Household Cleaners

General Household cleaner

1 T ammonia

1 T liquid detergent

2 C water

Mix together.

Glass cleaner

1 pint rubbing alcohol

1 T ammonia

1 T liquid detergent

Put ingredients in a 1-gallon bottle.  Fill with water.  For ease in use, transfer small quantities to a spray bottle as needed.  Use on windows and mirrors.

Heavy-duty wall cleaner

1 C ammonia

½ C vinegar

¼ C washing soda (sal soda) (find in detergent section of stores)

1 gallon hot water

Mix together.  Wash a small area at t a time and wipe each washed area with a second cloth wrung out of clear warm water.  This mixture cleans badly soiled painted surfaces.  Mixture can dry the skin, so wear rubber gloves.

Furniture beauty treatment

3 T boiled linseed oil (buy it as such)

1 T turpentine

1 qt hot water

Mix together in 2-qt can or the top of an old double boiler.  Place over hot water until the mixture is as warm as a rubber-gloved hand can stand.  (For best results, keep the solution hot while being used.)

Dip a soft clean cloth into the solution.  Life out and squeeze until it does not drip.  Go over an area about one foot by two feet, redipping cloth as needed until area is clean.  Follow immediately with a dry, absorbent cloth until all the oil is removed.  Linseed oil allowed to remain on wood will become sticky.  Solution cleans wood and protects the finish.

Above cleaners from Utah State Extension Service              

All-purpose cleaner

1 quart warm water

1 tsp. liquid soap (such as Dr. Bronners)

1 tsp Borax

¼ C vinegar

Mix ingredients and store in a spray bottle.  Use for cleaning counters, floors, walls, carpet, and upholstery.

Disinfectant

Use ½ C Borax in 1 gallon of water.  To inhibit mold or mildew, do not rinse off borax solution.

Drain Cleaner

Pour ½ C baking soda down the drain, followed by ½ C vinegar.  Cover the drain and let it sit for 15 minutes.  Follow with a kettle of boiling water (about 2 quarts).  Use this treatment regularly to prevent drains from clogging and keep them smelling fresh.

Oven Cleaner

1 quart warm water

2 tsp borax

2 T liquid soap

Spray on solution, wait 20 minutes, then clean.

Silver Polish

Rub object gently with toothpaste and a cotton ball to avoid scratching.  Rinse well with water.  Test first on an inconspicuous area.

Stain Remover

1 part glycerin

1 part liquid dishwashing detergent

8 parts water

Test on unexposed area of fabric.  Apply to stain as soon as possible and blot with cloth.  Store in a plastic squeeze bottle.  Shake well before each use.

Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Put ¼ cup borax in toilet bowl and let sit overnight.  Scrub.

Tub and Tile Cleaner

Scrub surfaces with baking soda slightly moistened with water.

Vinyl Floor Cleaner

1 gallon warm water

½ C white vinegar or ¼ C borax

Wood Floor Cleaner

For unvarnished floors, damp mop with mild vegetable oil soap, such as Murphy’s oil.