Save time and money by trying these simple household cleaners!


Window Cleaner
Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 quart warm water.

Floor Cleaner
Mix 1 cup vinegar with 2 gallons water.

Glass Coffee Pot Cleaner
Place crushed ice, salt and sliced lemons in pot and swirl till clean.

Furniture polish
Mix 1/4 cup vinegar with 3/4 cup oil (olive, vegetable, lemon).

Brass, Copper, and Pewter Cleaner
Mix equal parts salt and vinegar, then thicken with flour.

General Cleaner
Mix 4 tablespoons baking soda in 1 quart warm water, or use plain baking soda with a wet sponge.

Disinfecting/Deodorizing Cleaner
Mix 1/2 cup Borax in 1 gallon hot water.

Mildew Remover
Mix 3/4 cup chlorine bleach in 1 gallon of cold water.

Telephone Cleaner
Clean with rubbing alcohol.

Eyeglass Cleaner
Mix 8 ounces of ammonia with 32 ounces of rubbing alcohol.

Daily Shower Cleaner
1 cup vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon liquid dishwashing soap, and 1/4 cup dishwasher rinse agent.

Oven Cleaner
Baking Soda and Vinegar.

Drain Cleaner
Add 1/2 cup baking soda, then pour one cup of vinegar down drain. Let sit for 20 minutes, then flush with water.

Woodwork Cleaner
Used cold tea for cleaning any kind of woodwork.

Dusting
Re-use dryer sheets for dusting instead of the new Pledge or Swiffer cloths.

Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Drop denture cleaning tablet into bowl and let sit.

Carpet Deodorizer
Sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch on carpet. Vacuum after 30 minutes.

Aluminum Cleaner
Mix 2 tablespoons cream of tartar with 1 quart hot water.

Tub and Tile Cleaner
Mix 1/4 cup baking soda with 1/2 cup white vinegar.


Try some of these all natural solutions next time you clean. They are made with products that you probably have on hand, and they are safe to use. I hope that they work as well for you as they have for me!


Sandy is a freelance writer and webmaster of TheFrugalShopper.com. She enjoys living the frugal life, saving money, and helping others to do the same. Subscribe to her newsletter to receive more money-saving ideas and frugal tips. Reprint permission granted with this footer included. Copyright © TheFrugalShopper.com 1999-2003.