8 DIY Cleaning Product Recipes That Really Work

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DIY Window Cleaner

Again, this simple mixture from Harris worked well in our dusty valley on windows, mirrors and other glass surfaces.

Ingredients

• Two cups distilled water;
• Two cups white vinegar;
• Lemon juice or citrus essential oil (optional).

Acidic vinegar breaks down dirt and film on the glass, while the water dilutes the acidity so it doesn’t damage the surface. Distilled water leaves no mineral deposit marks behind.

Make it: Combine equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and shake gently. Add 10 to 12 drops of lemon juice, citrus or essential oil, for extra scent and to boost its dirt- and grime-fighting power.

Use it: Shake the bottle before each use. Spray the surface, then wipe away the spray. Note: Conventional glass cleaners might have left a wax film over time, which will cause this to streak. If this happens, spray the glass with rubbing alcohol first, then use this window cleaner.

Store it: Simply keep it in a spray bottle, but use a glass one if you’ve added essential oils.

Reichert also recommends using a cup of alcohol in a spray bottle for mirrors, or two tablespoons white vinegar, one-half cup corn starch and a two liter bottle of club soda for glass and mirrors. Use a high-grade microfiber cloth and hot water to prevent streaks.

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DIY Stovetop Cleaner

This make-as-you-need-it paste from Harris looks different than what you’re probably used to. But it’s just as tough on holiday party stove splatter, without the harsh fumes. Proven on Sunday fun-day hash brown and bacon debacles, too!

Ingredients

• Baking soda;
• White vinegar.

The vinegar causes the baking soda to fizzle and foam, which lifts dirt, grime and greasy spills.

Make it: Make one batch at a time. Sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda over the dirty area, then spray enough vinegar over it so the baking soda foams. Do not combine ahead of time or you’ll lose your fizzle.

Use it: Watch the stain or grease lift off the surface, then wipe away with a soft sponge. If there’s a white film left behind, spray the vinegar again. For more difficult grime and debris on the stovetop, pre-treat it with a paste of two tablespoons baking soda, one teaspoon water and a few drops of orange or lemon essential oil.

Precaution: Use a soft sponge or soft cloth and scrub gently to avoid scratching the stovetop surface. On induction and glass stovetops, scrub lightly; too much pressure may crack them.

Store it: Keep each ingredient in its original container.

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DIY No-Wax Floor Cleaner

This recipe from Reichert works great on our laminate flooring and tile. And because it doesn’t require a bucket, it saves cleaner and water.

Ingredients

• 1/4-cup lemon juice;
• Eight drops dish soap;
• Three tablespoons skim or dry powdered milk;
• Sixteen ounces warm water.

Make it: Mix everything together in a spray bottle.

Use it: Spray directly onto the floor and use a wet cloth to clean. Rinse if needed.

Store it: Best to make this each time you need it.

For hardwood floors: Mix one teaspoon dish soap, 1/8-cup white vinegar and 32 ounces of hot water in a spray bottle. Vacuum the floor, spray with cleaner, then mop it dry with a dry microfiber mop.