaner. Do you remember it? Is it in your archives?

      Reply
      • KC says

        August 6, 2011 at 9:42 pm

        The window cleaner recipe I have used for years is equal parts of water, rubbing alcohol and ammonia. Best window cleaner I’ve ever used!

        Reply
    • PATRICIA BELL says

      April 4, 2011 at 8:04 am

      I recently saw a general cleaning recipe using alcohol, water and I think vinegar. I cannot find it on the web site anymore. Can you please send it to me?

      Thank you
      Patti Bell

      Reply
    • Lupe says

      April 2, 2011 at 12:06 pm

      I have a large mirror in my living room that seems to streak no matter what glass cleaner I have tried. Does anyone have any suggestions?

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        April 4, 2011 at 12:43 am

        Have you tried newspaper instead of paper towels and vinegar to clean it?

        Reply
      • Ang says

        April 10, 2011 at 7:59 pm

        To clear military housing our windows had to be perfectly streak-free. I poured full strength vinegar onto a rag, wiped it all wet & then used another rag to dry. My rags are just old dishtowels or washcloths, nothing fancy. I have gotten a few microfiber ones from the dollar store I like & they don’t seem to streak my bathroom mirrors.

        Reply
      • Briton says

        August 20, 2011 at 10:57 am

        I have the same problem with a large mirror in my living room. I have tried EVERYTHING- vinegar, newspapers, etc…still streaky. I recently bought a microfiber cleaning cloth for my new t.v. and I tried it on my mirror. It works like a champ! Just spray the cloth with a little water and rub the mirror in small sections 🙂

        Reply
        • Theresa says

          October 7, 2011 at 7:22 am

          A 50/50 solution of rubbing alcohol and water in a spray bottle is a great mirror cleaner! No streaks at all.

          Reply
        • Joanne says

          December 29, 2011 at 10:01 pm

          Hot wet washcloth will leave windows and mirrors streak-free and cleans like a champ.

          Reply
      • Amanda says

        January 14, 2012 at 9:06 pm

        I once worked at a hotel. The cleaning lady there used nothing but a hot wet rag and a dry rag. No cleaner at all. She would wipe the entry door (all glass) with the wet rag, then dry it with the dry rag. Never a streak! I now do this on all my mirrors and windows. Works great and is free.

        Reply
    • Val says

      March 31, 2011 at 7:16 am

      I am wondering what can get hairspray build up off of standard Apt style bathroom floor(linoleum)? I’ve tried the basic “store” product & lots of scrubbing, but not much luck…any ideas?

      Reply
      • Jen says

        June 16, 2011 at 8:32 am

        I have sprayed the floor with 409 and let it sit for like 5 minutes then scrubbed whith a bristle scrub brush and then mop the floor. A friend of mine and I have a cleaning business and this gets pretty much anything off of the linoleum. Hope it works for you!

        Reply
      • rita says

        June 16, 2011 at 12:59 pm

        Cheap .97 shaving foam from Wal-Mart works GREAT!!!

        Reply
      • Christy says

        January 22, 2012 at 9:29 am

        I love my hairspray but my tile floors can’t stand it!! I bought a HAAN floor steamer (I’m sure any would do) and VIOLA!! No build up and no sticky floor either!! Easy Peasy!!

        Reply
      • Charlotte says

        March 13, 2012 at 4:04 am

        shampoo will do the trick, works removing form your hair & entire bath too ! in a spray bottle combine by filling bottle 1/3 shampoo of choice and 2/3 water, spray onto area & let sit a minute and wipe off with a clean sponge, if major build up like on floor allow to sit longer and use clean mop to wipe up

        Reply
        • M.Ellison says

          March 20, 2012 at 9:29 am

          When my husband (who is a diesel Mechanic) runs out of “his” hand soap, he uses cheapo (suave) shampoo, preferably one that is good for greasy hair, and it works great! Good for those once in a while at home car maintenance jobs

          Reply
      • Donna says

        September 9, 2012 at 9:19 pm

        try automobile degreaser. you can buy walmart or auto
        zone will even take black tar off. i use to clean sinks
        etc. but wear gloves.

        Reply
      • Anne Bratcher says

        November 3, 2012 at 9:52 am

        Cotton ball of alcohol.
        Spray a little more neatly.

        Reply
    • Monica says

      March 29, 2011 at 5:17 am

      Recipe for Homemade Stain remover for clothing:
      In a large spray bottle add 1/2 cup of laundry detergent, 1/2 cup of ammonia and then fill the rest of the way to the top with water. Shake well. I spray this on stains and then use an old toothbrush to rub it in well so it penatrates the stain. I have 4 & 5 year old boys and this stuff has saved me a lot of money on stain removers.

      Reply
      • Barbara L. Robinson says

        July 25, 2011 at 6:05 pm

        Wondering if anyone has tried this stain remover and if you had good luck with it? Does it work for all stains? Would appreciate any comments on this one. I use the former Spray and Wash Spray Can which has worked best for me! Thx

        Reply
        • Christina says

          September 14, 2012 at 3:27 am

          Peroxide, Dawn detergent and a little baking soda rubbed into the stain will remove most anything. I will never buy a store bought stain remover again!

          Reply
    • L.Ann says

      March 28, 2011 at 2:28 pm

      I’ve tried almost every deep conditioning treatment out there. After getting tired of spending anywhere from $15-$40 for so-so products, I did some research and now make my own.

      Mix the following together:
      2 Egg Yolks
      2 Tbsp Mayonnaise (optional since mayo contains egg and olive oil, but it helps the treatment to not be as runny)
      1 Tbsp Olive Oil
      2 Tbsp Honey

      Apply mixture to hair and cover with a plastic cap (I recycle a plastic grocery bag, twist to fit my head, and tape in place).

      Wrap a towel around plastic covered head and hang out for 15-30 minutes (the towel and plastic combo helps the treatment penetrate better using your own body heat, no need for a dryer).

      Shampoo and condition as normal.

      This treatment makes my hair feel like heaven and really brings out the shine. The egg yolk adds protein, the olive oil adds moisture, the mayo adds both protein and moisture, and the honey gives incredible shine.

      Reply
      • Trudy says

        May 25, 2011 at 2:04 pm

        I’ve been using apple cider vinegar to rinse/condition my hair for a while now and I love it. I wash my hair, rinse it, spray ACV on, work in with fingertips, put a shower cap on, finish showering and when done, take off cap, rinse hair and it shines like the sun and is soft as can be. All with no vinegar scent. I love it.

        Reply
        • Gretchen Barendse says

          February 1, 2012 at 11:18 am

          i use strictly baking soda and water to wash my hair and water and apple cider vinegar and water to condition it. I have VERY longhair and don’t have any issues with needing to use any other type of deep conditioner or other additive in my hair.

          Reply
          • Brenda says

            May 19, 2012 at 6:31 am

            Does the baking soda and water not leave your hair dry? Do you ever use shampoo and conditioner of any type?
            And last but not least, is your hair type oily or dry?

            Reply
      • C.K. says

        September 2, 2011 at 7:06 am

        Hi L.Ann………I would like to post this on my web site do you have it posted anywhere so I can also give you credit…………Thank you, CK

        Reply
    • Jeanette says

      March 21, 2011 at 8:30 am

      What is your most cost effective stain remover/pretreater? I have been buying Clorox 2 free and clear. Any alternative suggestions? Thank you!!

      Reply
      • kathy says

        January 6, 2012 at 7:13 pm

        I use 2 parts peroxide to 1 part Dawn in a spray bottle. It’s good on carpet stains too.

        Reply
        • Jennifer says

          January 8, 2012 at 7:45 pm

          I tried this recently and I was amazed at how well it worked on stains. This will definitely be the first thing I go to for future stains.

          Reply
      • Erineyes51 says

        April 16, 2012 at 3:41 pm

        Years ago my sister told me about this great stain removing trick, it works especially good for removing baby food stains from clothing as well as yellow underarm stains and makes sport socks sparkle. The recipe is:
        1 cup of liquid bleach
        1 cup of cascade powder dishwashing liquid
        1 cup of powder laundry detergent
        Fill washing machine with the hottest water you can. Place the above ingredients in and allow to agitate for about 2 minutes. Place clothing in machine and let it run through 1 wash cycle. Turn machine off and allow articles to soak over night or at least 8 hours. Put the machine through the entire cycle again. When you remove the clothes you will be shocked how clean they are and stain free.

        Reply
        • Anne Bratcher says

          November 3, 2012 at 9:35 am

          THANK YOU!!!
          My girlfriend used this recipe YEARS ago (we’re Grannies now). She bought almost ALL of her kid’s clothing from garage sales (her husband was a cheap scape). This got out the stains on the clothing so they looked NEW!
          27 years later:
          I have a friend who now buys and sells antique linens and I have been trying to find this recipe!!! XO

          Reply
        • Amanda says

          June 1, 2014 at 6:14 am

          Does this only work for whites sinve there is bleach?

          Reply
    • amy says

      March 13, 2011 at 11:29 pm

      I was told years ago, to clean your dishwasher use TANG. I have not tried it yet! To clean a coffee pot use white vinegar and water.

      Reply
      • Lara says

        March 15, 2011 at 10:10 am

        Can also get powdered citric acid at the pharmacy…it tends to work faster without the extra colors…it is natural white colored….

        Reply
      • meredith says

        March 27, 2011 at 8:06 pm

        Another great restaurant tip for cleaning coffee pots is to fill with ice, salt, and lemon juice and swirl periodically until ice melts a bit and then let it sit over night and rinse in morning!

        Reply
        • LIsa Lam says

          March 28, 2011 at 1:55 pm

          When I worked at a restaraunt, this is the formula we used. It always amazed me at how well it got the stains ou.

          Reply
      • Joleen says

        June 16, 2011 at 12:42 pm

        My mom told me to help clean out your dishwasher and make it smell better and give your dishes a pretty shine to get one packet of lemon flavored Kool Aide and put it in the part that has the lid and run the washer for a whole cycle. It starts to smell lemony fresh and looks great and the dishes and glasses don’t spot anymore. Lots cheaper than other dishwasher agents!!

        Reply
        • Gretchen Barendse says

          February 1, 2012 at 10:45 am

          You can use lemonade flavored Koolade to clean your toilets. First, add the packet of drink mix to the bowl, brush as you normally would to clean it, then let sit for 4 hours or overnight. The citric acid in the drink mix is what actually does the work….Just be sure to close the lid if you have animals….

          Reply
      • SHEILA says

        February 14, 2012 at 2:24 am

        the best way I have found to clean a coffee pot is to put about 1-2 tablespoons dry dishwashing powder in pot and fill with hot water. the pot comes clean in a matter of minutes.

        Reply
        • Donna says

          September 9, 2012 at 9:14 pm

          try lime away or anything that cleans
          rust/calcium/lime cleans right out.
          you’ll have a sparkling pot.

          Reply
      • Beverly Becraft Blair says

        November 23, 2012 at 9:26 pm

        To clean coffee pots or anything that is heavy spoiled by coffee stains. Crushed ice, Comet (yes Comet) and water. Swish, swish and swish and clean with sponge/scrubber
        This is how resturatants clean their coffee pots. They will sparkle afterwards.

        Reply
    • Sandy says

      March 11, 2011 at 11:48 pm

      If you use lemon juice in your dishwasher along with your dishwasher soap your glasses come out sparkling.

      Reply
      • Karen says

        June 1, 2011 at 7:18 pm

        thanks for the tip! Do you just mix the lemon juice right in with the detergent when you put it in?

        Reply
      • Connie says

        October 25, 2011 at 11:02 am

        Just be carefull if your dishes have paint on them. Mom has glasses with paint on them that have been washed in the dishwaser for years, but the paint started to wash off when she started adding lemon juice to her load.

        Reply
      • kathy says

        January 6, 2012 at 7:06 pm

        Fill you rinse agent dispencer with white vinegar. Really works and so cheap. Also works great as fabric softener. NO your clothes don’t smell like pickles 🙂

        Reply
    • MLH says

      March 7, 2011 at 10:30 pm

      To clean rings out of the toilet, this works great. First, flush the toilet and when the water is all flushed out turn it off back behind the toilet. Then spray the entire ring with warm vinegar. Sprinkle that with Borax and let sit for 1/2 hour. Then scrub the ring with drywall sandpaper. You can get this at any building supply store. With a very little elbow grease, the ring will come right off!

      Reply
      • Jenni says

        March 28, 2011 at 2:34 pm

        Wow! Thanks! Will have to try that! Is it hard to turn off the toilet?

        Reply
        • MLH says

          March 28, 2011 at 7:51 pm

          Not at all. The turnoff valve should sit on a water hose or pipe just behind the toilet. When all the water is flushed out, just turn the knob the only way it will go. This turns off the water to the toilet. Good luck!

          Reply
      • kathy says

        January 6, 2012 at 6:54 pm

        If you use a johnny mop, you can easily push the water down the toilet. Then use a pumice stone to rub the ring out. It really works and doesn’t scratch the bowl. p.s. never use a razor blade, the cold water can shatter the blade putting your eyes in danger.

        Reply
      • Donna says

        September 9, 2012 at 9:09 pm

        try the works toilet bowl cleaner takes all rings out
        with a little soaking then brush it and gone. has worked
        in apt complexes on move out.

        Reply
      • Anne Bratcher says

        November 3, 2012 at 9:28 am

        Use water. Pour a big container of water into the toilet – pour it ‘hard’. It will ‘flush’ the water level down for you.
        What water do I use?
        Sometimes I will use a large container or tub to do the dishes in. Then I use this water to dump in the toilet.

        When I empty the small plastic trash can in the bathroom, sometimes I want to wash it out. So I fill it 2/3 full from the tub, wash/swish, and dump this water into the toilet.

        Also, I frequently soak my feet in Epsom salts or just plain warm water. Then, you guessed it, I use THAT water to pour in the tub.

        Many times we have a bucket of water that can be used double duty. Just keep that trick in mind. There’s nothing to dumping the water, sprinkling on your comet or baking soda mixed with lemon juice, and walking away. Scrub brush it just before you want to sit down … easy peasy 🙂

        Reply
    • Colleen says

      February 17, 2011 at 5:17 pm

      Love the site and already made my batch of 409, it works great. I received a refillable mop for Christmas and was looking for homemade floor cleaning recipes to fill the bottle. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks for the help.

      Reply
      • Kit says

        March 8, 2011 at 4:02 pm

        We have a small cleaning business and the best product for cleaning floors is, white vinegar and water. Vinegar is a natural rinse agent. It will not streak your floors or cause build up. Not to mention, that you are not breathing in harsh chemicals. This is a great window/glass cleaner also!

        Reply
        • Laura says

          March 11, 2011 at 11:18 am

          Can you use the vinegar/water solution on laminate wood floors?

          Reply
          • Kit says

            March 11, 2011 at 4:47 pm

            Yes, you can use it on anything. Just make sure your rag is rung out well, just damp. Laminate floors should not have a lot of water on them. Hope that helps!

            Reply
            • Amy Sue says

              March 24, 2011 at 11:49 pm

              anyone know what the ratio on the water and vinegar for the floors is?

              Reply
              • meredith says

                March 27, 2011 at 8:03 pm

                With vinegar, a little bit goes a long way. I usually add about 1/4 cup or slightly less to my mop bucket if it’s a regular sized bucket. If you have a large or extra large bucket, you could use 1/2 a cup probably.

              • Amy Sue says

                March 27, 2011 at 8:28 pm

                Ok, Thank you! And does the vinegar sanitize in all these cleaning solutions?

              • meredith says

                March 28, 2011 at 3:10 pm

                Not totally sure what you mean, but I only use vinegar and warm water for mopping (linoleum floors, tile,and hardwoods).

            • Holly says

              June 17, 2011 at 1:04 pm

              Just DO NOT use Vinegar on Granite surfaces!! It eats away the granite and will cause holes.
              You want to avoid any type of acidic cleaner on a granite surface; that’s because acids will cause etching in the surface, which are tiny lines and fissures. Etching mars the surface of granite. Since vinegar is a strong acid, you want to leave it on the shelf when choosing a cleaner for your granite. It will clean and disinfect the surface, but it can also mar the finish permanentl

              Reply
          • Jessica says

            January 10, 2012 at 10:00 am

            Yes! It works great on tile, laminate, and most all harder surfaces.

            Reply
            • Andrea Sayers says

              March 5, 2012 at 2:04 pm

              I add just a DROP of Dawn to my spray bottle of vinegar too. It cleans almost anything including windows. Stainless steel sinks with lime/water spots too. The Dawn helps break up gunk stuck to floors and counters as well.

              Reply
          • Tracy says

            January 25, 2012 at 10:29 pm

            We have laminate floors and were instructed specifically to not use vinegar or water……..only LAMINATE cleaner or swifter cleaner. If you use the least bit too much water, within a year or two, your floor will become dull and start to bubble. That is what they told us. i have a friend that used vinegar and water, and 2 years later, her floors look terrible

            Reply
            • Tracy says

              February 27, 2012 at 11:16 am

              I have laminate floors, and we too were instructed not to use vinegar and water because it would dull and bubble your floors within 2 years which happened to our cousins. However, if I use laminate floor cleaner, it acts like a polish, causing every single footprint, etc to show up right after I clean it. I found a site that recommends using 1/3 water, 1/3 vinegar and 1/3 alcohol. BUT, the catch is to do a small area, then go right behind yourself and wipe it with a paper towel until dry. My floors looked claen for several days, unlike when I use laminate floor cleaner.

              Reply
          • Julie says

            July 2, 2012 at 9:16 pm

            do not use vinegar on tile floors whatever you do…it ruined mine

            Reply
            • Laura says

              September 17, 2012 at 8:54 pm

              I use vinegar/water on my tile floors all the time. works great with no problems.

              Reply
      • Laci says

        May 13, 2011 at 3:11 pm

        Does anyone know how to get pee stains that are bright yellow from the carpet?

        Reply
        • Jenn says

          May 19, 2011 at 11:05 pm

          My husband is the manager of a carpet cleaning company and he always tells me if I have to clean up pee use 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water. Spray it on but don’t saturate it you don’t want to wash it into the pad. Then lay a towel over it and stand on it till it feels dry to the touch. You can place something heavy on it and let it sit. If that doesn’t work you will have to call a prfessional to clean it up. If you do call someone make sure to ask what they clean with. You want someone that uses an enzyme. It breaks down the dirt & oils in the carpet unlike soaps that attract dirt & make your carpet look dirty faster. I use the enzyme my husbands company uses to wash my laundry. Some companies use soaps so they get repeat business. Also don’t get suckered into protector. Most carpet now comes with it on it and if yours didn’t then it is old carpet and the protector won’t do you any good. Hope this helps.

          Reply
          • Rhonda says

            June 30, 2011 at 2:15 pm

            Another item for helping to wick up liquid is a disposable diaper. Open flat and lay it on the wet area. As you walk on it wicks up the liquid without reintroducing the liquid into the floor/rug. I kept these in my van when I had small children as it was a quick pick up for any liquid spill!

            Reply
        • Brooke says

          January 31, 2012 at 7:00 am

          hydrogen peroxide diluted w/ water has always worked for me. My carpets range from blue to dark grey and beige. You’ll want to test for colorfastness prior to putting it on, I just use a spray bottle with the mix *you need to use it as soon as you mix it, it won’t ‘keep’* My mom swears by oxyclean for her dog messes, she also mixes it in a spray bottle and saturates the area, lets it sit, pats it up w/ a towel. Hope this helps 😉

          Reply
          • Amber says

            February 5, 2012 at 10:40 am

            I have used a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and dawn dish soap. This got Merlot out of my beige carpet.

            Reply
        • Heather Mitchell says

          February 13, 2012 at 8:45 pm

          Old school shaving cream the white kind not the new stuff..You just spray it on and rub it in and then use a damp rag and get it up very simple and it really works…

          Reply
        • Lucy says

          September 13, 2012 at 11:38 pm

          Oxiclean worked for me, but test a small spot to make sure it doesn’t lighten more than the carpet. I have also saturated area in vinegar, then spinkled baking soda, generously. let dry (do not blot) then vacuum.

          Reply
      • Andrea Sayers says

        March 5, 2012 at 1:58 pm

        I have a steamer and looked up cleaners. I found I can use regular peroxide in it. Steams and sanitzes as well. I would think mop can do the same. Good luck

        Andi

        Reply

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