It used to be that you either needed a relative to pass you these DIY green cleaner recipes or you had to stumble upon them in a magazine, then trial and error to figure out what worked.
But with the beauty of the internet, recipes abound and green cleaning Sioux Falls homes is easier than ever. Here’s how you can clean the different areas of your house or apartment more affordably and with more consideration of the environment by making your own green cleaner supplies.
Naturally, some intensive tasks (like carpet cleaning in Sioux Falls or Yankton) require professional tactics, but homeowners and renters can get most cleaning done with less strain on bank accounts and the planet.
Keep those common cleaning myths in mind, and let’s do this!
(NOTE: General rule if you stray from these recipes, never mix ammonia-based cleaners with products containing bleach. The resulting fumes can be toxic to people and pets alike. Learn more here. Also, none of these except #7 should be used on natural stone countertops.)
Table of Contents
- Glass
- Rust
- Grease
- All-purpose/general cleaner
- Dishwasher
- Brass
- Stone counterops
1. The Green Glass Cleaner
For both windows and mirrors, first off I’d recommend trying newspapers instead of paper towels. As long as the ink isn’t bleeding onto the glass, they do a bit better at removing tiny spots and reducing streaks.
More importantly, to mix your green glass cleaner, simply combine:
• 2 cups warm water
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol (70% concentration)
• 1 Tbsp cornstarch
• (Optional) 1-2 drops orange essential oil, for scent
Give all that a vigorous shake in a spray bottle, and be sure to shake it again before spraying so the cornstarch spreads through the mixture for an outstanding cleaner that can cost less than $0.50 a bottle. It’s also non-toxic!
2. The Rust Eliminator
Defeat those rust stains in the kitchen and bathroom with this easy one-two-punch. Grab:
• Half a lemon
• 1/2 cup borax
Borax, or sodium borate, is an ingredient in lots of detergents, cosmetics, and enamel glazes. You should find it in your laundry aisle.
All you need to do is dip your half a lemon into the borax and scrub the stained surface. Then rinse with warm water. Oh, and don’t use this green cleaner on marble or granite.
Basically my microwave before this recipe…
3. The Grease Scrub
Endlessly, grease loves to build up above the oven and on grills. Personally, I hate the way it can accrue on a microwave oven hung above an oven.
To take care of it, all you need is
•1/2 cup sudsy ammonia
• 15.5 cups water
Basically, you’re filling a gallon with one part ammonia and 31 parts water, then using a sponge or mop in that solution to tackle the greasy surface. Rinse with non-ammonia’d water, and enjoy your degreased home!
1-Minute Overview on All-Natural Cleaning Products »
4. The Everything Cleaner
So what should you use on general surfaces throughout your house before the landlord – or your parents – pay you a visit? When it comes to appliances, kitchen counters, and that spill you just remembered at the back of the fridge (sorry to remind you, but you should really take care of that), here’s our go-to favorite:
• 4 tablespoons baking soda
• 1 quart warm water
Too simple, right? That’s what I thought, but the stuff works! Just arm a sponge with your mixture and get to work.
Just like the Rust Eliminator, you won’t want this green cleaning Sioux Falls formula for natural stone counters. Jump down to #7 if that’s what you’re after!
5. The Dishwasher Washer
Honestly, the first time I heard of this recipe might be the first time I really thought about cleaning my dishwasher. It’s always cleaning dishes, right, so the inside must be all set?
Not quite.
To get rid of rust and gunk building up inside your dishwasher, just get some powdered lemon or orange drink with citric acid and put 1/4 cup into the detergent cup.
Run a regular cycle with the dishwasher empty, and just go over the inside with a rag after to get any solid material out.
6. The Brass Revitalizer
Getting that scummy feeling on your cabinet handles, doorknobs, and bathroom hardware?
• White vinegar or lemon juice
• Table salt
Our friends white vinegar and lemon juice both pair well with sodium chloride to take care of buildup on brass. Wet your rag or sponge with the former, then sprinkle some salt on before rubbing the surface you want to clean.
Give surfaces scrubbed with this DIY green cleaner a good rinse with warm water, and follow up right away with a soft cloth to clean and dry.
7. The Marble Marvel
So you’ve upgraded to some natural stone countertops, and you’re nervous about what these other combos will do. Good call! Here’s what we recommend:
• 2 drops of mild dishwashing liquid (nothing with citrus scent)
• 2 cups warm water
Give that a mix, plunge your sponge, and throw on the elbow grease. Give the surface a rinse so there’s no leftover soap suds, then you’ll need a soft cloth to completely dry the surface. It’s a little more work, but it’s worth it for how good that marble or granite looks, isn’t it?
Avoid our friends vinegar and lemon, as well as anything acidic, as they’ll eat at the stone.
What’re You Waiting For?
I’d understand sticking to the store-bought cleaners if they really did a better job, but you don’t have the incentive to water stuff down like they do.
These homemade cleaners work, they are better for the planet, and they cost less than even the off-brand stuff. There’s no question. Get to using these for your routine cleanings, and drop us a line for the big stuff.
