KBtotheBB

Does anyone have an "recipes" or tips for making/using homemade cleaning products?

Anything from simple wipedowns to disinfecting to polishing, etc. I had been thinking about this for awhile, but Sarah's post about chemical levels in kids had motivated me to get into the habit of using people-friendly products before BB arrives.

KATin NJ

Kim, I have a list somewhere on a site. Let me look for it now. GREAT idea, and saves you alot fo unanswered questions about what is IN it! Also, a huge money saver!!!

KATin NJ

Here are two sites I have ear-marked. I love the second one with easy suggestions! I usually make the spray bottles for the window cleaner about once ever other week. It loses potency after a while, so I do small batches.

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/make-your-own-non-toxic-cleaning-kit.html

http://www.gardenandhearth.com/Natural-Health-Beauty/Natural-Cleaning.htm

Vanesa

Kim basically what I use is water, white vinager , baking soda and lemon juice and you can clean almost everything. I have a small water bottle with a cup of water and 2 drops of clorox to desinfect.

Add to say I forgot I use coarse salt when I need soemthing really abrasive.

Vanesa

I can not find teh one I originally printed but this looks very similar:

Green Cleaning methods

Ed to add, for copper I use ketchup!

bls05

The care2 site that Kat listed is very helpful. I use white vinegar for just about everything. I also get use 7th generation dish soap, and all purpose cleaner-for the shower, sinks, etc. I also like Mrs. Meyers products. I have yet to find a window cleaner that works as good as Windex, so I do use that on my mirrors and the few occasions when my windows actually get washed! It's not nearly as hard as you think to "go green" with cleaning products. Once you use them for awhile, you will be suprised at how strong smelling the traditional cleaning products smell. We also use Arm and Hammer natural unscented laundry soap. I keep some Method wipes around but rarely use them.

Vanesa

For windows I use warm soapy water and squeeze. It works great. I found that if I use windex I use half of the paper towels roll.

symesa

Here's a good sheet that includes my very favorite all-purpose cleaner:
http://www.ysaqmd.org/documents/GreenCleaningTips.pdf

2 TBSP vinegar
1 tsp Borax
Mix ingredients
Add 16 oz. warm water
Shake to dissolve Borax
Add 1/4 cup castile soap (like Dr. Bronner's Peppermint Castile Soap -- mmm).
10-15 drops of essential oil if you'd like

I LOVE that mix. Castile Soap is a GODSEND! I use it all over. I use it directly in the shower/tub to get out soap scum super easy. You can use it to wash your hair...you can do anything with it. It's known as the outdoorsman soap -- all you need if you go camping (personal hygeine to washing dishes). Just fantastic stuff! And it is very concentrated so you don't need much.

Lynni

Alison, I meant to post and ask you about Castile soap. You listed it as one of your favorite Trader Joe's items. Last week, I had it in my hand and almost purchased it - simply because you said you loved it. (See the power you have ) Then I put it back on the shelf because I have no idea how to use it.
Please tell me how and why this is so wonderful. I'm very excited to learn of all of it uses!

ETA: What do you use the cleaner you make on? Washing down counters, sinks, the tub?

symesa

Well, we used it when we went camping for everything -- dishes, wiping things down, body wash (though not shampoo, I just can't do that!).

At home, I squirt some straight onto the shower or tub and scrub with a crocheted scrubber my mom made me. The mix I listed I use on the kitchen counters and bathroom counters. You can add it to warm water and vinegar to clean the floors (though I have hardwoods so I just use vinegar & water as the soap leaves a film on the wood). You can use a squirt for the toilet bowl.

Here's a tip sheet that shows some uses
http://www.tpchd.org/files/library/81d45ec2a0e09801.pdf

And this gal's blog goes even further (using it as a blemish reducer!)
Castile Soap for a Simpler Life (and blemish-free face) « Ann Kroeker