Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Window Cleaner

This is super easy and you will be amazed at the shine on your windows.  Make only enough for a week or so because the cornstarch will not save well. 
  • Cornstarch
  • Water
Just put a couple tablespoon of cornstarch in the bottom of a spray bottle.  Shake it up with 1/2 to 3/4 of the bottle filled with water.  Simply spray it on the window and wipe clean.  Ta Da...your done!

Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Make a mixture out of the two ingredients that is thick enough to stick to the wall of the bowl, but thin enough to squeeze through a squeeze bottle.  Mix it in a squeeze bottle.  An old condiment container will work fine.
  • Borax
  • White Vinegar
Leave the solution on the bowl for 10 minutes (or 20 minutes if there is a stubborn ring), scrub, then flush.

Powdered Laundry Detergent

This makes a really big batch, consider dividing it if you wish to only make a small amount.  The recipe is simply equal portions of each ingredient.  You use 1/8 cup for a regular load.  See the 'locations' link for tips on where to buy the ingredients.  For the bar soap you may use Fels-Naptha, Zote soap of something similar.  For this recipe you will need:
  • 8 cups borax
  • 8 cups baking soda
  • 8 cups washing soda
  • 8 cups bar soap grated (a food processor works great!)
Just mix all the ingredients together and store in a simi-airtight container.

All Purpose Cleaner, De-greaser, and Deodorizer

Depending on the job cleaner can be made stronger or more dilute.  Cleaner is usually mixed in a spray bottle and can be stored until used.  You will use the following ingredients:
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Tea Tree Oil
  • White Vinegar
  • Warm Water
Place 10-20 drop of Tea Tree oil in the bottom of a dry spray bottle.  The amount is not too important...more for a stronger solution and less for a weaker solution.  Tea Tree oil has natural anti-bacterial and anti fungal properties so it's great to use!  Because of it's antibacterial properties it is also a deodorizer.  Next add a tablespoon of rubbing alcohol and shake it around for a minute of so to dissolve the tea tree oil.  CAUTION:  The is a necessary step.  If it is not done, the tea tree oil will not dissolve and will separate from the water and vinegar.  If you find the oil still separates add more alcohol ON THE NEXT BOTTLE...adding it after being mixed will not solve the problem.)  Next add about a cup of white vinegar.  Again the amount is not too important, adjust it depending on the strength desired.  Lastly, fill the spray bottle up the rest of the way with warm water.  Now you're ready to clean!