Homemade Cleaners 1992
Painted Walls and Woodwork
Use one of the following to wash painted surfaces:
1/4 cup ammonia and 1 gal warm water, OR 1 tbsp trisodium
phosphate and 1 gal warm water, OR 1/4 cup liquid dish
detergent and 1 gal water. To prevent streaking, begin
washing at the bottom of the wall and work toward the
top; wash ceiling last. Rinse thoroughly and change rinse
water frequently.
Windows and Glass
Use one of the following mixtures to clean glass and
windows: to remove soil and grease, use 1/4 cup ammonia
diluted in 2 qts warm water; to remove hard water
deposits and soil, use 1/4 cup vinegar diluted in 2 qts
warm water; to remove extra heavy soil and grease build-
up, combine 1/2 cup ammonia, 2 cups rubbing alcohol and
1 gal water.
Tips- When washing windows, wash sills and cross-
pieces first wipe windows with lintless cloth, paper
towels or crumpled newspapers to prevent streaking, wash
windows out of direct sunlight for touch-ups, keep any
one of the above preparations in a spray bottle, spray on
dirty area and wipe.
Upholstery
(Note: Commercial upholstery shampoos do a good job
and are easy to use. However, if you wish you can use
the following homemade preparation.)
Combine 1/4 cup liquid dish detergent or laundry
detergent and 1 cup warm water. With a hand mixer, whip
until dry suds form (the suds will look like whipped
cream). Test upholstery in an unnoticeable area by
applying dry suds with a cloth or soft brush and lightly
scrubbing. Allow to dry. If the area looks the same but
cleaner, the entire piece of upholstery may be cleaned in
this manner. Shampoo only a small area at a time and use
a spatula or rubber scraper to lift off dirty suds.
Repeat if necessary, then wipe area with a clean cloth
dipped in clear water and wrung nearly dry. Dry
completely.
Tips-Keep upholstery as dry as possible while
shampooing to prevent damage. For quick drying, open
windows or turn on an electric fan, a dehumidifier, or an
air conditioner in the same room
Household Odors
To freshen room air, dampen cotton balls with oil of
wintergreen and place out of sight but where air will
touch them.
Candles, Telephones
Sponge with a piece of cotton dipped in rubbing
alcohol.
Carpet Freshener
Combine 3/4 cup baking soda, 2 tbsp corn starch, and
1/4 cup perfumed talcum powder. Sprinkle on dry carpet,
let stand 5 to 15 minutes, then vacuum.
Cobwebs
For hard to reach spots, slip a sock over the end of
a yardstick and secure with a rubber band, then sweep the
area. This method works well for cleaning under radiators
and refrigerators also.
Pet Urine
Dab area with toweling, wash with suds of liquid dish
detergent, and rinse with 1/2 cup vinegar diluted in 1 qt
warm water. Lay towels or paper towels over the spot and
weight down to absorb excess moisture. Let stand 4 to 6
hours, then remove toweling, brush up nap and allow to
dry completely. To speed drying, use an electric fan.
Ovens
Fill a small glass bowl with 1/2 cup full-strength
ammonia, place in oven and close. Let stand overnight,
then wipe loosened dirt with paper towels or newspapers.
If necessary, rub surfaces with a suitable abrasive, such
as fine steel wool, then wash with warm soapy water and
rinse. Repeat process if necessary.
Pots and Pans
Burned, and Crusted,on Foods
Soak or boil a solution of 2 tbsp baking soda per qt
of water in each pan. Let stand until particles are
loosened, then wash as usual. Use a mild or moderate
abrasive if necessary.
Discolored Aluminum
Heat a solution of 1 tbsp vinegar per qt of water or
2 tsp cream of tartar per qt of water in each pan until
discoloration disappears.
Grease
Rub greasy spots with a mild or moderate abrasive,
such as fine steel wool, and a dish detergent until they
disappear.
Stained No-Stick Cookware
To remove stains from no-stick surfaces, pour a
solution of 1 cup water, 2 tbsp baking soda and 1/2 cup
chlorine bleach into the pan and simmer 5 to 10 minutes.
Do not allow mixture to boil or to boil over the side of
the pan. Wash in hot soapy water, rinse and dry. Apply a
light coating of cooking oil. (Note: This formula may
fade dark-colored surfaces.)
Copper Pots
To remove tarnish from copper pots, rub with lemon
halves dipped in salt.
Refrigerators
To clean exterior and interior walls, dissolve 2 tbsp
baking soda in 1 qt warm water and wipe all surfaces. For
stubborn spots, rub with baking soda paste. Be sure to
rinse with a clean, wet cloth. (This works well on other
enamel-finished appliances as well.)
To clean interior fixtures, such as vegetable bins
and shelves, wash in hot soapy water, rinse well and dry.
Enamel, Ceramic or Glass Baking Dishes
Soak in hot soapy water, then scour with salt or
baking soda and rinse thoroughly.
Coffee and Tea Stains
To remove coffee or tea stains from cups or counters,
rub with baking soda paste. For stubborn stains, rub a
drop of chlorine bleach into the affected area until the
stain disappears, then wash immediately with hot soapy
water to prevent fading, and rinse well.
Sticky Labels
Cover label with a cloth or sponge saturated with
warm vinegar and let stand. When the label is saturated,
it should peel off without scraping or causing damage.
Rinse. (Note: Use this method only on washable surfaces
and washable paint.)
To remove labels from plastic, dab with dry-cleaning
fluid, then rub. Wipe away any excess fluid and wash
plastic immediately in hot soapy water (dry-cleaning
fluid may dull the finish of plastic). If labels on
plastic have been wet or the article has been stored in a
hot, damp area, the label will be more difficult to
remove.
Drains
To keep drains clear, flush daily with scalding
water. For grease buildup, dissolve 1 lb washing soda in
3 gal boiling water and pour down drain. To avoid burns
from boiling water, hold water container close to drain
and pour slowly and directly into drain. For heavy grease
buildup, use a commercial drain opener. Exercise extreme
caution when using and follow label instructions exactly.
(Commercial drain openers can be used to clear hair
buildup from bathroom drains, also.)
Disinfectant/Mildew Remover
Dilute 3/4 cup chlorine bleach in 1 gal of water.
Apply to tile and grout and scrub; wipe shower stall and
curtain; rinse thoroughly.
Fixtures
To clean stainless steel, chrome, fiberglass,
ceramic, porcelain or enamel fixtures, dissolve 2 tbsp
baking soda in 1 qt of water.
Rust Stain and Hard Water Deposit Remover
Apply full-strength vinegar or lemon juice and let
stand until spot disappears, then rinse. Repeat if
necessary.
Soap Scum
Apply baking soda dry or as a thick paste, rub
vigorously with a wet sponge, then rinse.
Toilet Bowl
Pour 1/4 cup full strength chlorine bleach OR 1/2 cup
full strength ammonia into bowl. DO NOT USE BOTH. Swish
with a bowl brush and flush.
Combs and Brushes
Fill a basin with hot water, and add either 2 tbsp
ammonia OR 1 tsp liquid dish detergent. Drop in combs and
brushes and soak 10 minutes, then use combs to clean
brushes. Rinse thoroughly and air dry.