Previously, she was a textiles analyst for Montgomery Ward and she has a B.A. Meet the ExpertĬarolyn Forte is the executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab, where she has worked for 40 years. Always keep all cleaners away from children and pets. If you find that your homemade cleaner is not doing a good job cleaning, it may be time to switch to a commercial cleaner. And make sure you label any bottle or container of homemade cleaner with what it is and the ingredients it contains. It’s always best to try any cleaner - homemade or not - on a hidden spot to see if it’s safe for your surface, especially if you are using it for the first time. And just like commercial cleaners, not every homemade cleaner is suitable for every surface or purpose, even those labeled “all-purpose” cleaners. However, depending on how dirty the surface is that you are cleaning, sometimes you may have to scrub a bit more or do a second application. Rinse and buff dry.įor many jobs, homemade cleaners can be just as effective as cleaners that you find in the store. Apply it with a damp cloth and rub gently in the direction of the metal’s grain.

To shine and remove spots from stainless steel, make a paste of baking soda and water. To deodorize, use the homemade baking soda solution above or pour baking soda straight from the box into your drain or garbage disposal to remove odors. ' Baking soda makes a great deodorizer and can be used to shine stainless steel sinks and appliances,' says Carolyn Forte, executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab. To clean kitchen counters, appliances, and the inside of your refrigerator, all you need is baking soda for this homemade kitchen cleaner.

Some manufacturers recommend against using vinegar on their appliance surfaces. Caution: Do not use acidic cleaners on granite, as they will etch the stone and proceed cautiously on stainless steel. Besides a fresh scent, the lemon rind may help boost cleaning power. Once done, you can use the homemade all-purpose cleaner to remove hard water stains, clean trash cans, wipe away wall smudges, and much more. Scented All-Purpose CleanerĬombine the above ingredients together, pour into a spray bottle, shake, and then let infuse for a week before using. In case a child or animal gets into it, it’s important to know what the mixture contains. Always label any bottles of DIY cleaners with all the ingredients inside. Before doing any mixing, read the product labels first. The fumes they'll create are extremely dangerous. Important safety tip: Never combine ammonia-based cleaners with chlorine bleach or products containing bleach, such as powdered dishwasher detergent. These natural products will kick grime to the curb and keep your wallet happy. So the next time you're staring down a big mess but you're out of your favorite cleaning product, don't run to the store - try one mixing up one of these recipes for DIY homemade cleaners that work instead. Some of the items in your pantry (like baking soda and vinegar) work as effective homemade all-purpose cleaners and, even better, cost next to nothing.

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