It is often more economical to make your own cleaners and safer for your enviroment, too. Windows, floors, and even the most feared cleaning area- the bathroom- can be cleaned with simple formulas you make. We have been trained to believe we need stronger and stronger chemicals to clean our home, but this is not the case. Simple, everyday items we have in our homes can be just as and in some cases, more effective than store bought cleansers.

One of my favorite safe cleaners is vinegar. Pure white vinegar can kill germs, mold, and freshen up any room. Often people have asked about the smell. While it does have a strong smell, vinegar does not give off toxic fumes like some commercial cleaners. The scent dissipates after a while and is much safer for your lungs then bleach or other chemical fumes.

Safe cleaning formulas:

Windows:
There are two popular formulas for windows.

Formula 1, Basic:
1 cup of white vinegar, 1 cup of water.
Spray on windows, scrub with newspaper.

Formula 2:
½ cup white vinegar
1 cup water
½ teaspoon dish detergent

Use as any window cleaner. You can use both of these formulas on any glass surface. Do NOT use on marble. Vinegar is acidic and will eat away the marble, causing pits and cracks.

Sinks:
Pour 1 cup of white vinegar down your drain to freshen it and help remove fat deposits(grease) each week. If you have a slow drain, heat a pot of water until it is at the simmering point. Add a cup of vinegar and pour this down your sink.

Contrary to popular belief, you should avoid pouring boiling water down your drain. It can damage the compound used to hold the pipe joints together, resulting in leaks.

Vinegar will help remove grease in the sink itself and shine the chrome or stainless steel.

Dinner ware and Cups:
A paste of salt and vinegar will remove coffee and tea stains from your dinnerware.
Silverware can be polished by coating with a paste of vinegar and cream of tartar. Allow the paste to dry, then rub away.
(Fun fact- The salt and vinegar paste will also clean and freshen dentures!)

Laundry:
Adding a cup of vinegar in your laundry is said to reduce dye bleeds. One popular method of reducing dye bleeds is to soak garments that are likely to bleed in pure vinegar for 10 minutes, then launder as usual.

Add a cup to the rinse cycle for a natural fabric softener and freshener. It will remove the buildup from laundry detergents. You can pour this into one of the fabric softener ‘balls’ in the beginning of the wash.

One more fun fact:
If your dog or cat has a serious flea problem, give them a bath with vinegar. Pour undiluted vinegar on them, rub into the fur, repeat until all fleas are gone. This is safe for the animal and may also help with any skin conditions! Just avoid their eyes if possible.

Vinegar is only one of the natural cleaners you probably have at home. Lemon juice, salt, baking soda, and more can be made into formulas to clean your entire home. All are versatile and family friendly.