"Commercial" Paper Wallcover Cleaner

2 cups flour 1 1/4 cups water 4 teaspoons baking soda 2 1/2 tablespoons ammonia Mix well in the top of a double boiler over 2 cups of boiling water. Cook, covered, on low heat for 90 minutes; cool. Rub onto soiled surface; brush off.

"Elmers" Glue
1 quart skim milk 3/4 tablespoon baking soda 1 tablespoon white vinegar 10 ounces water Place milk and vinegar in a double boiler. Cook on low heat and stir as curds form. Drain off liquid. Wash remaining mass with water until the vinegar smell is gone. Put into a clean bowl. Dissolve baking soda in water. Pour over curds and stir until a white paste forms. Seal in suitable containers.

"Oopsie" Cleanup
To clean pet urine from the carpet, blot up what you can with paper towels. Mix one teaspoon mild dish-washing detergent in one cup warm water, dip a clean towel in the liquid and, working from outside in, dab at stain. Do not over-wet. Rinse with fresh water and blot dry. Mix one-third cup white vinegar with two-thirds cup water and dab on stain. Rinse with water; blot until dry. Once area is totally dry (after at least 24 hours), sprinkle entire carpet with baking soda (Bicarbonate of soda) or rug deodorizer. Vacuum after a few hours.

Cutting Boards
Sanitize them by spraying with vinegar and then with 3 percent hydrogen peroxide. Keep the liquids in separate spray bottles and use them one at a time. It doesnt matter which one you use first, but both together are much more effective than either one alone.

Air Freshener Spray

1/4 cup baking soda 4 cups warm water 2 tablespoons ammonia 1 teaspoon scent of your choice: cologne, lemon extract, strawberry extract, raspberry extract, vanilla extract, almond extract or pine oil Into a clean spray bottle pour baking soda, ammonia and the desired scent. Slowly fill with warm water. Mist the air as needed. Avoid spraying on or near furniture or pets.

Air Freshener Spray 2

A simple recipe of 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon vinegar (or lemon juice), and 2 cups hot water in a spray bottle can be spritzed in the air to remove odors.

Air Spray
2 cups white vinegar Any combination of the following to make 1 cup: cloves; rose petals, apple, orange, lemon or lime peel; rosemary; cinnamon sticks; rosemary; chopped vanilla beans; honeysuckle or other fragrant blossoms; lavender; peppermint, walnut, coconut or vanilla extract Place all ingredients in a glass or enamel pan. Simmer for 10 minutes, then cool. Pour liquid and herbs into a large jar. Close jar tightly. Store it for 2 to 4 weeks. Shake the jar once or twice a week. Strain and reserve the liquid. Pour the liquid into a pump spray container or atomizer. Spray around the house as needed.

Alice Wonder Spray All-Purpose Household Cleaner s

Ingredients: Liquid Castile soap, white distilled vinegar, borax, purified water, and an essential oil for fragrance. What Else Youll Need: A clean 16-oz. trigger spray bottle. How to Make Your Own: Mix 2 tbsp. of vinegar with 1 tsp. borax . Fill the rest of the bottle with very hot water. Shake until the borax is dissolved. Add the 1/4 cup of liquid soap or.

To scent, add 10 to 15 drops of an essential oil. I like to use a combination of lavender and lemon. Because minerals in the water inhibit cleaning, it's best to use purified or distilled water especially for this recipe. It's important to dissolve the borax in hot water so that it doesn't clog the spray nozzle. And don't mix the soap and vinegar directly together, because the soap will clump up. Please follow the order of the recipe by mixing the vinegar, borax, and water first and adding the soap last. How to Use: Spray and Wipe. Use Alice's Wonder Spray as you would any other all-purpose household cleaner.

All Purpose Cleaner 2

1 tsp. borax, 1/2 tsp. baking soda, 2 Tbls. vinegar or lemon juice, 1/4 to 1/2 tsp liquid soap, 2 cups very hot tap water. Mix and dispense from spray bottle.

All Purpose Cleaner in a Bucket

(for big jobs like walls) cup ammonia cup vinegar cup baking soda Mix the above ingredients with 1 gallon of warm water and use for basic cleaning jobs around the home. Double the above ingredients for cleaning shower walls or other extra heavy duty areas.

ALL PURPOSE CLEANERS

WARNING: NEVER ADD BLEACH TO AMMONIA AS THERE WILL BE HARMFUL VAPORS! Place in a quart spray bottle 1/2 cup ammonia, 1 cup baking soda, and 2 cups water. Mix and use to clean. In a quart spray bottle place l quart water. Add 2 Tbsp. lemon juice and 2 tsp. powdered Boraxo. Mix and use to do general cleaning. In a quart spray bottle mix l quart warm water, 1/8 cup white vinegar and 1/4 cup white ammonia and use to clean.

All Purpose Metal Polish & Cleaner

1/2 cup isopropyl alcohol (70%) 1/4 cup household ammonia 1 cup diatomaceous earth 1/4 cup water Combine alcohol and ammonia in a clean jar. Add earth and stir or whisk until smooth. Slowly add water, stirring until the solution resembles a thick cream. Before using, shake or stir well. Clean by applying with a soft, clean cloth, rubbing well. Allow solution to dry, then rinse thoroughly with water. Then polish with a clean, dry cloth until surface is dry. Note: Because silver is soft, you should not use this polish & cleaner on silver and other soft metals.

All purpose/Window Cleaner

1/2 cup ammonia 2 cups rubbing alcohol water 1 tsp. dishwashing liquid In a one-gallon container, mix ammonia and rubbing alcohol. Fill almost to the top with water. Add dishwashing liquid and mix. Top off with water. Rated by Consumer Reports Magazine to work much better (and much cheaper) than most commercial window and kitchen sprays. Alcohol is the secret ingredient - it's what commercial window washers use. *Safe on most, but not all, household surfaces.

All-Purpose Cleaner
Water Ivory Liquid dish soap Fill a 32 ounce spray bottle nearly full with water. Add a squirt or two of Ivory Liquid Dish soap. Put the sprayer back on and gently shake the bottle until the soap has been evenly distributed. Use Ivory because most other dish soaps leave behind a filmy residue. Ivory is especially safe for Corion, marble and wood counter tops and butcher blocks. It's also safe to use on brass or gold plated faucets.

All-Purpose Cleaner 2
1 tablespoon baking soda

1 gallon hot water 1/4 cup soap flakes After cleaning with this solution, rinse surface with clear water.

All-Purpose Cleaner 3
2T vinegar 1 t Borax Hot water a few drops of a mild dish detergent 10 drops of essential oil, optional In a 16 spray bottle put vinegar, borax and hot water. Swish around until borax has dissolved. Add the drops of dish detergent and fill the rest of the bottle with water. Add the essential oil (I like using orange or lavender).

All-Purpose Insect Spray

1 garlic bulb, chopped or ground 1 quart water 1 small onion, chopped or ground 1 tablespoon liquid soap detergent 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper Mix garlic, onion, cayenne pepper and water; add liquid soap detergent. Store in a tightly covered jar in the refrigerator for up to one week.ce with clear water.

All-Purpose Kitchen and Bath Cleaner

8 oz. water 8 oz. white, distilled vinegar 1 tablespoon natural citrus cleaner (like Citrus Magic) 1 tablespoon natural dish soap* Directions: *You can substitute something more concentrated, like Dr. Bronner's Sal Suds, for the dish soap. Just cut the amount to 1 teaspoon

Pour all ingredients in a spray bottle and mix well. Use on any hard, non-porous surface except for glass. Great on soap scum and a good way to stretch your Citrus Magic, which we all know really IS magic. This stuff will even clean your toilet and is gentle on your skin.

All-Purpose Liquid Cleanser

1 teaspoon borax 2 tablespoons white vinegar or lemon juice 1/2 teaspoon washing soda 1/2 teaspoon vegetable-based detergent 2 cups very hot water Combine in a plastic spray bottle.

All-Purpose Quick Shine

1 1/4 cups white vinegar 1 1/4 cups water 1 spray bottle Pour vinegar and water into the spray bottle. Shake gently to combine. To use, spray on and wipe off. This is mild and safe to use for all surfaces.

All-Purpose Sanitizer
2 teaspoons borax, 4 tablespoons vinegar, and 3 to 4 cups hot water in a spray bottle. For extra cleaning power, add 1/4 teaspoon liquid soap to the mixture.

All-Purpose Spray Cleaner

1 pint rubbing alcohol 1 tablespoon dishwashing detergent 1 tablespoon household ammonia 1 tablespoon vinegar Mix in a gallon jug. Fill jug with warm water and shake. You can put this in a spray bottle and use as you would Windex. Great for cleaning windows, chrome and bath fixtures.

All-purpose Spray Cleaner 2

Combine in a spray bottle: 1/2 tsp Washing Soda, 1/2 tsp Borax, 1/2 tsp vegetable oil-based soap, 2 Tbsp vinegar and 2 cups of hot water. Shake well until all the solid bits have dissolved. For extra cleaning power increase Borax to 1 tsp. Spray and wipe clean with a damp cloth or sponge.

All-Purpose Spray Cleaner 3

* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda * A dab of liquid soap * 2 cups hot tap water 1. Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake until the baking soda has dissolved. Apply and wipe off with a sponge or rag.

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All-Purpose Tree Fertilizer

3 parts cottonseed meal, soy meal, or blood meal 2 parts finely ground raw phosphate rock or steamed bone meal 3 parts wood ashes, granite rock or greens 1 part dolomitic limestone Mix all materials. Apply 1 pound of fertilizer for each foot of the drip line diameter of the tree (3 feet = 12 pounds).

Aluminum Pot Cleaner

2 tablespoons cream of tartar 1 quart water Mix; boil in the aluminum pot for 10 minutes. Scour lightly if needed.

AmazingAll Purpose Cleaner 1 teaspoon borax 2 tablespoons vinegar or lemon juice 1/2 teaspoon washing soda 1/2 teaspoon vegetable-based detergent

2 cups very hot water Combine all ingredients in a plastic spray bottle. Shake your new homemade all purpose cleaner to mix. Use anywhere as needed. Strong enough to wipe out germs and viruses. Use daily on door knobs and toilet handles, especially when a family member is sick. Ant Bait
1 part boric acid 2 parts mint jelly or cracker crumbs Mix, then place the bait in a container with ant-size holes in the lid. Place away from children because boric acid can be harmful if swallowed. Dispose of the container after use. The worker ants enter the trap, feed on the poison and carry it back to their nest. Once inside the nest, they feed bits of the poisonous material to the queen and immature ants, and the entire colony is eradicated.

Ant Control
3 cups water 4 teaspoons boric acid 2 cups granulated sugar Mix, then pour half a cup of the mixture into three or four empty jam jars wrapped with masking tape and loosely packed half full with absorbent cotton. Smear the bait along the outside of the jar and set along ant trail. The ants will swarm into the jar. Some will carry the mixture back to the colony, where it will kill other ants. CAUTION: If you have small children or pets, screw the lids onto the jars, poke several small holes through the lid and smear some of the bait on the inside of the jar.

Ant Killer
1/2 cup molasses 1/4 cup granulated sugar 1 envelope dry yeast Mix all ingredients together. Place a few drops on pieces of cardobard, then place wherever ants are coming in.

Ant Repellent

Spray 50% white distilled vinegar on counter tops, window sills and shelves and wipe, leaving residue. Start early in spring before they arrive, because it takes a few weeks to rid yourself of them once they are established. If you want immediate action, get some lemons, cut the yellow outer peel off and cover with grain alcohol in a tightly closed jar. Let stand at least one hour. Use 1 part of this concentrate with 9 parts water in a spray bottle. Mix only as much as you will use because the diluted form loses potency. Spray walls, floors, carpets wherever you see them. The lemon solution even leaves a shine on your counters. Use both vinegar and lemon approaches to rid yourself of ants To treat the whole house, pour vinegar all around your foundation, close to the wall, using one gallon for every five feet. Expect to damage any foliage it touches. Reapply every six months.

Ant Traps
1/4 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup molasses 1/4 cup baking yeast Mix all ingredients in a small bowl. Smear a thin layer of the mixture on each of six 3 x 5-inch index cards. Place the cards, syrup side up, in area where ants travel.

Antibacterial Bathroom Cleaner

1 cup baking soda 2 tbsp liquid soap 2 tsp tea tree essential oil 1 tsp peppermint essential oil 1 tbsp white vinegar (optional) In a bowl, add baking soda then liquid soap. Mix well until the baking soda forms a paste. If it is still too crumbly, add slightly more liquid soap until it forms a paste, as some liquid soaps are more "liquidy" than others. Next, add essential oils, mixing well, then add vinegar. To use, put a small amount on your bathroom sponge to scrub down your toilet seat, shower, bathtub, sink and counter. Rinse out your sponge, and go over it again with clean water.

Antimicrobial Shower Spray

2 tablespoon vinegar 1 teaspoon borax 4 cups hot water 10-15 drops tea tree oil

1/4 cup tea tree oil castile soap Directions: In a large spray bottle, combine vinegar and borax. Add hot water and shake until fully dissolved. Add essentials oils and finally castile soap, and shake to combine. Use this cleanser in your shower to prevent mold from growing on tile and other surfaces. You can also use this in the kitchen on the counter or stove.

Antiseptic Spray
3 tablespoons liquid soap 20-30 drops tea tree oil 2 cups water Mix in spray bottle and apply.

Antistatic Spray
1/4 cup commercial liquid fabric softener 1/4 cup ammonia 2 cups water Mix ingredients and store in a spray-type plastic bottle. Avoid spraying directly onto your computer terminal, keyboard, or central processing unit. Spray liberally everywhere else - on the rug, your shoes, chair, desktop or file cabinet.

Aphid Control
1 cup chopped onions or shallots 1 cup water Puree the chopped onion or shallots in a blender until they are a fine mush. Add water, a little at a time. Continue blending, scraping down the sides if necessary. Label and store in a glass jar, tightly sealed, in the refrigerator for up to 6 weeks. To use, pour into a spray container and spritz the liquid over the plant, even under the blossoms. It is best to spray in the early morning, after the dew has dried, or in the late afternoon when the sun is not too hot.

Appliance Cleaner
2 cups water 1/4 cup oil-based soap

10 drops rosemary, lavender, or citrus essential oil Combine all ingredients in a plastic spray bottle. Shake well before each use. Spray generously on appliance surface and wipe with a damp cloth or sponge. Wipe dry with a cloth or towel.

Appliance Cleaner Spray

1 teaspoon borax 3 tablespoons vinegar 2 cups hot water Combine in a spray bottle. Shake to mix and dissolve borax. Spray on appliances and wipe off with a soft cloth or sponge.

Aromatic Carpet Cleaner

2 cups baking soda 1/2 cup cornstarch 4 to 5 bay leaves 1 tablespoon cloves Mix all ingredients together and keep in a closed container. Sprinkle on carpet and let sit for a couple of hours. Vacuum carpet in usual manner.

Aromatic Vanilla Air Freshener

1/4 c. baking soda 4 c. warm water 1 tsp vanilla extract Eucalyptus essential oil Combine baking soda, vanilla extract and essential oil in a spray bottle. Slowly pour warm water into bottle, stirring gently. To use, set the spray bottle on mist, and spray.

Automatic Dishwasher Soap 1 Tablespoon Borax 1 Tablespoon Baking soda Mix the washing soda and the borax and store in a plastic covered container. To use, add 2 tablespoons to the dishwasher soap compartment. If you have hard water, you may want to use the Spotless Dishwasher Rinse.

Automatic Dishwashing Soap

Source: Casey Kellar, author of Natural Cleaning for Your Home: 95 Pure and Simple Recipes Like Cascade and Sun Light Homemade natural formula will safely cut through grease and sanitize your dishes as well. 1/2 cup liquid castile soap 1/2 cup water 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice 3 drops tea tree extract 1/4 cup white vinegar Combine water and liquid Castile soap. Stir and then add lemon juice, tea tree extract, and vinegar. Stir until blended evenly and store in a squeeze bottle. Use 2 tablespoons per wash in a standard-size dishwasher. NOTE: Do not substitute conventional liquid soap for the castile soap unless it is a "low sudsing" soap. Regular soaps will produce too many suds and overflow the dishwasher.

Baby Wipes
2 cups warm water 2 tablespoons baby shampoo 2 tablespoons baby oil Mix these ingredients. Soak heavy, white paper towels in this solution and tuck into used baby wipes containers or plastic bags to use in the nursery.

Base Oil for Wood Floor Wax or Furniture Polish

Into the top of the double boiler place a handful of lavender buds (you may also use lemon balm leaves for a lemon fragrance) and just cover the buds with olive oil. Clip the thermometer to the inside of the pan for measuring the temperature of the oil. In the electric skillet place 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch of water to protect the finish of the skillet. Place the double boiler in the center of the skillet. Rotate the temperature control on the skillet to about half way to the "warm" setting and wait to see what the temperature of the oil will become. Fidget with the control a bit at a time until you have a steady temperature of the oil between 95 and 100 degrees F. Allow the mixture to steep at this temperature for twelve to fourteen hours or until the

lavender looks "used up". If the fragrance is not strong enough, strain the oil and place another handful of flowers back into the same oil and repeat the process. You can do this a number of times if you like. The alternative is to simply add some drops of essential oil of lavender to the first batch of the base oil to intensify its fragrance or wait until just ready to use it and do it then. Start with this small batch to get the feel of it and store in a labeled jar. NOTE OF CAUTION! Do not get impatient with homemade product formation. Some of the ingredients are flammable and only a low heat and a double boiler will do the job safely.

Basic Dish Soap 1/4 cup soap flakes (grated ivory) 2 cups hot water 1/4 cup glycerin 1/2 teaspoon lemon essential oil Let soap flakes dissolve in water. Add glycerin and lemon oil. Let cool. Funnel into squeeze container. BASIC WOOD CLEANER
Mix together 1/4 cup white distilled vinegar, 1/4 cup water, 1/2 tsp. liquid soap, a few drops of olive oil, and 5 drops of either lemon or orange essential oil. Use to clean wood.

BATHROOM CLEANING
Mix equal parts epsom salts and liquid dish detergent and scrub down the bath tub, sink, or shower area with it. Use equal parts cream of tartar and hydrogen peroxide mixed together to clean rust stains. Pour a can of soft drink in your toilet bowl and let it sit overnight. Brush and flush for a clean toilet bowl. Old pantyhose makes a great scrubber for the bathtub and sink. To keep rust spots from forming on the bottom of aluminum cans coat their bottoms with clear nail polish.

Bathroom Tile Cleaner

Mix 2 cups baking soda, 2/3 cup liquid soap, 2/3 cup water and a few spoonfuls of vinegar. Apply to tile, scrub and wipe. Can also be used on kitchen tile surfaces.

Bathroom Tub Stained Strip Whitener

This will whiten the stained strips on the bottom of the bathtub. 1/2 cup turpentine 2 tablespoons salt Mix, then scrub the stained strips with this mixture. Rinse thoroughly.

Bathroom Window Frost

4 tablespoons Epsom salt 1 cup beer Dissolve Epsom salt in beer. Apply with a 2-inch wide brush to the inside of the windowpanes. It dries well, lasts a long time and, when washed off, is easily reapplied. Also, you can get prettier crystallization by dipping a terry cloth in the above mixture and dabbing it on.

Bathtub and Shower Cleaner

1 part vinegar 1 part water Mix ingredients in a spray bottle. Spray the shower wall and tub. Let it sit for at least 1/2 hour. Rinse it off. If you need extra cleaning power, use liquid detergent and a nylon or plastic sponge. Avoid soap, which can leave a residue. If there are rust stains in your tub, mix a bit of cream of tartar with water until the consistency is like toothpaste. Put a little on the stains and use a sponge to wash off.

Bathtub Cleaner
(for badly stained tub) Peroxide Cream of tartar Make a paste of peroxide and cream of tartar. Scrub vigorously with a small brush. Rinse thoroughly. If the stains persist, spread the mixture over the stains and apply a drop or two of household ammonia. Allow to set for two hours before scrubbing.

Batik Barrier Paste

1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup water

2 teaspoons alum (find in the grocery store near spices or medicines) This is a barrier paint used for batik dying. Slowly add flour and alum to the water in a bowl. Mix until very smooth.

Bay Leaf "Tea" Remedy for Ants

From Susan Bay leaf has been used as a natural insecticide. It has been used to keep out the little bug that show up in staples (flour, rice, cereal, boxed mixes, etc.). Take a large stock pot or canning kettle, add about 2 to 3 tablespoons of salt, and a handful of bay leaves. (NOTE: buy them at a food co-op or look online because you can get them cheaper than in a grocery store.) Bring to a rolling boil and let simmer for several hours. The longer it simmers the more potent the tea. Take the hot "tea" to the ant colony. Coat the colony. Use the "tea" to "draw" a line of demarcation around their colony; around your house, etc. Repeat a couple of weeks later, just to be sure. One treatment may do it. If you use it on your garden plants, DON'T put boiling water on them; go for the ant nests or the ground; let the mix cool somewhat so it doesn't hurt the roots. REMEMBER: peonies need ants to bloom. Cooking it creates a very strong smell - not bad when you consider that it's only affecting the insects. The vapor and steam will take care of any creatures that may be in your house.

Beeswax Furniture Polish

4 ounces beeswax 2 tablespoons carnauba wax 2 1/2 cups odorless turpentine or mineral spirits Melt the waxes on HIGH in a microwave or in a double boiler. Remove the waxes from the heat and stir in the turpentine or mineral spirits. When cool, store in a tightly capped container. Apply the polish with a clean cloth and rub in small circles. Turn the cloth as it becomes dirty. Allow the polish to dry, then buff with a clean cloth. If more than one coat is desired, wait two days between applications.

Beeswax Wood Polish

60 g Beeswax granules

300 ml Pure turpentine 25 g Pure soap or soap flakes 150 ml Boiling water 6 dr Essential oil of lavender 1. Melt the waxes with the turpentine in a double boiler (warning low flash point) 2. Grate the soap into a bowl and pour on the boiling water and stir briskly to dissolve it. 3. Let the soapy water cool slightly and then pour it into the melted wax stirring well as it makes an emulsion. 4. Put in a small jar or container with a tight fitting lid.

Better Baby Wipes

Source: Chyrel and Dotty This recipe is from a pediatrician. 2 cups boiling water 2 tablespoons baby bath 2 tablespoons baby lotion (any lotion may be used) 1/2 roll of Bounty Paper Towels (This brand holds together well.) Boil water; pour water, baby bath and lotion in round container. (Look at Wal-Mart for a round Rubbermaid 10-cup plastic container.) Put in 1/2 roll of Bounty. Invert container after a few minutes for even distribution. Take out cardboard; unroll from center.

BLACKENED POTS
If you have pots that have blackened because you boiled water in them, soak the pots with a pot of water in them to which you add 2 denture tablets. Let them soak overnight. The pot should be clean in the morning. Wash before using.

Bleach (heavy-duty)
1 gallon water 2 cups chlorinated lime 3 cups washing soda Mix in an old plastic bucket. Stir well. Let stand, uncovered, for 24 hours. Strain into storage containers. Use as any commercial bleach. AVOID CONTACT WITH SKIN AND

FUMES WHEN MIXING.

Bleach (hydrogen peroxide)

This is very gentle. It is good for even washable white silk. 1 part hydrogen peroxide 8 parts water Mix in a dishpan or sink a sufficient amount to cover the garment to be bleached. Immerse garment for 5 to 30 minutes to remove stains or lighten garment. Rinse garment in clear water and discard bleach mix.

Blue Window Cleaner

3 tablespoons ammonia 3/4 cup water 1 tablespoon white vinegar 2 drops blue food coloring Put into a clean spray bottle.

Blues Dish Soap Liquid castile soap 10 drops lemon 6 drops bergamot 4 drops lavender 2 drops orange Fill a clean 22 oz. plastic squirt bottle with castile soap (diluted according to directions if using concentrate). Add the essential oils. Shake the bottle before each use. Add 1-2 tablespoons of the liquid to dishwater and wash as usual. Bottle Cleaner
(for old bottles) Water 1 or 2 teaspoons ammonia Fill the bottle or decanter with water, then add ammonia. Let stand for several hours or overnight. Wash and rinse as usual.

Brass Cleaner/Polish

1 teaspoon salt 1 cup white vinegar 1 cup all-purpose flour CAUTION: DO NOT USE ON LACQUERED ITEMS. Wash the item in warm, soapy water. Rinse and dry. Mix ingredients to form paste. Apply paste and rub vigorously. Re-wash in soapy water; rinse and dry.

Brass Polish
1 cup soap flakes 1/4 cup white vinegar 1/4 cup whiting 4 cups boiling water 2 tablespoonssalt Mix soap, whiting, and salt together in a glass or enamel pan. Stir in vinegar and slowly add the boiling water until the soap is thoroughly dissolved. Let cool. Store solution in a one-quart glass jar. To use, shake well and pour about 1 tablespoonful of the solution onto a clean, soft cloth and apply to brass. Gently rub, turning the cloth often. Apply more solution until tarnish is gone. Buff with a clean, soft cloth until brass is dry and shiny.

Brick Cleaner
1 part vinegar 1 part ammonia 1 part borax This mixture removes stains and leaves bricks sparkling.

Buddy Burner
1 clean tuna can 1 (2-inch) square paraffin Corrugated cardboard Cut a long strip of cardboard. The width should be the same height as the tuna can. Roll the cardboard strip firmly and place into the tuna can. Melt paraffin and pour melted paraffin over the top of the cardboard.

To make the stove, with tinsnips, cut vertically about 1/2 way down the side of a large juice can. Make another vertical cut about 4 inches from the first cut. Fold cut section back into the can VERY CAREFULLY. To start the burner if you don't have matches, take a length of steel wool and make contact with the bottom of the battery with one end. Rub the other end of the steel wool on the top of the battery until it sparks, holding it over the top of the buddy burner.

Bug Soap
1 1/2 cups clean rendered tallow 1/4 cup lye flakes 1/2 cup coconut oil 1 tablespoon citronella oil or 3/4 cup cold soft water 1 tablespoon eucalyptus oil or 1 tablespoon lavender oil Melt tallow and vegetable oil. Set aside to cool. Stir lye into cold water until dissolved and set aside to cool. Grease molds liberally with petroleum jelly. When lye and fat are lukewarm, pour lye into fat slowly, stirring constantly. When mixture becomes thick and creamy, add essential oil, beating vigorously to distribute evenly throughout. Pour into molds. Yields 1 1/2 pounds hard bar soap.

Bug Spray
1/2 cup vodka 2 tablespoons orange flower water 1 teaspoon jojoba oil 15 drops citronella oil Mix ingredients and store in a spray bottle.

Bug Spray for Plants

This will dislodge or smother aphids, thrips and mites. 2 tablespoons liquid soap (such as Ivory) 1 gallon water Mix and put into plastic spray jar. Spray onto plants.

Buttermilk Spray (for spider mites)

Use this for heavy infestation of spider mites in an orchard. 5 pounds all-purpose flour 25 gallons water 1 pint buttermilk Mix well. Siphon into a spray container and apply weekly to orchard trees until the leaves are full grown and mite populations have decreased to about 3 per leaf.

Cabinet Grease Remover

(for painted cabinets) 1/4 cup baking soda 1 cup ammonia 1/2 cup white vinegar 1 gallon warm water Press a hot, damp cloth against grease deposits until they soften. Wash cabinets with a sponge and the above solution. Rinse off with a clean sponge and water. Wipe cabinets completely dry.

Calcium Deposit Remover

1 tablespoon white vinegar 1 cup water Simmer water and vinegar in the teapot or tea kettle for 30 minutes. When the deposits have loosened, scrub with steel wool if you can get at them. Otherwise, let the vinegar/water mixture sit in the pot overnight. Rinse well.

Car Floor Mat Cleaner

1/4 cup mild dishwashing detergent 2 gallons warm water Mix. Gently scrub mats with the solution, using a stiff-bristled brush. For tar spots, rub with a little baking soda. Rinse. Dry thoroughly on both sides. Occasionally use a protective coating of petroleum jelly on the mats, which will also give a nice shine.

Car Wash
1/3 cup mild soap flakes

2 gallons warm water 1/4 cup baking soda Mix soap flakes and baking soda in a large bucket. Add water and stir until soap flakes dissolve. Start washing from the top down. Wash one section at a time, then rinse. Wash the wheels last.

Carpet Cleaner (for oil and grease)

3 cups whole wheat flour 1 tablespoon salicylic acid 1 3/4 cups water 1 1/4 cups mineral oil 1 tablespoon aluminum stearate Mix flour and water into a paste. Blend in aluminum stearate and salicylic acid. Slowly add mineral oil to paste, stirring constantly. Store in a glass container. To use, brush into a small section of carpet and let set for a few minutes. Wipe off with a damp cloth or sponge. Repeat until oil and grease are removed.

Carpet Cleaner (heavy duty)

1 pint washing soda 1/4 cup turpentine 1 cup fuller's earth Liquid dishwashing detergent Blend the washing soda and fuller's earth. Slowly stir in the turpentine. Mix vigorously until well blended. Store in a clean jar. To use, mix with a small amount of liquid dishwashing detergent to form a stiff paste. Brush into carpet. Allow to dry, then vacuum residue.

Carpet Cleaner 2
Instead add these to a bucket (about four gallons) of water and use it as the cleaning solution: Wash water 1/3 cup borax Rinse water 1/4 cup grain alcohol 2 tsp. boric acid

1/4 cup white distilled vinegar or 4 tsp. citric acid Borax does the cleaning; alcohol disinfects, boric acid leaves a pesticide residue, and the vinegar or citric acid give luster. If you are just making one pass on your carpet, use the borax, alcohol, and boric acid. Remember to test everything you use on an unnoticed piece of carpet first.

Carpet Color Restorative

1 cup white vinegar 1 gallon hot water 1/2 teaspoon ammonia Saturate a cloth in this mixture. Wring the cloth out, and scrub over carpet. Wipe up excess moisture with a dry cloth.

Carpet Deodorizer 4 cups baking soda or cornstarch 35 drops Eucalyptus essential oil 30 drops Lavender essential oil 25 drops Rosewood essential oil or any combination of your favorite essential oils Measure 4 cups of baking soda into a bowl, add essential oils. Break up any clumps that form, stir until well mixed. Before vacuuming sprinkle dry carpet cleaner and deodorizer powder from a shaker type can or jar. Let it sit on the carpet for about 15 minutes then vacuum. Carpet Deodorizer 2
2 cups cornmeal 1 cup borax Mix well. Sprinkle on carpet. Let it set at least 15 minutes, then vacuum. Repeat if necessary.

Carpet Freshener 2
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.

Carpet Shampoo This carpet cleaner recipe makes enough for a 10' x 13' room. If you can't find

soap flakes, you can use 1/4 cup borax instead. Test the outcome of this substitution on a small area first. 2 cups baking soda 1/2 cups soap flakes 20 drops lavender essential oil 8 drops rosemary essential oil 1/2 cup vinegar 2 cups warm water Combine the baking soda and soap flakes in a plastic bowl. Add the essential oils and mix well, breaking up any clumps with a fork. Sprinkle the mixture on the carpet. Add the vinegar to the warm water in a bucket or pail. Dip a clean sponge mop into the bucket and squeeze out as much excess liquid as you can. Gently go over carpet with the sponge mop, working in sections. Wait at least an hour and then vacuum again. Carpet Sprinkle
You will need a one-quart yogurt container or something similiar that you can keep around just for this purpose. You will also need some old sprinkle containers (or any type container with large holes for sprinking such as spice jars) saved from the supermarket. BASIC RECIPE = 1 cups baking soda mixed together with 20 drops of essential or fragrance oil(s) of choice OR.... 1 cups baking soda mixed together with 1/2 cup of old potpourri powdered in a coffee mill or blender. TIP!: You can also use about 1/2 cup of cornstarch in place of some of the baking soda if you wish a different consistency of sprinkle. Place the baking soda in your mixing container and distribute the drops of oil, one at a time, here and there, throughout the powder. Don't just lay them on top of the powder in what could only be called a "glumpy clump". With the back of a spoon or other appropriate tool, blend the oil(s) well into the baking soda. Pour some of the powder out onto a piece of paper and use this as a funnel to pour into a sprinkle container. Continue til the container is filled. I like to make up enough at one time to fill three or four containers. The longer it stays in the container, the more fragrant it becomes. VARIATIONS: During flea or bug season, use 1/2 cup borax and 1-1/2 cup baking soda. OR... use 1 cup diatomaceous earth (NOT the kind used for pool filters...check the organic gardening resources in your area), plus 1 cup baking soda.

Diatomaceous earth (aka D.E.) is a superb natural product with many household and garden uses. The fragrance choice for oils is personal. In spring and summer we prefer the clean smell of lavender which is also somewhat of a bug repellent. Recent studies indicate that the essential oils of lemon thyme, sweet marjoram, rosemary, basil and thyme look very promising for insect repelling properties. One great combination is citronella and patchouli oils. These can also be made into a soap with which to wash before heading outside during mosquito season. Our spring and summer combination is 15 drops lavender oil, 5 drops rose oil, 2 or 3 drops musk oil. When the bugs decide they prefer the accomodations of our home to the great outdoors, we combine 15 drops of lavender with 5 drops of citronella oil. You might wish to try equal amounts of both. In either case we always add 2 or 3 drops of a floral musk fragrance oil to provide an overlying sweet floral scent. Strictly for the bugs is a Super Zapper combination of oils of citronella, pennyroyal and eucalyptus. The use of penyroyal requires certain cautions to be taken - it should be avoided by pregnant women and should not be used around very small children that will be spending time on the carpeting. During winter, the smells of pine and cedar or the Christmas smells of cinnamon and cloves invoke feelings of warm/fuzzy holiday cheer. Use fragrance oils to create these moods. These oils seem pricey, but one tiny vial goes a very long way.

Cast Iron Burner Cleaner

3 quarts water 3 tablespoons washing soda Pour into a non-aluminum pan. Submerge burners and boil for a few minutes. Wash as you would dishes. Rinse and dry thoroughly before replacing on stove.

Cast Iron Cookware Cleaner

This will loosen burned-on food. Salt Vinegar

Put salt and vinegar into the cast iron cookware. Boil for about 10 to 15 minutes. After cleaning, coat cookware with grease to recondition and prevent rusting.

CAST IRON SKILLET CLEANER (RUST)

Sprinkle lemon juice and salt in the rusty iron skillet. Wipe out the rust. Reseason skillet with a lot of oil. Place in a 200 degree oven for one hour. Wash the skillet. Dry it thoroughly. Reseason it with more oil. Wipe off excess oil. NEVER let a cast iron skillet air dry or it will rust!

Cat Urine Smell on Carpet

Mix 8 oz. of hydrogen peroxide with 2 Tbls. of baking soda. Pour it (or spray it) on the area. If the urine is on carpet, just pour the whole mixture on the spot. You have to pour all of it on so it reaches the padding under the carpet. Let it air dry. If it's on a spot other than carpet, just spray it on there and let it air dry.

Ceiling Repair (for cracked plaster)

This trick could help postpone re-plastering for months. "Elmer's" Glue Baking soda Mix "Elmer's" Glue with baking soda to form a paste. Apply to ceiling cracks with fingers. If the ceiling is colored, add food coloring to match.

Ceramic Tile Cleaner

1/4 cup baking soda 1 cup ammonia 1/2 cup white vinegar 1 gallon warm water Mix all in a bucket and stir until the baking soda dissolves. Scrub solution on tile with a brush, nylon pad or sponge. Rinse with clean water.

Ceramic Tile Stain Remover (heavy-duty)

1 part sodium citrate Water 6 parts glycerin Whiting

Stir sodium citrate into the glycerin to dissolve. Add sufficient water to thin to a milklike consistency. Mix in enough whiting to form a paste. Spread a thick coating on stains and let stand. Rinse with clear water.

Chandelier Cleaner
1 part rubbing alcohol 3 parts water You do not have to disassemble the fixture to clean it. Protect the area underneath the chandelier with a drop cloth. Fill a water tumbler with alcohol and water. Raise the tumbler to each pendant until it is immersed. The crystal will drip dry without leaving water spots, lint or finger marks. The crystal parts not accessible to the tumbler can be wiped with the solution. You may also wear cotton work gloves to dip your fingers in the alcohol water, and then clean with the gloves on your hands.

Christmas Snow
1/3 cup liquid starch 1 cup soap flakes or detergent granules 1 to 2 tablespoons water Blue food coloring Mix liquid starch into the soap flakes. Add the water and beat with a rotary beater until the mixture has the consistency of marshmallow fluff or thick meringue. Beat in the blue food coloring drop by drop to achieve a white, icy effect. Using a clean paintbrush, dab the snow onto the tops of your green branches in various artistic patterns. You can also sprinkle sequins, glitter or confetti over the Christmas Snow. CAUTION: Make certain that children realize the snow is made of soap and should not be handled or played with.

CHROME CLEANERS
Polish any chrome with rubbing alcohol and a soft cloth. Mix equal parts rubbing alcohol and white ammonia in a spray bottle to clean chrome. Can also use this to clean mirrors and windows.

Chrome Fixture Hard Water Stain Remover

Baking soda White vinegar

Sprinkle baking soda over fixture and then pour white vinegar on it. Wrap a terry rag around the fixture and let soak for at least one hour. Scrub with a stainless steel pad.

Cinnamon Cut-Outs
Use these anytime to hang on a door (in the bathroom would be great!) to scent the air with real cinnamon. 1 cup cinnamon 4 tablespoons glue 3/4 cup water Mix all together and roll into a ball. Set for 2 hrs in refrigerator. Roll between two pieces of wax paper (about 1/4 thick) and use your cookie cutters to make cinnamon cut-outs. Use straw poked through top of ornament to make a hole to hang. Dry for 12 hrs one side flip over and dry 12 more hrs.

Citrus Floor Cleaner

1 gallon hot water 2 tablespoons liquid soap 15 drops orange essential oil 8 drops lemon essential oil or 1/4 cup lemon juice Mix together and wash floors.

Citrus Mint Window Spray

1/2 cup fresh lemon peel 1/2 cup fresh orange peel 1 cup fresh mint leaves 1 cup white vinegar Combine peels and mint leaves. Steep in white vinegar for two weeks, or until vinegar has leached the color and fragrance out of the botanicals. Decant and strain into a spray bottle.

Clogged Drain Remedy

1 cup salt 1 cup baking soda 1 cup vinegar Mix, then pour down the drain. Follow with 2 quarts boiling water.

Cockroach Control
4 parts borax 2 parts all-purpose flour 1 part cocoa powder Mix; sprinkle where pets and children cannot get to it.

Coffeepot Cleaner
1 cup white vinegar 1 cup water Mix together. For automatic coffee makers, put in a clean filter, then pour solution directly into the water reservoir. If you use a coffee maker with a permanent filter, cover the filter with a square of paper toweling cut to fit. When the solution has bubbled through, discard filter or paper toweling. Fill coffee maker with clean water and run it through to rinse. Discard vinegar-water solution or use it to clean a regular pot or vacuum bottle.

Color-Safe Bleach
This bleach is for delicate colors and synthetic fabrics. It reduces yellowing in silks and woolens. 2 cups hydrogen peroxide 14 cups water Mix ingredients and store in a plastic one-gallon container. Soak items to be cleaned in this solution for 10 to 30 minutes.

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.

Copper and Brass Cleaner

1 pint vinegar 3 tablespoons salt Fill a spray bottle with vinegar and add salt. Spray solution liberally on copper or brass. Let set for a while, then simply rub clean.

Copper and Brass Polish

2 cups water 1/2 cup soap flakes 3 tablespoons whiting 2 tablespoons white vinegar Boil water in a medium-size pot and remove from heat. Pour in soap flakes and stir until dissolved. Add whiting and vinegar, stirring constantly. Beat by hand or with an electric mixer until well blended. Store in a jar with a tight lid. To use, shake well and rub on with a damp cloth or sponge. Rinse and wipe dry.

Copper Cleaner
1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup salt 1/2 cup soap flakes 3/4 cup white vinegar 1/4 cup lemon juice 1 tablespoon whiting 1/2 cup very warm water In a glass or enamel bowl, mix the flour, salt and soap together until soap is thoroughly dissolved. Add remaining ingredients, stirring well. Pour into a clean onequart glass jar and cover tightly. To use, shake the solution before using. Pour some of the paste on the copper item, then scrub gently with a sponge. Rinse, then dry. Buff lightly with a clean, soft cloth.

Copper Verdigris (Green Deposit) Remover

1 tablespoon baking soda 1 tablespoon deodorized kerosene Scour the utensil, then rinse and dry.

Cream Cleansing Scrub

* 1/2 cup baking soda * Liquid soap 1. Pour about 1/2 cup of baking soda into a bowl, and add enough liquid detergent to make a frosting-like texture. 2. Scoop the mixture onto a sponge, and wash the surface. This cleanser is nongritty, rinses easily, and is perfect for cleaning sinks and tubs.

Read more at Suite101: Natural Household Cleaning Guide: Eco-Friendly Ways to Detoxify the Home | Suite101.com http://naturalproducts.suite101.com/article.cfm/natural_household_cleaning_guide#ixzz0Z2Oaah wC

Cricket Spray
5 ounces turpentine 5 ounces liquid soap 5 gallons water Spray around foundation of house or garage.

Cutting Boards 2
To get rid of strong odors on cutting boards, wipe them with vinegar or baking soda or lemon slices or celery. This also works on countertops. For countertops only, a few drops of essential oil of lemon thyme in a cup of water and spritzed on the surface and then wiped, works well too.

Daily Shower Cleaner Spray

3 tablespoons liquid Jetdry (for dishwashers) Water Combine Jetdry and water in a spray bottle to fill the bottle. Spray shower walls after every shower.

Deer Repellent
This will not hurt the deer. The deer will shy away from the scent of other animals, so you trick them with the bloodmeal and hair clippings. Your barber is a good source for some hair sweepings. 1 yard old sheeting, cotton, or muslin 1/4 cup bloodmeal 1 cup hair clippings Cut the fabric into small 4-inch squares. Mix the bloodmeal and hair together and place about a tablespoon onto the center of each square. Bring up the ends and secure with a string or rubber band. To use, hang these little packets from the branches of the trees and shrubs where

deer are a problem. You should be able to notice deer avoiding the spot almost immediately.

Deluxe Plant Food

1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon ammonia 1 teaspoon Epsom salt 1 gallon tepid water 1 teaspoon saltpeter

De-Yellowing Formula (for white appliances)

1/2 cup bleach 4 cups warm water 1/4 cup baking soda Mix together. Apply to the appliance with a sponge and let set for 10 minutes. Rinse and dry thoroughly.

Dishwasher Cleaner Is your dishwasher dirty and grimy? Make sure the dishwasher is completely empty. Add "Tang" drink crystals where you would normally place dishwasher detergent. Run with "light" cycle. Your dishwasher will be spotless! Do this about twice a year. Dishwasher Soap
Dishwasher soap is easy to make and cost effective. 1 part borax 1 part baking soda Mix thoroughly, and store in an airtight container. To use: Add 2 tablespoons per load. Increase proportion of soda for hard water. Use vinegar in the rinse cycle.

Dishwashing Gel
1/2 pound plain white bar soap 1/2 gallon water Grate soap into flakes and place in large pot with water. Stir to dissolve flakes. Boil

10 minutes, stirring frequently. Pour into a glass jar and allow to cool without a lid. Once cool, cover to prevent soap from drying out. As soap sits it will thicken to a gel consistency. To use, pour into a squirt bottle, filling bottle 1/4 full. Fill bottle with hot water and shake before using.

Dishwashing Liquid
1/4 cup soap flakes 2 cups hot water 1/4 cup glycerin 1/2 teaspoon lemon essential oil 1) In bowl combine soap flakes and water and stir until the soap is dissolved. Cool to luke warm. 2) Stir in the glycerin and the essential oil, leave to cool. As it cools it will form a loose gel. Stir with a fork and break up the gel and then pour into a narrow-necked bottle. An old shampoo bottle makes an excellent container. 3) To use, squirt 3 teaspoonfuls into hot running water.

Dishwashing Liquid 2
Liquid castile soap 10 drops lavender essential oil 8 drops rosemary essential oil 4 drops eucalyptus essential oil 1) Fill a clean 22-ounce plastic squirt bottle with castile soap (diluted according to directions if using concentrate). 2) Add the essential oils. 3) To use, squirt 3 teaspoonfuls into hot running water.

Disinfectant
2 cups soap flakes 1 pint pine oil 6 cups hot water Slowly stir soap flakes into water in a clean glass jar. Stir until the flakes dissolve. Remove suds from the surface or stop stirring until the foam disappears. Pour pine oil in very slowly. Stir until thoroughly blended. Store tightly covered.

For general cleaning and disinfecting, dilute with water. To disinfect areas that harbor a lot of bacteria, such as toilet bowls, use full strength.

Disinfectant Spray
2 Cups Water 1/4 Cup White Vinegar 1/4 tsp. Tea Tree Oil 1/4 tsp. Lavender Oil Combine and store in a spray bottle. Shake occasionally. Use where ever a disinfectant spray is needed.

Disinfectant Wipes
First, buy a roll of good quality paper towels. If you buy the thinner inexpensive ones, the paper towels will turn to mush quickly. Both Bounty and Viva paper towels work great for this. Cut the roll in half or in thirds, depending on the size of wipes you would like, and remove the cardboard roll tube from inside. You also need a plastic container. A empty baby wipes container works great for this. If you don't have kids, ask your friends, because someone is sure to have a couple empty ones around in the house somewhere. If you already have one of the larger sized containers used for disinfectant wipes, you can use that instead. In a bucket, combine 1 1/2 cups water with 1/2 cup anti-bacterial cleaner (such as Mr. Clean antibacterial). Mix and pour half of the mixture (1 cup) into baby wipes container. Place paper towels slowly into the solution, and pour the other half of the cleaning solution over top slowly, so it soaks in. Close the lid and allow it to sit and soak for about a day, then it is ready to use. You can also use your preferred scent of cleaner, so they are scented.

Dormant Oil Spray for Trees

1/2 cup fish oil 1 cup liquid detergent 1/2 cup No. 10 mineral oil 2 gallons water Mix fish oil, mineral oil, and detergent thoroughly. Put the water into a bucket and disperse the oil mixture in tiny droplets into the bucket. Pour the liquid into a sprayer. To use, apply anytime from winter, after all leaves have fallen, to late April, before buds develop beyond the 1/4-inch green stage.

Spray on a calm, sunny day with just-above-average temperatures. COVER THE ENTIRE TREE IN ONE SPRAYING. This controls pests on hardy fruit trees. Pests are aphids, thrips, mealybugs, white flies, pear psylla, red spiders, and various forms of scale. It also destroys eggs of codling moths, oriental fruit moths, assorted leaf rollers, and cankerworms.

Drain Cleaner
1/2 cup salt 1/8 cup cream of tartar 1/2 cup baking soda 6 cups boiling water Mix salt, baking soda, and cream of tartar and pour directly into the drain. Follow with boiling water. Allow to set for several hours - overnight if possible. Flush with cool water.

DRAIN CLEANERS
All you need to clean every drain in your house is baking soda and white vinegar. Run hot water down the drain and pour in some baking soda, then some vinegar. It will bubble up. When it has stopped bubbing up, rinse with some more hot water. You won't have any clogs if you do this once every week. Use 1/2 cup each. Use 1/2 cup Dawn liquid dish detergent poured down your kitchen drain once a week or month depending upon how much grease you have and flush with very hot water. If you have a clog pour the Dawn in and let it sit for half an hour then flush with very hot water. This is a plumber's tip: squirt some liquid dish detergent down your drain. Let sit for half an hour. Flush with hot water. This will keep your drains clog-free. He said this would cut plumbing bills in half if people would just do this once a week. Pour 2 cups boiling water down a clogged drain. Mix 1/8 cup of salt, 1/2 cup of baking soda, and 1/2 cup vinegar and pour down the clogged drain. Finish by pouring 2 more cups boiling water down the drain. Your clog should be gone.

Drain Refresher
1 cup baking soda 2 quarts boiling water 1 cup vinegar Pour baking soda down the drain. After 2 minutes, pour in vinegar. Then follow with boiling water.

Dry Carpet Cleaner 2 cup baking soda 1/2 cup cornstarch 4 to 5 bay leaves 1 tablespoon cloves Spot test a small, inconspicuous area of your rug first to test for color stability of the fibers. Put the ingredients through a sifter until blended. Sprinkle lightly on your carpeting and allow to sit several hours overnight. Sprinkle lightly on carpet and let stand for a couple of hours. Vacuum up and enjoy your fresh fragrant carpet. Store dry carpet cleaner and deodorizer in a coffee can. Dryer Sheet Sachet
2 used white dryer sheets 1 heaping tablespoon potpourri 1 length of ribbon 2 or 3 small pieces dried flowers Tacky glue Place one dryer sheet over top of the other dryer sheet so that the corners of the second sheets are centered at the sides of the first sheet. Place the potpourri in the center of the sheets. Gather up and tie with ribbon. Decorate with dried flours.

Dryer Sheets
part lavender essential oil part benzoin essential oil (absolute resin) small dropper bottle 1 scrap of cotton cloth (about 4 inches square) Make base essential oil by mixing the two oils in equal amounts into a small dropper bottle. Shake well. Label.

Dryer Sheets 2
Take 10-15 4-inch cloths and put 4-5 drops of essential oil base on each one. Put into an airtight container that you can easily get your hand into to take one out at a time as needed for the dryer. Use as you would a normal dryer sheet. The airtight container will help hold the scent in the dryer sheets instead of just dissipating out into the room and leaving the dryer sheet less scented. Leave the additional essential oil base that you have left to easily make more are you need them.

Dryer Sheets 3
15 drops of spearmint 12 drops of lavender Put this mixture on a clean cloth and then fold the cloth several times. Wrap another cloth around that and toss into the dryer!

Dust Cloths
2 cups hot water 1/4 to 1 cup lemon oil Dip 18-inch cheesecloth squares in a solution of hot water and lemon oil. Squeeze out excess liquid and let air-dry them. Store in a covered metal can.

Dust Cloths 2
Favorite cleaning product 1 bucket of water 2 teaspoons turpentine Clean cotton dust cloths Put favorite cleaning product in a bucket of water. Add turpentine. Throw in dust cloths, stir to saturate them, and let them soak overnight. The next day, wring them out and air dry them. Store in a covered metal can.

Early Spring Insect Soap Spray

This suffocates early spring insects, especially on fruit trees. 1 gallon light-grade oil 1/2 gallon warm water 1 pound laundry soap Dissolve soap in water. Add oil and mix well to emulsify. Dilute with 20 times more water before use. Apply the soap while the trees are still in a dormant, leafless state, covering the tree thoroughly with each spraying.

Easy Floor Cleaner

Mix 1 cup white vinegar with 2 gallons hot water. For greasy floors, add 1/4 cup washing soda and 1 tablespoon vegetable-oil-based soap to the above mixture.

Easy Homemade Carpet Revitalizer

This carpet revitalizer recipe is a two step process. First, mix 1 cup white vinegar and 3 cups warm water together and lightly scrub with a brush (do not saturate carpet). Let dry to "release" grime from the surface area. (Spot test a small, inconspicuous area of your rug first to test for color stability of the fibers.) Store excess in a glass jar. Shelf life 3-4 months. Phase 2 2 cups baking soda 2 tablespoons cornstarch 4 drops vanilla essential oil Next, sift the baking soda, cornstarch, and essential oil together using a hand sifter. (You may need to do this a few times because the essential oil will clump at first.) Sprinkle over dry carpet and let sit for an hour, then vacuum. The powder will "lift" any oils and additional grime that has floated to the surface during the first process and will finish the deodorizing process. Powder shelf life: discard after 2 weeks. Easy Homemade Soap Flakes You can make your own soap flakes by using any pure vegetable, castile or glycerin soap and grating it with a cheese grater. You can experiment with different types to get different smells and even colors. Grate a bar fresh for use as needed in recipes, or grate several bars in advance and set in a shallow dish or cardboard box (shoeboxes work great) and allow flakes to air dry for a week or two. Once dry store in an airtight container.

Easy Laundry Powder

1 good size bar of soap (Kirk's Castile, Fels Naphtha, etc) 1-2 cups WASHING SODA (not baking soda) 1-2 cups borax (check the laundry aisle) Directions: Grate the bar of soap. I use the smallest side of my 4-sided grater. Put in plastic bag or other container with the washing soda and borax. Mix well. Note: I have very hard water so I use more soda.

Dissolve in a small container of warm or hot water before adding to a cold water wash. You can put it right on a warm or hot wash. For a load of not-too-dirty laundry, use 1/4 cup. If I've been out working in the mud and dirt and dust, then sometimes I need a whole cup, and maybe a pre-soak. And I mix in more borax. You can pre-treat stains with more soap right off the bar.

Essential Oil Room Air Freshener Spray Recipe

1 cup distilled water 8 - 10 drops essential oil of your choice spray bottle, with a fine mist setting label Pour the cup of distilled water into the spray bottle. Add the drops of essential oils and shake very well. Cap the bottle, and allow to sit for a few hours before using. Shake the bottle before each use to evenly distribute the scented oil throughout the water. Use the label to describe what sort of air freshener each bottle is. And be sure to use the fine mist setting on your bottle, so the spray will be distributed nicely in the air. Here are some interesting ideas for wonderful air freshener sprays, but you can go ahead and create your own favorite blends using scents that you love the most! To use the following recipe, just add the recommended amounts of essential oil to the spray bottle with the distilled water, and follow the instructions as above. Please note that essential oils can vary in potency - for this reason, you can add or reduce the amounts of essential oil recommended in each recipe, if you find that the essential oil you've bought is either stronger or weaker than expected. DEODORIZING ROOM SPRAY This one is great for the bathroom! 6 drops bergamot essential oil 1 drop eucalyptus essential oil 2 drops lemon essential oil Add to the distilled water in the spray bottle, shake well and spray as a fine mist. PET DEODORIZING ROOM SPRAY If you have pets like I do, this spray is great for around the litter box, or just for freshening up the entire house! 6 drops cedarwood

3 drops tea tree oil Add to the distilled water in the spray bottle, shake well and spray as a fine mist. APPLE PIE SPICE ROOM AIR FRESHENER 6 drops Cinnamon essential oil 3 drops clove essential oil Add to distilled water in the spray bottle, shake well and spray as a fine mist. I love this one sprayed in the kitchen! ORANGE SPICE ROOM AIR FRESHENER 5 drops orange essential oil 2 drops cinnamon essential oil Add to distilled water in the spray bottle, shake well and spray as a fine mist. Lovely spicy orange scent! Now, here are three blends made to change your mood for the better! It's been proven that with the effects of aromatherapy, just the way things smell can altar your mood. MOOD LIFTER AIR FRESHENER SPRAY 4 drops chamomile essential oil 3 drops orange essential oil 2 drops ylang ylang essential oil Follow directions as with other recipes above. This recipe will make you feel more light hearted, and less depressed. STRESS RELIEVER AIR FRESHENER SPRAY 4 drops lavender essential oil 3 drops rose essential oil 2 drops clary sage essential oil, optional Follow directions as with other recipes above. This air freshener will help relieve stress, and it smells really wonderful! SLEEPY-HOUR RELAXATION AIR FRESHENER SPRAY

4 drops lavender essential oil 3 drops chamomile essential oil Both of these essential oils have wonderful, sedative effects. Spray a little in your bedroom a half hour before going to bed, to enjoy the soothing effects of these natural sedatives. Or spray a little on your pillow or bedclothes to enjoy a whole night of wonderful, restorative sleep. http://www.kitchencraftsnmore.net/recipe035.html

Eyeglass Cleaner
Fill a spray bottle (any size will do) with 3/4 rubbing alcohol and 1/4 water. Put in a few drops of dish soap. Spray both sides of each lens and rub clean with a soft cloth. Never use paper towels, toilet paper or kleenex as they contain harsh abrasives that will scratch your lenses.

Eyeglasses Cleaner
In 8 ounces of water add 2 ounces of vinegar and 1 oz of rubbing alcohol.

Fabric Softener
2 cups baking soda 2 cups white vinegar 4 cups water Mix ingredients and store in a plastic or glass container in your laundry area. Label the container and keep it out of the reach of children. To use: Shake the mixture and add 1/4 cup to the final rinse in the washing machine. If you have hard water, use 1/3 cup.

Fabric Softener 2
2 cups baking soda 4 cups water 2 cups Herbal Vinegar or white vinegar Mix ingredients and store in a plastic or glass container in the laundry area. Add 1/4 cup to the final rinse water in washing machine. If your water is hard, you may have to add a little more.

Fabric Softener 3
2 cups baking soda 2 cups white vinegar

4 cups water. Mix these ingredients and use 1/4 cup per load in the final rinse.

Fabric Softener Sheets

Few capsful liquid fabric softener Small bowl of water Pour a few capsful of any inexpensive fabric softener into a small bowl of water. Swish a washcloth in the solution. Wring it out, and toss it into the dryer along with wet clothes.

Fabric Waterproofer
3 cups soybean oil 1 1/2 cups turpentine Mix and paint on outer surface. Allow to dry. NOTE: USE ONLY ON OUTDOOR-TYPE ARTICLES SUCH AS CANVAS TENTS AND BAGS.

Fabric Whitener
1 part cream of tartar 3 parts water Use to whiten white linen or cotton.

Famous Jewelry Cleaner

1 ounce lump of borax 1 pint water 1/2 ounce washing soda 2 1/2 ounces liquid ammonia 1/2 ounce finely shaved castile soap Mix borax, washing soda, castile soap and water and boil in an enameled pot until all the ingredients are dissolved. When partially cooled, stir in liquid ammonia and add enough water to make 2 quarts. Place jewelry in this mixture. Brush well. Rinse in very hot water and dry carefully.

Fiberglass Cleaner

1/2 cup vinegar 1/4 cup baking soda 1 cup clear ammonia 1 gallon warm water Mix well. Wear rubber gloves, and work in a well-ventilated area.

Fiberglass Scouring Cleanser

1/2 cup soap flakes 1 1/2 cups hot water 2 teaspoons borax 2 to 5 teaspoons whiting In a large plastic bowl, mix soap flakes and borax into water until dissolved. Add whiting gradually, checking the consistency and degree of abrasiveness after each teaspoon. Pour mixture into a squeeze-top container. Squeeze some of the cleanser onto a sponge and then wipe down the fixture. Rinse and dry.

Fiberglass Tub Floor Cleaner

This is to be used only on the irregular bottom surface of the tub - not on the smooth surfaces. 3 cups baking soda 1 cup borax Fine drywall sandpaper Mix baking soda and borax together. Work the cleanser in with the drywall sandpaper and then rinse well.

Fireplace Cleaner
4 ounces naphtha soap 1/2 pound powdered pumice 1 quart hot water 1/2 cup household ammonia Add soap to the hot water. Heat until the soap dissolves. Cool, then stir in pumice and ammonia. Mix thoroughly. Remove as much of the smoky deposit as you can before applying a coat of the soap mixture with a paint brush. Allow it to remain on for 30 minutes. Scrub with a paint brush and warm water. Sponge with plenty of water to rinse.

Flame Extinguisher (for campfires)

2 teaspoons baking soda 2 teaspoons salt 1 quart water Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle. Spray directly on base of fire.

Floor Cleaner, Multipurpose

(for asphalt, rubber, vinyl, asbestos tiles and resilient linoleum sheets) 1/2 cup liquid chlorine bleach 1/4 cup washing soda 1/4 cup white vinegar 1 gallon warm water Mix all in a bucket. Mop small areas at a time with a minimum of liquid.

Floor Mop Oil

1 3/4 cups mineral oil 1/4 cup turpentine Wearing rubber gloves, mix oil and turpentine in a mixing container. Pour mixture into a 22-ounce plastic spray bottle. Lightly spray on your dust mop before dusting floors.

Floor Polish
1/4 cup shredded paraffin wax 2 quarts mineral oil Boil water in a double boiler with the top empty. Turn off heat and remove double boiler to a heatproof surface. Place paraffin and mineral oil in the top. Stir until paraffin melts into the oil. Store tightly sealed. To use, apply a small amount of polish to a small section of floor, rubbing it in well. Then buff the floor with a clean cloth to remove excess oil.

Floor Sanitizer
Add 2 gallons of hot water to 1/2 cup of borax. Put the borax in the bucket first, then add water slowly to avoid splashing.

Floor Shine
(for between waxings)

1 cup fabric softener 1/2 bucket water Mix well. Use to wash the floor.

Floor Stripper (for no-wax floors)

1/2 cup powdered cleaner (such as Spic & Span) 1 cup ammonia 1/2 cup cool water CAUTION! Do NOT use powdered cleaner that contains bleach. Mix. Puddle the solution on the floor in a 3-foot square sections and allow to penetrate for 5 minutes. Mop up the solution, then rinse thoroughly with clear water. To prevent yellow buildup, wash your floor regularly with detergent or ammonia and water.

Floor Wax (hard-finish)

1/2 cup ceresin wax 2 tablespoons yellow beeswax 2 1/8 cups turpentine 1 tablespoon pine oil Melt both waxes in a double boiler. Remove from heat and slowly stir in turpentine and pine oil. Cool and store in a glass container. To use, apply with a cloth; allow to dry, then polish.

Floor Wax Stripper

1 cup ammonia 2 quarts water 1/4 cup washing soda Wearing rubber gloves, mix all ingredients in a 1-gallon bucket. Sponge or mop the cleaner onto a small area of floor, getting the floor quite wet. Let sit for 5 minutes to soften the wax. Loosen the wax by scrubbing with the scrubber, then sponge up the cleaner and loosened wax. Rinse with clear water. Repeat for the rest of the floor. If any wax residue remains, repeat the stripping treatment over the entire floor.

Formica Cleaner
1/2 teaspoon vegetable oil-based liquid soap 3 tablespoons vinegar

1/2 teaspoon linseed or olive oil 1/2 cup warm water Mix well in a spray bottle. Shake well. Spray Formica surface, then wash with a sponge. Rinse well.

Fruity Dish Soap Liquid castile soap 20 drops lime 10 drops sweet orange 5 drops citrus Fill a clean 22 oz. plastic squirt bottle with castile soap (diluted according to directions if using concentrate). Add the essential oils. Shake the bottle before each use. Add 1-2 tablespoons of the liquid to dishwater and wash as usual. Furniture Polish
1 cup vegetable oil 1/2 cup lemon juice Pour oil and lemon juice into a squirt bottle or jar. Stir to combine. To use, dip dust cloth or rag into oil. Blot the oil by folding the cloth together, and then dust your furniture. Leaves a beautiful finish!

Furniture Polish (multi-purpose)

2 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon white vinegar 1 quart warm water Mix well. Store in a spray bottle. This is best if used warm so, before using, place bottle in a pan of hot water for a while. After applying, rub dry with a soft, clean cloth.

Furniture Polish 2
1/3 cup boiled linseed oil 1/3 cup turpentine 1/3 cup vinegar Mix well before each use.

Furniture Polish 3
1 tablespoon lemon oil 1 quart mineral oil Mix in a clean spray bottle. Spray on, rub in, and wipe clean.

Furniture Polish 4
* 1/4 cup white vinegar * 1/4 cup olive oil * 2 tsp lemon juice * Spray bottle 1. Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake. 2. Spray onto wood surfaces and wipe dry.

Read more at Suite101: Natural Household Cleaning Guide: Eco-Friendly Ways to Detoxify the Home | Suite101.com http://naturalproducts.suite101.com/article.cfm/natural_household_cleaning_guide#ixzz0Z2Ooe9p c

Furniture Polish 5
Mix in a sprayer bottle: 1 cup olive oil 1/2 cup lemon juice Shake well and apply a small amount to a flannel cleaning rag or cleaning cloth. Spread evenly over furniture surface. Turn cloth to a dry side and polish dry.

Furniture Polish Build-Up Remover

1 part water 1 part white vinegar Moisten a soft cloth with this mixture. Wring the cloth out, and gently rub over the surface. Dry immediately with a clean, soft cloth.

Furniture Polish/Dust Remover

2 Tbsp olive oil

2 Tbsp lemon juice (or any portions you need 1:1 ratio) Mix ingredients and shake well! Pour into a spray bottle, or simply use a rag to apply, then wipe. Use soft rag, slightly dampened with the solution. Keep any leftovers refrigerated.

Furniture Restorer
This will remove the white marks made by something rubbing on legs, sides or corners of furniture. 1 part non-gel toothpaste 1 part baking soda Mix together and put mixture on a slightly damp cloth. Rub over the marks with the cloth, using moderate pressure. It may take up to 15 minutes to completely remove the marks. Wipe the residue off with a dry cloth and buff with a soft cotton cloth.

Furniture Wax
1 pound yellow beeswax 1 pint turpentine 1 pint boiled linseed oil Melt wax in the top of a double boiler. Turn off heat and, wearing rubber gloves, remove double boiler to a heatproof surface. Add oil and turpentine and mix thoroughly. Pour into the container; cool with lid off. Wax is ready to use when it's cool and solid.

Garlic Spray
6 tablespoons chopped garlic 1 pint water 2 teaspoons liquid paraffin 1/4 cup Soft Soap Soak garlic in paraffin for 24 hours. Add water and soap and mix well. Strain the mixture and store the liquid in a glass jar for no longer than 1 week. This works well against cutworms, slugs, white flies, and wire worms.

Gel Fragrance in a jar

Make your own gel air freshner with a few simple ingredients. 1 cup water (divided), 1 envelope Knox gelatin, 1/8 tsp rubbing alcohol or vodka, 1/2 tsp essential oil or fragrance oil. Boil 1/2 cup water, then dissolve the Knox gel in it. Add the other half of the water (cold) and stir until blended. Add the alcohol and essential oil and stir until well blended. Pour into jars of your choice. Set out to fragrance a room. Don't place on a very warm spot like the top of the TV or it will liquify some. If this happens, you can restore it by popping it into the refrigerator for awhile.

General Carpet Shampoo 1/3 cup soap flakes 3 1/2 cups boiling water 2 teaspoons of washing soda 6 drops vanilla essential oil (cuts urine & smoke odors) 6 drops peppermint or wintergreen essential oil (mild disinfectant) Stir the soap flakes into the boiling water until they dissolve. Let cool to room temperature, then add washing soda and essential oil. Mix and put in glass jar or bowl. Spot test a small, inconspicuous are of your rug first to test for color stability of the fibers. To use, shake well and gently scrub into carpet with a brush, then let dry and vacuum. Avoid saturating the carpet to prevent stretching. Shelf life: Approximately 6 months. Gentle Fabric Soap
1 cup soap flakes 4 cups boiling water 1/2 cup borax Combine soap flakes and borax in a large pan and pour the boiling water over the mixture, stirring until soap is dissolved. Cool, then store in a plastic squeeze or pump container and keep in the laundry area. To use, measure out 1/4 cup for each quart of water. Add items to be washed and agitate them around. The mixture should produce suds. If it does not, add another squirt. If your delicate items are heavily soiled, soak them for 1 or 2 hours in the cleaning solution before laundering them.

Gentle Silver Polish

1/4 cup mashed, pureed banana skins 1 tablespoon baking soda Mix well to make a paste. Apply to silver, rub, then buff dry.

Glass and Window Sparkler 1 cup White Vinegar 10-15 drops of Lemon Essential Oil Water Mix vinegar and water in spray bottle. Add essential oil, Shake and use. Glass Film Remover
1 cup household bleach 1 cup white vinegar Fill dishwasher with all your dirty dishes. DO NOT put any silver, aluminum or brass in the washer with this method. Put a bowl in the bottom of the dishwasher. Pour household bleach into the bowl. Run through the washing cycle, but do not dry. THIS IS IMPORTANT! Fill bowl again with white vinegar and let the dishwasher go through the entire cycle. This will remove all film not only from your glasses, but from your dishwasher, too.

GLASS OR WINDOW CLEANER

To a 1 qt. spray bottle add 2 Tbsp. distilled vinegar, 1 cup water, 1 tsp. rubbing alcohol. Shake to mix and use to clean any glass. Barbasol regular shaving cream will defog mirrors for up to a week. Wipe it on with a cloth and then wipe it off with a lint-free cloth. In a 2 qt. spray bottle put 1 qt. club soda and 1/2 cup Parson's clear ammonia, nonsudsing type. Mix and apply to windows and squeegee off. Club soda alone with clean glass. Mix 2 parts white vinegar to 1 part water to clean windows.

Glass Scratch Remover Paste

2 tablespoons glycerin 2 tablespoons jeweler's rouge 2 tablespoons water Mix into a paste in a glass or plastic jar. Dab some paste on a clean cloth and rub scratched area. Wash off with clear water. If scratch is deep, repeat application as needed.

GNAT OR FRUITFLY KILLER

Fill a small jar with 1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar and some water. Let it sit on the countertop and they will go for it and drown.

Gnat, Fly and Mosquito Repellent

1 tablespoon vanilla extract 1 cup water Mix. Store in a tightly-covered container. Rub this mixture on faces and arms. Also apply it around eyes and ears and it will keep flies away.

Go-Green Cleaner
Put one tsp. baking soda and 2 Tbs. white vinegar into a spray bottle. It will fizz up, but just let it calm down before doing anything else. (About 2 minutes) Step 2 Mix in 1/2 tsp. of any liquid dish soap, a couple drops of essential oil (clove,violet,and rose work well) and fill the bottle the rest of the way with warm water. Step 3 Shake vigorously until mixed. Now you have an all natural cleaner that works better than any I've ever bought at the store! Use this on counter tops,bathrooms, children's toys and anything else you can think of. This cleaner has antibacterial properties

Gold Jewelry Cleaner

1 teaspoon mild dishwashing liquid 1 quart warm water 1 teaspoon ammonia In a small bowl, mix dishwashing liquid and ammonia in water to make a sudsy solution. Immerse the gold to be cleaned in the solution for a few minutes, then brush gently with a soft toothbrush to get into crevices and cracks and other hardto-reach places. Rinse in lukewarm water and allow to dry. After drying, rub gold lightly with a chamois cloth to restore a lustrous shine.

Gold Polish
1 cup fuller's earth 2 teaspoons ammonium sulfate 1 cup whiting (calcium carbonate) Stir all ingredients well and store in a sealed container. Apply to gold with a damp cloth. Buff with a clean cloth.

Grape Fungi Control

4 teaspoons baking soda 1 gallon water Dissolve baking soda in water. Spray evenly over grapes and vines. Apply once when the fruit starts to appear and weekly thereafter for about 2 months. Also, re-apply after each rain.

Grout Cleaner
3 cups baking soda 1 cup warm water Prepare mixture fresh each time. Mix into smooth paste. Scrub into grout and rinse well with clear water.

Gum Arabic Adhesive

(for paper, broken glass or porcelain) 6 tablespoons gum Arabic 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons glycerin 1 cup water Dissolve gum Arabic in water and add glycerin. Mix well. Apply to both surfaces of broken or torn object with a popsicle stick. Hold together for 5 minutes. This can be stored in an airtight container for a short period of time.

Hand Santizing Gel

1/4 cup aloe vera gel 1/4 cup grain alcohol 10 drops fragrance oil 1 drop food coloring Combine ingredients and shake well. Store in a spray pump bottle to use.

Hard Water Fabric Gel Soap

2 cups pure soap flakes 1 1/2 cups Borax 6 cups warm water 1/2 cup glycerin 2 t essential oil either lavender, lemon or eucalyptus

In med pan, stir soap flakes, borax, & water. Heat slowly, stir til mix is clear. Add glycerin, set aside to cool. When cool, add essential oil, stir well. Pour in mason jar or other container, cover til needed. To use, add 1 cup Gel per load of clothes, making sure soap is dissolved well before adding clothes to water. This gel works best w/warm water, or dissolve it in qt warm water before adding it to the wash.

Hard Water Laundry Detergent

1 cup soap flakes 1 cup washing soda 1 cup borax Mix ingredients and store in a lidded, labeled canister in the laundry room. To use: Measure out 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup and wash your clothing in warm or cold water. Use cold water for the rinse cycle.

Heavy Duty Grout Cleaner with Ammonia

1 tsp household ammonia 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide 3/4 cup water Combine well in bowl. Pour small amounts onto grout, or saturate towel and press to grout on a wall, so grout is saturated with the solution. Scrub with stiff bristled brush (being careful to check that tile cannot be scratched. Allow to sit for several minutes then rinse well with warm water. Repeat if needed.

Herbal Carpet Freshener 1 cup baking soda 1/2 cup lavender flowers Crush the lavender flowers to release their scent. Mix well with baking soda and sprinkle dry carpet cleaner and deodorizer liberally on carpets. Vacuum after 30 minutes. Herbal Carpet Freshener 2
6 cups baking soda (buy bulk!) 3 cups dried lavender, crushed 1 cup cornstarch Combine ingredients and store in an airtight container. Allow to sit for for 2-3 days prior to first use, to allow the lavender to infuse into the baking soda and cornstarch.

To use, simply sprinkle on carpets, wait for an hour, and then vacuum it up. If the carpets are really bad, sprinkle freshener before you go to bed, then vacuum first thing in the morning.

Home Remedies for All Purpose Cleaners Vinegar and Salt. Mix together for a good surface cleaner. Baking Soda. Dissolve 4 tablespoons baking soda in 1 quart warm water for a general cleaner. Or use baking soda on a damp sponge. Baking soda will clean and deodorize all kitchen and bathroom surfaces. Use liquid castile soap and baking soda or Borax in different ratios. Use a little soap and soda/borax with lots of water on floors, walls and counters. Use more soap, soda/Borax for tubs sinks, cat boxes, anything that can be well rinsed. For a general, all-purpose cleaner, try a paste made from baking soda and water or mix salt and water with a little vinegar. 3 tbsp. vinegar, 1/2 tsp. washing soda, 1/2 tsp. vegetable oil based liquid soap, 2 cups hot water. Mix ingredients in spray bottle or bucket. Apply and wipe clean. Homemade Carpet Powder
Simply use plain old baking soda to sprinkle on the carpets about 15-20 minutes before you vacuum. Baking soda helps to neutralize odors, giving the whole room a fresher odor. If you'd like to add a touch of natural scent, try adding a few pinches of ground spices such as cloves or cinnamon. OR, you can add a few drops of essential oils to the baking soda, and use a fork to mix together and break up any clumps. Handy Tip Use an old spice shaker or a parmesan cheese-type shaker to make shaking the powder out a lot easier. Then you can keep this in your cleaning kit and use whenever you want to freshen up the carpets!

Homemade Cleaner
Crystal Miller In a clean, empty gallon milk jug put: 2 Tablespoons ammonia 1 teaspoon dish detergent

1 pint (2 cups) rubbing alcohol 4 drops food coloring optional a few drops of your favorite essential oil for a nice fresh scent, I use Orange Fill the rest of the gallon jug with hot water. Pour into spray container to use.

Homemade Febreze
2 cups fabric softener 2 cups baking soda 4 cups hot water Purchase a large spray bottle. Dissolve the baking soda in the hot water; allow to cool completely. Put fabric softener (Downey is a good one to use) in it and fill the spray bottle. Spray it lightly on furniture, curtains, carpets and bedding for a nice fresh scent.

Homemade Flea Bath Recipe

* One lemon * A pot * Water * A spray bottle, sponge or pet brush What You Do: 1. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Then, remove from heat. 2. Add a sliced lemon to the pot, and allow it to steep overnight. 3. Apply the resulting liquid to your pet with a spray bottle, sponge or brush. 4. Repeat daily or as needed. Why This Works Lemons contain limonene, a chemical that kills and repels fleas.

Homemade Flea Repellent

mix equal parts white vinegar and water together in a spray bottle, and apply the mixture directly to your dog's coat. Finish by working it in with your hands, and your

pooch is protected from those pesky fleas. 1) Repeat every couple days to maintain the effectiveness 2) This spray can also be used on cats, but be warned: most cats hate the smell of vinegar 3) Do not reuse empty cleaner bottles they could contain chemical residues that are harmful to your pet

Homemade Floor Cleaner

1 cup white vinegar 1 gallon warm water Mix in your cleaning bucket and use this to clean vinyl type floors.

Homemade Fly Trap

2 cups water 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup vinegar Mix ingredients and pour into a fruit jar. Punch holes in the lid large enough so that flies can get inside. Set outside away from the kitchen door. It will draw flies away from the door.

Homemade Glass Cleaner

Mix in a sprayer bottle: 1 cup rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol 1 cup water 1 tablespoon white vinegar

Homemade Laundry Soap

1 bar Ivory Soap (plain, pure soap - no fragrance) 1 cup washing soda (not baking soda) Fill a large bucket or container with hot tap water. Set aside. Grate the bar of soap into a saucepan. Add water just to cover the grated soap. Heat

the mixture, stirring constantly, until the soap is dissolved. Add the soap-water mixture to the hot water in the bucket. Stir to combine. Then add washing soda and stir. As this cools it will turn into a white gelatinous soap. The thickness will vary depending on the size of container used. To use: Pour one cup into soiled laundry load. This bucket of soap does a lot of laundry for a very small price and more soap is just 15 minutes away. One batch washes 24 loads of laundry.

Homemade Pre-treating Stain Remover

2 TBS Ammonia 3/4 Cup Dawn Dish Soap 2 Cups warm Water Mix well. Store in a spray bottle. Let sit 15 minutes on stains; then wash.

Homemade SoftScrub Cleaner

If you need a homemade cleaner that isn't gritty and won't cause scratches, you can make your own version of SoftScrub cleaner. You can double the recipe if you need more on cleaning day. 1/4 cup baking soda 2 tbsp vinegar 2 tbsp liquid dish detergent Adjust the amount of vinegar to get the Softscrub consistency you want. Combine ingredients and place in a clean, empty squeeze bottle. Use as you would normal SoftScrub cleaner.

Homemade Vanilla Deodorizer Spray

Fill a small spray bottle with 1/2 water and 1/2 vinegar solution. Then add a few drops of vanilla essential oil to the bottle, mixing well. If it isn't vanilla-y enough for you after sitting for a day, add another drop or two a day until you have the perfect vanilla scenet. To use, simply spray the air a few times with your vanilla deodorizer spray to help kill the bad smells while leaving the scent of vanilla behind.

Homemade Window Cleaner

t mild dish detergent

3T vinegar 2 cups water Put all these ingredients into a spray bottle. Shake this up some and use it just like the commercial variety.

Homemade Window Cleaner #2

3T Ammonia 1T vinegar Put in spray bottle and fill the rest of the way up with water.

Homemade Window Glass Cleaner

1/2 cup vinegar to 1 gallon of water (or 2 tablespoons per quart) OR 1/2 cup sudsy ammonia to 1 gallon water (or 2 tablespoons per quart) OR 1/2 cup sudsy ammonia 2 cups rubbing alcohol 1 teaspoon liquid dishwashing detergent 1 gallon water (This one is less likely to freeze in cold weather.)

Homemade Wipes
To make any of these wipes, tear off paper towels and lay in a square plastic container. They can be folded or cut in half. Mix ingredients in a large measuring cup, and slowly pour over a stack of paper towels. They will 'squish' down after absorbing the liquid. Seal tightly. Caution: Some square seals are not airtight and may leak if tipped. Baby Wipes: White Brawny or Bounty paper towels (1/2 regular roll) 2 1/4 cups water 2 tablespoons liquid baby bath 2 teaspoons baby oil Face/Hand Wipes: White Brawny or Bounty paper towels (1/2 regular roll) 2 tablespoons liquid baby bath 2 cups water

Bathroom Wipes: White Brawny or Bounty paper towels (1/2 regular roll) 1/2 cup pine cleaner 2 cups water Window Wipes: White Brawny or Bounty paper towels (1/2 regular roll) 1 cup glass cleaner 1 1/2 cups water

HOUSEHOLD CLEANERS
Mix 1 tsp. Boraxo , 1/2 tsp. washing soda, 2 Tbsp. white vinegar, 1/2 tsp. Murphy's Oil Soap, and 2 cups water in a spray bottle and use as a general cleaner. Mix 1/2 cup baking soda with enough liquid detergent to make a creamy paste and use this to clean sinks and tubs. Rinse well. To make a scrub cleaner mix 1Tbsp. each of Boraxo , sea salt, and baking soda. Makes a good scouring powder. You can mix 1/4 cup baking soda and enough Murphy's Oil Soap to form a paste to make a product that will clean your tub and sink as good as any cleanser but without the gritty residue.

Houseplant Mix
1 quart finely sifted topsoil 2 quarts finely sifted compost or high-quality leaf mold 1 quart coarse builder's sand, perlite or vermiculite or pre-moistened peat or sphagnum moss 1/2 cup dehydrated cow manure or 1/4 cup dehydrated poultry manure Put 1 inch of loose gravel at the bottom of the container for better drainage. Or you may use the Styrofoam "popcorn." Fill with Houseplant Mix.

How to Anti-Fog Mirrors

To make a homemade anti-fogging glass cleaner try any one of the three following: rub a few drops of liquid dish washing detergent applied with a damp paper towel over the window (or) 2 oz white vinegar to 1 quart tap water (or) 1 oz. sudsy ammonia, 4 oz. rubbing alcohol, 1/4 teaspoon liquid dish washing

detergent, 1 quart water

HOW TO RID ODORS FROM HANDS & BREATH

If you handle garlic or onions to remove the odors wash hands with soap and water. Then take some cheesecloth and fill it with coffee beans and tie it with a rubber band. Rub this bag of coffee beans over your hands. This will last for 6 months and then you should discard it and make a new one. For garlic or onion breath you can chew on a coffee bean. Or eat some fresh parsley sprigs. Wash hands with baking soda to remove odors, or rub hands with a freshly sliced lemon half. Squirt some of the lemon juice on the hands and rub it in, then wash hands as you normally would to remove odors. Wash odors off hands by holding any piece of stainless steel in your hands at same time as you wash hands underneath running water. Works every time!

Hurricane Window Cleaner

This is the cleaner that was used to take tape marks off windows after the hurricanes in the southeast in 1986. It is also great for removing soap film on shower doors. 1/2 cup ammonia 1 pint alcohol 1 teaspoon dish detergent Water to make a gallon Put ammonia, alcohol and detergent in gallon jug. Fill up with water. Shake before each use.

Ink Remover
1 tablespoon white vinegar 1 teaspoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon milk 1 teaspoon borax Combine ingredients in a small bowl. Place the portion of fabric with the ink stain between several thicknesses of paper toweling. Paint the spot with the Ink Remover. Wait a few minutes, then sponge area with cool water. Repeat until stain is gone.

Key Lime Dish Detergent Powder

Source: Herbal Homekeeping - Sandy Maine

Given the sheer volume of dirty dishes generated by the average household, this is probably the most ecologically important recipe in this book. Powdered dish detergent eliminates the need for buying plastic bottles and then recycling or disposing of them. The weight of the water included in dishwashing liquid need not be shipped from coast to coast, saving fuel and air pollution. Washing dishes in the sink saves electricity and water, too. This powder is just as effective as liquid. If you find that you really prefer a liquid, add some boiling water to the formula, stir until the powder is dissolved, and bottle in your favorite squirt dispenser. The following formula will last the average family of four approximately six months. 1/2 cup clay powder 2 tablespoons lime essential oil 24 cups sodium lauryl sulfate 6 cups baking soda Wear a dust mask to mix this formula. Mix clay powder and essential oil, then, in a two-gallon pail or container, combine with the baking soda and sodium lauryl sulfate. Mix well. To convert to liquid soap, add 18 cups of boiling water and stir until all ingredients are dissolved. Store in gallon jugs and refill squirt bottles as needed. To use, add about a tablespoon of powder or a good squirt of liquid per sink load while filling the sink. For tough jobs, make a paste of the powder by adding water and rub directly on the spot, or apply the liquid directly to it.

Kitchen Floor Cleaner

For greasy, no-wax floors: 1 cup vinegar 1/4 cup washing soda 1 tablespoon vegetable oil-based liquid soap 2 gallons hot water Combine all ingredients, stirring well to dissolve the washing soda. Mop as usual.

Kitchen Potpourri
1/4 cup whole cloves 1 cup whole allspice

10 (3-inch long) cinnamon sticks, broken into pieces 8 small bay leaves 4 whole nutmegs 3 tablespoons star anise 2 tablespoons whole cardamom pods Combine all the ingredients in a bowl, mixing well. Store indefinitely at room temperature, stirring occasionally.

Laundry Detergent
1 ounce liquid castile soap 1 cup washing soda 1 cup baking soda 1 cup white vinegar Fill washer with water and add each ingredient in the order given. Launder as usual.

Laundry Detergent 2
In a large heavy-duty plastic container, combine 1 cup soap flakes, 1/2 cup washing soda and 1/2 cup of borax. Use 1/2 cup of mixture per load of laundry. Use with cold and warm water washes, with cold water rinse.

Laundry Detergent 3
3 Pints Water 1/3 Bar Fels Naptha Soap, Grated 1/2 Cup Washing Soda 1/2 Cup Borax 2 Gallon Bucket 1 Quart Hot Water Hot Water Mix Fels Naptha soap in a saucepan with 3 pints of water, and heat on low until dissolved. Stir in Washing Soda and Borax. Stir until thickened, and remove from heat. Add 1 Quart Hot Water to 2 Gallon Bucket. Add soap mixture, and mix well. Fill bucket with hot water, and mix well. Set aside for 24 hours, or until mixture thickens. Use 1/2 cup of mixture per load.

Laundry Detergent 4
1 Cup Grated Fels Naptha Soap

1/2 Cup Washing Soda 1/2 Cup Borax 2 Tablespoons Glycerin 2 Cups Water Mix all three ingredients together. Add glycerin and water. Use 1/2 - 3/4 cup per load. Best when used with cold or warm water.

Laundry Detergent 5
Water 1 Bar Fels Naptha Soap, Grated 5 Gallon Bucket 1 Cup Washing Soda 4 1/2 Gallons Hot Water Place grated soap in a small saucepan and cover with water. Heat on low until dissolved. Fill bucket with hot water, and add soap. Stir to combine. Add 1 cup washing soda and mix well. As it cools it will thicken. May be used immediately. Use 1-2 cups per load.

Laundry Detergent 6
1 Cup Grated Fels Naptha Soap 1/2 Cup Washing Soda 1/2 Cup Borax For light load, use 1 tablespoon. For heavy or heavily soiled load, use 2 tablespoons.

Laundry Detergent Gel

1 bar Fels Naptha Soap 1-2 cups Arm & Hammer Washing Soda 3 gallons very, very hot water (near boiling) Grate tne soap and set aside. Heat water to boiling and stir in soap until melted. Let is set until any bubbles have tamed down. You may leave it on medium-low heat during this stage (1-5 min). Pour half of the hot water into a 5-gallon bucket. Stir in hald of the washing soda and keep stirring until dissolved. Add the remaining water and washing soda and stir until everything has dissolved and melted. Cover and let the detergent "set up" overnight. Use 1 cup per load.

Laundry Pre-Treat Spray

1/2 cup household ammonia 1/2 gallon water 2 tablespoons Soft Soap 1/2 cup white vinegar 1/4 cup baking soda Put all ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well. Spray all hard-to-clean areas of clothing before washing.

Laundry Pre-Wash Spray

1/2 cup ammonia 1/2 cup liquid laundry detergent Water Put all the ingredients into a pint spray bottle. Shake well before using.

Laundry Soap
(for automatic washers) 2 cups pure soap flakes or powder 2 to 4 tablespoons washing soda (4 tablespoons if using very hard water)

LAUNDRY SOAP 2
1/3 bar of Fels-Naptha soap, grated 1/2 cup washing soda 1/2 cup borax powder 1 tbsp essential oil (optional) 2 gallon jugs (Dorice uses recycled vinegar jugs) Place grated soap in a large pot over medium heat and add 6 cups of water. Heat the mixture until the soap melts. Add the washing soda, the borax, and any essential oil. Stir constantly until all is dissolved. Allow to sit over heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes more. Using a funnel, place half of the solution in each of the gallon jugs, then add enough hot water to fill the container half way in each. Shake well, then fill the remaining half of each jug with hot water and shake again. Allow to sit for 24 hours when it will gel up and look like egg whites. Use 1/2 to 2/3rds cup per load. This solution will not suds up, but cleans great and makes the clothes smell fresh. March/April 2007 issue of Countryside Magazine and Small Stock Journal. Dorice

Baty, with equal credit to her grandmother Beulah who has always been her inspiration. Please be advised that Fels-Naptha laundry soap is not organic and can cause skin irritation on susceptible individuals. However, the method could be experimented with using other soaps.

Laundry Soap 3
1 quart Water (boiling) 2 cups Bar soap (grated) 2 cups Borax 2 cups Washing Soda * Add finely grated bar soap to the boiling water and stir until soap is melted. You can keep on low heat until soap is melted. * Pour the soap water into a large, clean pail and add the Borax and Washing Soda. Stir well until all is dissolved. * Add 2 gallons of water, stir until well mixed. * Cover pail and use 1/4 cup for each load of laundry. Stir the soap each time you use it (will gel).

Laundry Soap 4
Hot water 1 cup Washing Soda 1/2 cup Borax 1 Soap bar * Grate the bar soap and add to a large saucepan with hot water. Stir over medium-low heat until soap dissolves and is melted. * Fill a 10 gallon pail half full of hot water. Add the melted soap, Borax and Washing soda, stir well until all powder is dissolved. Top the pail up with more hot water. * Use 1 cup per load, stirring soap before each use (will gel).

Laundry Soap 5
Hot water 1/2 cup Washing Soda 1/2 cup Borax 1/3 bar Soap (grated)

* In a large pot, heat 3 pints of water. Add the grated bar soap and stir until melted. Then add the washing soda and borax. Stir until powder is dissolved, then remove from heat. * In a 2 gallon clean pail, pour 1 quart of hot water and add the heated soap mixture. Top pail with cold water and stir well. * Use 1/2 cup per load, stirring soap before each use (will gel).

Laundry Soap 6
Hot water 1 bar (4.5 oz) Ivory Soap grated 1 cup Washing Soda * In a large saucepan add grated soap and enough hot water to cover. Heat over medium-low heat and stir until soap is melted. * Fill a large pail with 2.5 gallons of hot water, add hot soap mixture. Stir until well mixed. * Then add the washing soda, again stirring until well mixed. * Set aside to cool. * Use 1/2 cup per full load, stirring well before each use (will gel)

Laundry Soap 7
2.5 gallons Water (hot) 1 Bar soap (grated) 3/4 cup Washing Soda 3/4 cup Borax 2 TBS Glycerin * Melt bar soap over medium-low heat topped with water, stir until soap is melted. * In a large pail, pour 2.5 gallons of hot water, add melted soap mixture, washing soda, borax and glycerin. Mix well. * Use 1/2 cup per full load.

Laundry Soap 8
2 cups Bar soap (grated) 2 cups Washing Soda 2 2.5 gallons hot water

* Melt grated soap in saucepan with water to cover. Heat over medium-low heat and stir until soap is dissolved. * Pour hot water in large pail, add hot soap and washing soda. Stir very well. * Use 1 cup per full load.

Laundry Soap 9
2 gallons Water (hot) 1 bar Soap (grated) 2 cups Baking soda (yes baking soda this timenot washing soda) * Melt grated soap in a saucepan with enough hot water to cover. Cook on medium-low heat, stirring frequently until soap is melted. * In a large pail, pour 2 gallons hot water. Add melted soap, stir well. * Then add the baking soda, stir well again. * Use 1/2 cup per full load, 1 cup per very soiled load.

Lavender Dish Soap 2 cups soap flakes (grated ivory) 1 gallon water 25 drops of lavender essential oil (you can change this to lemon or orange or other scent) Place soap flakes and water into a pan. Heat over medium heat stirring occasionally until it boils and until soap dissolves. Lower heat and simmer for 10 minutes to thoroughly combine the ingredients. Remove from heat and let liquid partially cool, add the essential oil and stir. Pour into a clean plastic squeeze bottle or re-used dish soap bottle. Lavender Dishwashing Liquid
2 Cups soap flakes 1 gallon water 25 drops of lavender essential oil Place soap flakes and water into a pan. Heat over medium heat stirring occasionally until it boils and until soap dissolves. Lower heat and simmer for 10 minutes to thoroughly combine the ingredients. Remove from heat and let liquid partially cool, add the essential oil and stir. Pour into a clean plastic squeeze bottle or re-used dish soap bottle.

Lavender Essential Oil Notes: Lavender Essential oil is one of the most popular essential oils around. Not only does it smell GREAT, but it's aromatherapy properties mean that you'll feel more relaxed while doing the dishes.

Lavender Furniture Wax

2 oz grated beeswax, 1 tbsp carnauba wax, 1-1/2 cup mineral spirits, 20 drops oil of lavender. Melt waxes in top of double boiler. Let cool 30 seconds or so, then add mineral spirits and oil. Stir well then place in suitable container.

Lavender Ginger Suds Upholstery Cleaner & Rug Shampoo 4 cups water 1 cup white vinegar 3 tablespoons sodium Lauryl Sulfate 2 teaspoons baking soda 1/8 teaspoon lavender essential oil 1/8 teaspoon ginger essential oil Mix all ingredients together and fill a handheld rug/upholstery shampoo bottle half full. Shake the bottle vigorously and shampoo your furniture or rug using small circular motions. Try not to penetrate fabrics with much more that a thin layer of suds, but scrub the sudsy area well. This is a high suds carpet shampoo. It's actually the suds and scrubbing (provided by you) that do the tandem job of lifting the dirt and smells from rugs and plush furniture. The lavender and ginger essential oils will help if animals smell are a problem. Before tackling the entire job, test-clean any light or unusual fabrics - better safe that sorry! And remember not to soak your furniture; use only the suds for cleaning.

Lavender Linen Water

Use this sprinkled on your sheets and towels in the linen cupboard, or on your pillow at night for a restful sleep. 100 drops (5 ml) lavender oil 5 drops peppermint oil* 1 1/2 fluid ounces (45 ml) vodka (highest proof available) 20 ounces distilled or spring water

Blend the essential oils with the vodka in a small glass bowl. Stir well to blend. Pour water into a large glass bottle. Add oil mixture to water. NOTE: The linen water may be cloudy, this is normal and won't stain linen. Shake bottle before you use it. * Optional. Used to enhance and freshen lavender fragrance.

Lavender Spray
1 cup distilled water 8 - 10 drops essential oil of lavender spray bottle, with a fine mist setting label Pour the cup of distilled water into the spray bottle. Add the drops of essential oil and shake very well. Cap the bottle, and allow to sit for a few hours before using. Shake the bottle before each use to evenly distribute the scented oil throughout the water. Use the label to describe what sort of product is contained in the bottle. And be sure to use the fine mist setting on your bottle, so the spray will be nicely distributed. To use: About ten to twenty minutes before going to bed, spray your pillows (and your linens, if you like) with the spray. Let the scent mellow slightly by allowing the ten to twenty minutes to pass before lying down. When you do lie down, the pillows will smell wonderful! But an even greater benefit is that lavender is a natural relaxant, so this wonderful spray may actually help you fall asleep easier, and sleep better.

Leather Cleaner/Polish
3/4 cup isopropyl alcohol (70%) 1 1/2 cups water 1/2 cup white vinegar Mix well. To use, dampen a cloth with the mixture and rub into leather until clean. Store in a covered bottle or jar.

Leather Oil
1 1/2 cups neat's foot oil 1 1/2 cups mineral oil

Combine oils in a 1-quart bottle. Put lid on the bottle and shake to mix. Store tightly sealed. To use, wipe onto leather with a soft cloth. Let sit 10 to 15 minutes, then buff vigorously with a clean cloth.

Leather Upholstery Cleaner

1/2 cup isopropyl alcohol 1 1/2 cups water 1/2 cup vinegar Mix ingredients. Store in a clean glass jar with a tight-fitting cover. Apply solution to leather upholstery with a soft cloth. Buff dry with another clean, soft cloth. If you want to waterproof the clean leather, apply 1 tablespoon castor oil to a soft cloth, then buff vigorously.

Leather Upholstery Cream

1 part vinegar 2 parts linseed oil Mix well. Prevent leather from cracking by polishing regularly with this cream. Clean with a damp cloth and Saddle Soap.

Leather Waterproof
1 1/2 ounces mineral oil 1 ounce tallow 5 ounces neat's-foot oil Mix the above and rub onto the leather. Do not use on suede.

Lemon Air Freshener

1 cup Water 1/4 cup Fresh Lemon Balm Or Verbena -- chopped 2 T Lemon Peel -- Grated 2 T Fresh Lemon Juice 1 t Baking Soda Bring water to boil in a large saucepan. Add lemon balm, lemon peel, lemon juice, and baking soda and stir until baking soda dissolves thoroughly. The mixture will foam up after you add the baking soda so be sure your saucepan is large enough. Let cool and fill a spray bottle. Makes about one cup.

Lemon Cleaner & Disinfectant

1 teaspoon borax 1/2 teaspoon washing soda 2 tablespoons lemon juice In a pint spray bottle, combine the ingredients. Add 1 cup very hot water and shake well to mix and dissolve the dry ingredients. To use, simply spray on the surface and wipe off with a sponge or rag. This solution can be stored indefinitely. This lemon cleaner spray is great for both kitchen and bathroom surfaces. It works double duty, cutting grease and grime while killing germs. Lemon Fresh Cleaner 1 cup liquid soap blend 1/4 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice 1/4 eyedropper of tea tree extract 6 cups warm water Mix the ingredients together and shake well. To use, put in a plastic spray bottle, sprits on, and wipe off. Store in a cool dark place out of reach of children. Shelf life: approximately 9-10 months. Lemon Furniture Cleaner Spray
1 quart mineral oil 10 drops lemon extract Mix together mineral oil and lemon extract. Spray lightly on furniture and polish with a soft cloth.

Lemon Microwave Cleaner

Add 4 tablespoons of lemon juice to 1 cup water in a microwave-safe, 4-cup bowl. Boil 5 minutes in the microwave, allowing the steam to condense on the inside walls of the oven. Then wipe clean.

Lemon Oil Furniture Polish

1 cup mineral oil 1 teaspoon lemon oil Pour both oils into a clean pump-type container. Close tightly, label, and keep out of the reach of children. Spray onto furniture and buff the surface dry with a clean cloth or sock.

LEMON OIL FURNITURE POLISH

Mix 10 drops lemon oil, 2 Tbsp. lemon juice, and 1/4 cup olive oil. Keep in a capped

bottle and use to dust with. Use a soft clean cloth. Mix 1 tsp. lemon oil to 1/2 cup mineral oil and keep in a capped bottle. Mix well before using and use a soft cloth. Use 1 part fresh lemon juice to 3 parts olive oil to make a good furniture polish. Will keep in an airtight container for 6 months. Mix 3/4 cup olive oil, 20 drops lemon oil, (or lime oil or orange oil) and 1/2 cup vinegar. Store in a capped bottle and use as needed to polish your furniture or your cabinets.

Lemon-Mint Window Wash juice from 1 lemon 2 cups water or club soda 1/2 teaspoon peppermint essential oil 1 teaspoon cornstarch Mix all ingredients and pour into a plastic spray bottle. Shake well before using. Lemon-Olive Oil Furniture Polish
Make fresh polish each time you use it. 1 lemon 1 teaspoon olive oil 1 teaspoon water Juice the lemon, then mix the juice with oil and water. Apply a thin coat to wood surface and let sit for five minutes. Use a soft cloth to buff to a deep shine.

Linoleum Floor Cleaner

For extra grease-cutting, try this formula: 1/4 cup washing soda with 1 tablespoon of liquid soap, 1/4 cup vinegar, and 2 gallons hot water. Put the washing soda in the bucket first and add the liquid ingredients; that way the soda wont splash out. Caution: Do not use this formula on waxed floors.

Linoleum Floor Wax Stripper

1/2 cup Spic & Span 1/2 cup ammonia 1 gallon very hot water Mix. Let stand for 5 minutes on a small area at a time. Scrape wax off with a Teflon

spatula.

Liquid Castile Soap

2 cups grated Castile soap, firmly packed 1/2 gallon water 2 tablespoons glycerin Mix ingredients together in a large pot. Set over low heat, stirring occasionally until the soap has dissolved. Transfer to a jar and cover tightly. For a less thick gel soap, use 1 gallon of water.

Liquid Laundry Detergent

4 cups water 2 cups bar soap (such as Fels Naptha or Ivory) 2 cups Borax 2 cups Washing Soda (Arm & Hammer is most common) Important Note!! Baking soda and washing soda are NOT the same thing, even though both are made by Arm & Hammer. If you cannot find it locally in your grocery store (sold in the laundry aisle) you can ask them to order it for you, or use the link above to purchase it from Amazon. In a large stock pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. While waiting for the water to boil, finely grate the two bars of soap using your grater. Once water is boiling, add the grated soap, reduce heat to medium-low, and stir until grated soap is completely melted. Pour into a large bucket (if your stock pot isn't large enough) then add borax and washing soda, stirring until they are both disolved into the mixture. Add another 8 cups (2 quarts) of water, stirring again. Allow to cool to room temperature if needed, then give it another good stir to fully combine. Then pour into cleaned recycled liquid laundry detergent containers (will make a bit over 12 cups of detergent). To use: Give the container a good shaking, then use 1/4 cup of detergent for each load of laundry. You can mark the inside of the laundry cap with a black sharpie to show where the 1/4 cup mark is, if it isn't already marked.

Liquid Laundry Soap

1/3 bar of soap (I used a bar that was 250 grams or 8.8 oz) 6 cups water 1/2 cup washing soda 1/2 cup borax 4 cups hot water

Directions: Grate your soap (about 80 grams or 3 oz) Add 6 cups water to a pot with grated soap and heat until blended. Remove from heat. Add 1/2 cup EACH borax and washing soda stirring until dissolved. In a large bucket (7.5 L / 2 Gallon) pour 4 cups hot water + your soap mixture. Stir well. Add cold water until bucket is full Serves: 60 Preparation time: 15 minutes plus overnight to set

Liquid Pump Soap

2 cups mild laundry soap flakes 1 1/4 cups hot water 2 tablespoons baby oil, mineral oil, or almond oil Few drops rose oil or other essential oil (if desired) Place soap flakes in a bowl. Stir in water and mix. Add oil and blend well. Pour into a pump bottle. Since the soap tends to separate, shake it before using.

Liquid Simmering Potpourri

1 quart pineapple juice 1 quart water 1 quart apple cider 4 pieces ginger root 3 cinnamon sticks 16 whole cloves 1 teaspoon allspice 2 teaspoons pickling spice NOTE: THIS IS NOT FOR CONSUMPTION. Combine all ingredients in a large saucepan. Bring to boil, then simmer to fill the house with a holiday odor.

Let it simmer on your stove and it will fill your house with a wonderful scent.

Magic Mirror Cleaner 1/4 cup dawn 1 cup alcohol 1 cup ammonia Mix the ingredients and apply with a sponge or pour into spray bottle and spray on. Wipe dry with crumpled newspaper, buff to a shine. (Use crumpled newspaper instead of paper towels for lint-free results. Tip: When using a homemade window and glass cleaner, use up and down strokes on one side of the glass and side to side strokes on the other to tell which side requires extra polishing. Magic Wall and Appliance Cleaner
2 tablespoons non-sudsy ammonia 1 teaspoon liquid dish soap 1 pint rubbing alcohol 1 gallon water Store in a spray bottle. This is comparable to the "Fantastic" cleaner.

MAKE YOUR OWN ADHESIVES

Mix 3 pkgs. unflavored gelatin with 1 Tbsp. cold water and 3 Tbsp. boiling water. Stir until dissolved. Add 1/2 tsp. peppermint oil. Store it in a small covered tub. It will congeal so to use it, microwave for 10 seconds on high.

MAKE YOUR OWN BACKSCRUBBER

Cut the legs off of a pair of pantyhose. Insert a bar of soap into one of the legs, centering the soap so it is in the middle of the leg. Secure it there by tying a knot on both sides of the soap. You can use this to wash your back with or your body as nylon acts as a mlld abrasive to the skin.

Make your own Febreeze

In a 32 ounce clean spray bottle, place 4 tablespoons of Ultra Downy fabric softener (you can chose the scent you like best, or use liquid fabric softener you already own.) Then fill the spray bottle with water, leaving about an inch from the top. Gently shake, then use just as you would use febreeze. As with all cleaners, spot test before spraying on any fabric or furniture.

Metal Polish

1/2 cup cigar ashes, wood ashes or diatomaceous earth 1 tablespoon baking soda Water Mix into a smooth paste. Rub on with a soft cloth.

Microwave Cleaner
1 cup water 1 quart warm water 1/4 cup baking soda To loosen dried-on food, put 1 cup water in a microwavable cup and heat in the microwave until it boils; turn off the microwave and let the water sit for 1 minute. Dissolve baking soda in 1 quart warm water and, using a sponge or cloth, wash the interior of the microwave with this solution to clean and deodorize it.

Microwave Cleaner 2
1/4 cup baking soda 1 teaspoon vinegar 5-6 drops thyme, lemongrass, or lemon essential oil Combine all ingredients to make a paste. Apply to the walls and floor of the microwave with a soft cloth or sponge. Rinse well and leave the microwave door open ot air-dry for about 25-minutes.

Microwave Cleaner 3
1 cup water 1 quart warm water 1/4 cup baking soda To loosen dried-on food, put 1 cup water in a microwavable cup and heat in the microwave until it boils; turn off the microwave and let the water sit for 1 minute. Dissolve baking soda in 1 quart warm water and, using a sponge or cloth, wash the interior of the microwave with this solution to clean and deodorize it.

Microwave Cleaner 4
# 1/4 cup vinegar # 2 cups water Add the ingredients to a large bowl. Microwave uncovered for 3 minutes on high. Leave for another three minutes. Open the microwave, remove the bowl and wipe down the inside of the microwave with a clean damp cloth.

Mildew & Scum Remover

Mixture of vinegar and salt is an excellent homemade version of a mildew remover, and other discolored "scummy" areas.

Mildew Inhibitor
2 cups table salt 1 gallon hot water Dissolve salt in water. Wipe tile walls generously with the solution, then let dry.

Miracle All-Purpose Cleaner Spray

1 (16 ounce) trigger spray bottle 2 tablespoons vinegar 1 teaspoon borax Very hot water 1/4 cup liquid soap or detergent 10 to 15 drops essential oil (optional) NOTE: It is very important that the ingredients be mixed exactly as shown below. Mix vinegar with borax in the spray bottle. Fill bottle halfway with very hot water. Shake until borax is dissolved. Add liquid soap or detergent. You may add essential oil to scent it, if desired.

Miracle Cleaning Spray

1/4 cup white vinegar 2 teaspoons Borax 1/4 cup liquid soap 32 ounces hot water 20 drops lavender essential oil (or other if desired)* * Lavender is great because it is antibiotic, antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial. Combine all ingredients. Store in a clean spray bottle.

Mirror Cleaner
1-1/2 cups vinegar 1/2 cup water 8 drops citrus essential oil of choice

Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well before use. Spray solution onto mirror and wipe with a dry cloth or towel.

Mirror Cleaner 2
1/4 cup white vinegar 1 Tablespoon cornstarch 2 cups warm water Put all ingredients in a large spray bottle. Shake well to dissolve the cornstarch. To use, spray liberally on the mirror, wipe with a clean cloth. Buff to a streak free shine with a wadded up piece of newspaper.

Moist Towelettes
24 squares white Bounty brand paper towels 1 cup witch hazel 1 teaspoon glycerine Separate and stack each of the paper towel squares from the roll; cut each square in half. Place the rectangles in front of you vertically, fold each rectangle into thirds as though folding a business letter. Fold each in half as though closing the cover of a book. Combine witch hazel and glycerine. Mix well and pour over towelettes. Let stand for a few minutes to absorb all of the liquid. Stack in a lidded plastic container or ziplock type bag. These are also great for melting windshield ice in cold weather!

Mole Repellent
This recipe is designed to repel those critters that tunnel through your yard. 1/4 cup castor oil 6 tablespoons water 2 tablespoons liquid detergent Blenderize the castor oil and detergent until the mixture is like shaving cream. Add water and mix again. Fill a regular garden sprinkling can with warm water and add 2 tablespoons of the castor oil mixture. Stir and sprinkle liquid over areas of greatest damage. For best results apply after a rain or a thorough watering.

Mosquito Deterrent

Source: a gardening forum Put some water in a white dinner plate and add just a couple of drops of Lemon Fresh Joy dishwashing soap. Set the dish on a porch or patio. No sure what attracts them, the lemon smell, the white color, or what, but mosquitoes flock to it, and drop dead, or fall into the water, or on the floor within about 10 feet. Works just super!

Moth Balls
Makes 8 balls. Lavender essential oil Cedarwood essential oil 1/2 to 1 cup dried lavender flowers 8 (6-inch) fabric squares 8 (6-inch long) pieces string Combine 10 drops lavender and 10 drops cedarwood to the lavender flowers. Place scented lavender in a glass jar for 1 day. Pour 1 teaspoon of scented lavender on each of 8 fabric squares. Bring up fabric corners together and tie off with the string. Place moth balls in drawers or hang on hangers.

Moth balls 2
Mix the following and scatter in trunks and bags containing furs and woolens: 1/2 lb. each rosemary and mint, 1/4 lb each tansy and thyme, 2 tbs. powdered cloves.

Multi-Purpose Household Cleaner Recipe

1 cup household ammonia 1/2 cup white vinegar 1/4 cup baking soda 1 gallon warm water Mix thoroughly. Store some in clean spray bottles to clean your counters, cupboard doors, walls, doorknobs, etc. and use the rest to mop your floors. This mixture has great grease fighting action!

Natural Toilet Cleaning Paste

For toilets, make a paste of 1/3 cup lemon juice and 2/3 cups borax, spread on stains, let sit two hours, then brush off. For regular toilet cleaning, brush toilet with baking soda.

Newspaper Clipping Preservative

1 white antacid tablet 1 quart club soda Dissolve antacid tablet in club soda overnight. Lay newspaper clippings in solution for one hour, then gently pat dry.

Nicotine Plant Spray

This helps control caterpillars, aphids and destructive worms. 1 handful tobacco 1 gallon water Mix, then let stand for 24 hours. Dilute the solution to the color of weak tea. DO NOT spray on tomato, pepper, eggplant or any other plants that are members of the solanaceous family, since nicotine can kill them.

No Streak Glass Cleaner

1/4 cup white vinegar 1 tablespoon cornstarch 1 quart warm water Mix the ingredients and apply with a sponge. Wipe dry, buffing to a shine. Make sure to always use a lint-free cleaning cloth OR scrunched up newspapers.

No Streak Window Cleaner 1 cup white vinegar 2 tablespoons isopropyl alcohol This recipe helps remove stubborn streaks. Mix all ingredients and pour into a plastic spray bottle. Shake well before using. Non-Brutal Household Cleaner
2 cups water 1 cup white vinegar 2 tablespoons baking soda (sodium bi-carbonate) 4 drops citronella oil 4 drops tea tree oil 4 drops lavender oil

Directions: Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle (watch out, vinegar and bi-carb froth up remember volcanoes in science class in 3rd grade?) and use as a cleaner around the house. You can use this to wash your dishes also, but leave out the Citronella Oil and be sure to rinse your dishes afterwards.

Nonstick Cookware Stain Remover

2 tablespoons baking soda 1 cup water 1/2 cup vinegar Boil this mixture in the affected cookware for 10 minutes. Re-season the cookware with salad oil.

Non-Toxic All Purpose Cleaner 1/2 water or colloidal silver 1/2 vinegar 4 tablespoons lemon juice 10-20 drops tea tree oil spray bottle Combine all ingredients in a plastic spray bottle. Has a tea tree/vinegar smell. (If you don't like the smell of tea tree oil, try lavender or citrus.) Shake your to mix. Use this all purpose cleaner anywhere as needed. Non-toxic and organic so it is safe for daily use on door knobs and toilet handles, switch plate covers etc. Non-Toxic Grout Cleaner
This is a gentle grout cleaner. 3 cups baking soda 1 cup warm water Combine ingredients until forms a smooth paste. Scrub mixture on grout. Rinse with warm water, repeat if neccessary.

No-Rinse Wall Cleaner

1 cup ammonia

1/2 cup vinegar 1 gallon hot water 1/4 cup baking soda Mix together and wash your walls. No rinsing is required.

No-Streak Glass Cleaner 1/4 cup white vinegar 1 tablespoon cornstarch 2 cups warm water Mix the ingredients and apply with a sponge or pour into spray bottle and spray on. Wipe dry with crumpled newspaper, buff to a shine. (Use crumpled newspaper instead of paper towels for lint-free results. Tip: When using a homemade window and glass cleaner, use up and down strokes on one side of the glass and side to side strokes on the other to tell which side requires extra polishing. Odor Absorbing Spray
Use a regular pump spray mister with 4 cups of water in it, add 4 teaspoons of baking soda and spray the odours away.

Oily Garden Repellent

1/4 cup chopped garlic 2 teaspoons mineral oil 2 cups water 1 ounce oil-based soap (liquid or chopped-up Palmolive is good) Puree garlic in blender, peels and all. Add 1/4 cup of the water and scrape down the sides. Continue blending until the mixture is a fine mush. Strain through cheesecloth or an old nylon stocking. In a large, clean glass jar, mix the mineral oil and soap. Add the garlic-water mixture and stir thoroughly; then add the remaining water. Store in a cool, dry place for up to 1 month. To use, pour into a sprayer and spray on the upper and lower surfaces of the plant's foliage. Spray also around roots. It is best to spray in the morning before the sun is too hot or in the late afternoon. Do not water immediately after spraying.

Old-Fashioned Dishwashing Detergent

1 pint grated hard bar soap, soap ends or soap flakes 1 gallon water Place into a pot and stir. Heat over medium heat until it boils, stirring occasionally, until soap dissolves. Lower heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let liquid partially cool. Pour into a clean container and cover tightly. Use about 1 teaspoon to a dishpan of hot water.

Oven Cleaner
1 box baking soda 1/4 cup ammonia Make a paste of baking soda and ammonia. Brush on oven and let soak overnight. In the morning wipe off with clear water.

Oven Cleaner 2
1 cup ammonia 2 cups boiling water 1/2 cup baking soda 1 cup white vinegar Heat oven to 200 degrees F. Leave oven on for 15 minutes; turn off and leave the door closed. Fill a shallow baking pan with ammonia and place on the top shelf of the oven. Fill another pan with 2 cups boiling water and place on the bottom shelf. Close oven and leave pans in for at least 2 hours or overnight. Remove ammonia and make a paste of ammonia, baking soda and vinegar. Spread paste on oven surfaces, leave on for 15 minutes, and then scrub off with a sponge or steel wool.

Oven Cleaner 3
1 quart warm water 2 teaspoons borax 2 tablespoons liquid soap Spray on solution, wait 20 minutes, then clean. Baking soda water Combine one cup of baking soda with enough water to make a paste. Apply it to your oven surfaces, and let it stand a short while. Use the scouring pad for scrubbing the

surfaces. A spatula or bread knife is helpful for getting under large food deposits. This recipe will require some elbow grease, but it is not toxic to you or a child.

Oven Cleaner 4
# 1/2 cup salt # 1 1/2 cups baking soda # 1/2 cup water Mix the ingredients until it forms a smooth paste. Plug the holes in the oven with aluminum foil. Spread the paste (try not to get any on metal parts). Leave overnight. In the morning, mix: # 1/4 cup water # 1/4 cup vinegar Mix the ingredients in a spray bottle. Spray the oven with this mixture. Wipe away. Rinse with clean water. Note: the mixture needs to be rinsed well or it will leave a white residue.

Pearl Cleaner
1 teaspoon mild dishwashing liquid 1 quart lukewarm water Mix in a bowl. Lightly agitate solution until warm suds form. Swish pearls through soapy bath and rinse briefly with cool water. Pat dry with a very soft cloth.

Perspiration Remover
4 tablespoons salt 1 quart water Soak garment in this solution, then rinse and wash garment as usual.

Pet Stain and Carpet Cleaner

1 Part Hydrogen Peroxide 5 parts water Directions: You can really play around with the ratios, but the principle is the same. 1. Combine hydrogen peroxide and water in a spray bottle. (I use a spray bottle,

pour in the amount of hydrogen peroxide I wish to use, and then add water to fill the bottle up. Give it a shake before each use.) 2. Clean any debris from the stain and soak up any liquids. 3. Spray the area generously with the mixture. (This works really well on my light colored carpets. I have also used it on clothing, couches, and hard surfaces. However, as hydrogen peroxide can have bleaching properties, test the mixture on a small and hidden patch of the surface you wish to clean before using the mixture.) 4. Let sit for 24 hours. The stain will disappear along with any smells.

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.

Pine Cleaner
2 cups soap flakes or Soft Soap 8 cups very warm water 1 cup pine oil Mix the soap and pine oil together and pour into a clean gallon-size plastic jug. Pour in the warm water and shake to mix thoroughly. Dilute 2 cups to a bucket of warm water to wash down walls, furniture, and lightly soiled floors. Dilute 4 cups to 1 cup of warm water for floors. You can also use the solution full-strength by pouring onto a sponge and wiping. No rinsing is required.

Pine Furniture Cleaner

1 cup mineral oil 1 tablespoon pine oil 1/4 cup Soft Soap 1 cup warm water Mix mineral and pine oils in a glass or enamel bowl. Stir in the Soft Soap and warm water, continuing to stir until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. Pour into a clean quart-size jar or bottle; cap and label. KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN. To use, pour about 1 tablespoon of the solution onto a soft cloth and then polish. Turn the cloth frequently, adding more solution if necessary, to clean the wood. Finish by buffing with a clean, dry cloth. Repeat the process if the wood is heavily soiled, but do not allow the wood to become soaked. If working with fine furniture,

use a minimum of cleaning solution and clean with gentle strokes.

Pine Oil Disinfectant

Make your own version of the popular commercial pine oil disinfectant. 1 pint soap flakes 6 cups hot water 1 pint pine oil Slowly disolve soap flakes into water, stirring well. Once soap is completely disolved, use a spoon to remove any suds that formed on the top. Add pine oil slowly, stirring continuously as its added. Stir until completely blended. To use, dilute with water. For areas with more bacteria (ie. toilets), use at full strength. To store, ensure jar or container is sealed tightly.

Pine Oil Furniture Polish

1 1/4 cups mineral oil 1/4 cup liquid dishwashing detergent 1 tablespoon pine oil 1 1/2 cups water Mix mineral oil, pine oil and detergent in a jar until clear. Add water slowly, stirring constantly. Apply with a soft cloth; polish dry.

Pine Potpourri
1/2 cup bayberry leaves 1/2 cup snipped balsam needles 1/2 cup miniature pine cones 1/2 cup rose hips 2 tsp orrisroot 2 drops pine fragrance oil Mix the bayberry, balsam, pine cones and rose hips in a large bowl. Add the orrisroot and fixative and stir gently. Simmer in a potpourri warmer, or display in pretty crystal dishes around the house.

Plain Putty
Linseed oil

Whiting Add enough linseed oil to the whiting to make a paste. Apply to cracks with a putty knife. Allow to dry. Sand surface if needed.

Plant Food
1 package granular dry yeast 1 quart warm water Mix well. Use to water plants now and then.

Plant Food 2
Plant Food Your plants will double in size and beauty with this once-a-month treatment. 1 gallon tepid water 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon household ammonia 1 teaspoon Epsom salt 1 teaspoon saltpeter

Plant Food 3
Use once a month, and your plants will be greener and healthier. 1 envelope unflavored gelatine 3 cups cold water 1 cup hot water Mix gelatine with hot water until gelatine is dissolved. Add 3 cups cold water.

Plastic Cleaner
2 tablespoons white vinegar or lemon juice 3 cups water Mix and store in a spray container. Spray on and wipe dry.

Poison Ivy Spray

3 pounds salt

2 gallons soapy water Mix well. Spray the poison ivy with this solution. A few dousings will kill the plant.

Polishing Cloths
1 yard soft flannel, cotton, or terrycloth, cut into 4-inch squares 1/4 cup water 1 cup Lemon-oil Furniture Polish or 1 cup Pine Furniture Cleaner Cut fabric into 16-inch squares. You can also use old T-shirts, pajamas or cloth diapers. Moisten fabric with water and place into a large jar or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid for 30 minutes. Pour furniture polish into the container, making sure all the cloth is thoroughly saturated. Keep covered, turning the container frequently until all the pieces are coated. Label the container and keep it away from children. To use, remove one of the polishing squares and simply wipe over your furniture. Buff with a clean cloth if there is time. Return the polishing cloth to the container if it is still clean; discard or wash when the cloth becomes soiled.

Porcelain Cleaner
1/2 cup vinegar 1/4 cup baking soda 1 cup clear ammonia 1 gallon warm water Mix well. Wear rubber gloves, and work in a well-ventilated area.

Porcelain Sink Stain Remover

1 teaspoon liquid dishwashing detergent 1/2 cup liquid chlorine bleach 1/2 cup white vinegar Close drain and run several inches of warm water into sink. Add above ingredients. Let stand in sink overnight. Rinse out sink with hot water.

Potpourri Molds
1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup salt 1 cup potpourri (old or new), cut finely 1/3 to 1/2 cup water Cookie cutters (the open kind, not closed) Mix all of the ingredients together and refrigerate for 5 minutes. Flatten the dough either with your hands or a slightly floured rolling pin. Cut the dough with cookie cutters. Or you can use the dough like clay and make a sculpture. If using as a hanging ornament, punch a hole in each shape. Set on a wire rack to dry thoroughly.

Powdered Laundry Detergent

2 bars Fels Naptha soap, grated (or enough bars to make 28 ounces) 8 cups washing soda 4 cups borax 4 cups powdered all-color bleach (optional) 20 drops (or more) essential oil (optional) Mix all ingredients together and store in a lidded container. This will last a LONG time! For light loads, use 1 tablespoon. For heavy or heavily soiled loads, use 2 tablespoons.

Powdered Laundry Soap

2 cups Fels Naptha Soap (finely grated you could also try the other bar soaps listed at the top) 1 cup Washing Soda 1 cup Borax * Mix well and store in an airtight plastic container. * Use 2 tablespoons per full load.

Powdered Laundry Soap 2

12 cups Borax 8 cups Baking Soda

8 cups Washing Soda 8 cups Bar soap (grated) * Mix all ingredients well and store in a sealed tub. * Use 1/8 cup of powder per full load.

Powdered Laundry Soap 3

1 cup Vinegar (white) 1 cup Baking Soda 1 cup Washing Soda 1/4 cup liquid castile soap * Mix well and store in sealed container. * I find it easiest to pour the liquid soap into the bowl first, stirred in the washing soda, then baking soda, then added the vinegar in small batches at a time (the recipe foams up at first). The mixture is a thick paste at first that will break down into a heavy powdered detergent, just keep stirring. There may be some hard lumps, try to break them down when stirring (it really helps to make sure the baking soda isnt clumpy when first adding). I used 1/2 cup per full load with great results.

Premier Window Cleaner

1/2 cup ammonia 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar 2 teaspoons cornstarch Add all to a bucket of warm water for a perfect window washing solution. Clean with newspaper instead of paper toweling, as it is less expensive and works much better.

Pre-Soak (for delicate fabrics)

2 tablespoons cream of tartar 1 gallon hot water Dissolve cream of tartar in hot water. Let the mixture cool. Soak delicate fabrics, synthetics, baby clothes, and clean diapers to remove minor stains and restore whiteness.

Pre-Soak (for whites and colorfast colors)

2 gallons hot water 1/2 cup automatic dishwasher detergent

1/2 cup chlorine bleach Mix all ingredients in a large bucket. Soak white cottons and washable synthetics for 2 hours (or long if heavily stained). For bleachable, colorfast colors, allow the mixture to cool first, then soak for 30 minutes. Pour off liquid and launder as usual.

Pre-Treated Dust Cloth

1 tablespoon mild soap powder (Ivory Snow) 1 tablespoon ammonia 2 tablespoons boiled linseed oil 1 quart warm water Soak a large piece of flannel in this solution for several minutes. Wring out and hang to dry. Store in a covered glass or plastic container. Once washed, treat again.

Prewash Laundry Stain Removal Treatment

This stain removal recipe can be made in bulk and stored in a plastic spray bottle. Create a mixture of 1/3 cup water, 1/3 cup liquid detergent, 1/3 cup ammonia. Pour into a clean plastic spray bottle. To use, spray directly on stain, and let soak before washing in the washing machine as normal.

Pre-Wash Spray
1/2 cup household ammonia 1/4 cup baking soda 1/2 cup white vinegar 1/2 gallon water After mixing this solution, put part of it in a smaller spray bottle to keep handy by the washing machine when doing laundry. Spray liberally onto clothes where needed.

Pre-Wash Spray 2
1/2 C. household ammonia 1/4 C. baking soda 1/2 C. white vinegar 1/2 gal. water After mixing this solution, put part of it in a smaller spray bottle to keep handy by the washing machine when doing laundry. Spray liberally onto clothes where needed.

Quick-Patch Putty

1 part salt Water 1 part powdered starch Mix salt and starch. Add enough water to make a paste. Apply and allow to dry. Touch up with paint.

Rabbit Repellent
This is harmless for rabbits. It only repels them. 1/2 cup talcum powder 1/4 cup cayenne pepper Mix the ingredients. Spread the mixture wherever you do not want the rabbits to feed.

Ready Mop Cleaner Refill

1 gallon water 1 cup ammonia 1/2 cup vinegar water Mix ingredients and pour use in your mops instead of buying commercial cleaner. Tip: Use a piece of scrap fleece, scrap flannel or micro-fiber towels (purchased at automotive stores) to replace your SwiferTM or Clorox Ready MopTM disposable pads. Cut several to size to have on hand. When soiled throw in the wash and launder as usual. Note: Don't use ammonia on wood floors. Just use vinegar and water or water and Murphy's oil soap.

Real Pine Potpourri

1/2 cup bayberry leaves 1/2 cup snipped balsam needles 1/2 cup miniature pine cones 1/2 cup rose hips 2 tsp orrisroot 2 drops pine fragrance oil Mix the bayberry, balsam, pine cones and rose hips in a large bowl. Add the orrisroot and fixative and stir gently. Simmer in a potpourri warmer, or display in pretty crystal dishes around the house.

Refrigerator Interior Cleaner

2 tablespoons baking soda 1 quart warm water Scrub stubborn spots with baking soda on a sponge. Use this mixture to wash exterior of refrigerator and other appliances, also.

Refrigerator Interior Cleaner 2

1 tablespoon baking soda 1 teaspoon lemon extract or vanilla extract 4 cups water Mix; wash interior of refrigerator.

Roach Balls
1 cup borax 1/4 cup granulated sugar 1/4 cup chopped onion 1 tablespoon cornstarch 1 tablespoon water Make a paste of the ingredients and roll the paste into little balls. Place 2 or 3 balls into a sandwich-size plastic bag and leave the top open. Place the bag anywhere you have a roach problem. The roaches will eat the balls and carry them away. The bugs die at home, out of sight. The borax clogs their breathing passages. The onion scent draws them in. Makes about 50 balls; about 10 applications. CAUTION: Hide these bags carefully so that children and pets can't get at them.

Road Salt Cleaner

1 cup baking soda 2 cups warm water Mix well. To clean the salts splashed onto the sides of the car, scrub the solution on with a soft brush. Wash car as usual.

Room Deodorizer

1 cup vinegar 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cloves 1 teaspoon allspice Combine all ingredients in a microwave-safe dish and heat until almost boiling. Set out in the room, and soon the room will be odor-free. This will reduce both food and cigarette smoke odors.

Rug and Upholstery Cleaner

1 quart water 1/4 cup ammonia 2 tablespoons vinegar 1 tablespoon baking soda Boil water and take off heat. Add ammonia, vinegar and baking soda. Mix and cool. Use cold. After material dries, vacuum off.

Rust Remover Recipe I

1. Apply undiluted white vinegar to the rust by spraying or dabbing it on (if the object is large), or by submerging the rusted object in vinegar (if the object is small). 2. Allow the vinegar to soak in for 30 minutes. Then, rinse the object off; and dry thoroughly. 3. Repeat the process, if rust remains.

Rust Remover Recipe II

1. Mix together equal parts Borax and lemon juice. 2. Apply the resulting solution to the rust by spraying or dabbing it on (if the object is large), or by submerging the object in a bath of the solution (if the object is small). 3. Allow the solution to soak in for 30 minutes. Then, rinse the object off; and dry thoroughly. 4. Repeat the process, if rust remains.

Saddle Soap

3 1/2 cups water 1/4 cup neat's-foot oil 3/4 cup soap flakes (not detergent) 1/2 cup beeswax or paraffin Heat water to the boiling point, then lower heat to simmer. Slowly add soap flakes and stir gently. Combine neat's-foot oil and beeswax or paraffin in the top of a double boiler. Heat until melted, then stir. Turn heat off and slowly add oil and wax mixture to the soap solution. Stir until thick. Pour into containers and cool. To use, apply with a damp sponge over leather surface. Buff dry with a soft cloth. NOTE: Neat's-foot oil may darken some leathers, and items do not take a polish well after this oil has been applied.

Scented Kitchen Rinse

4 drops essential oil * 2 cups water * your choice of cypress, eucalyptus, grapefruit, lavender, lemon, lemongrass, lime, orange, pine, rosemary, sage, thyme or wintergreen. Use alone or mix-and-match as desired. Pour ingredients into a spray bottle, label, and store in a cool dark place. Use as a final rinse for kitchen surfaces.

Scented Soft Soap

Several drops essential oil or favorite perfume 1 cup Soft Soap Mix together. Label and store in a pump-type dispenser or a squeeze-top plastic container.

Scenting Your Homemade Vinegar Cleaners

To scent your vinegar cleaners, add a few drops of essential oil to your mixture. Some popular scents to use include: * vanilla * orange * lemon * lavendar

* mint * green apple * grapefruit * variety of floral scents

Scouring Cleanser
This is mildly abrasive. To make it more abrasive, add additional whiting, a tablespoon at a time. 1/2 cup soap flakes or Soft Soap 2 teaspoons borax 1 1/2 cups hot water 2 to 5 teaspoons whiting Mix soap flakes, borax and water in a large plastic bowl until soap and borax are dissolved. Add 2 to 5 teaspoons whiting, checking the consistency and degree of abrasiveness after each teaspoon. Pour into a squeeze-top container. Keep out of the reach of children. To use, shake well. Squeeze some of the cleanser onto a sponge and wipe down the appliance or fiberglass. Rinse and dry. For heavily soiled areas, squeeze the cleanser directly onto the spot or stain and let it remain for 30 minutes. Scrub off, rinse, and repeat if necessary.

Scratch Remover for Floors

1 part turpentine 1 part white vinegar 1 part boiled linseed oil

Seed-Starting Mix
1 part finely sifted topsoil 1 part finely sifted compost or high-quality leaf mold 1 1/2 to 2 parts vermiculite, perlite or coarse builder's sand

Septic Tank Treatment

This is an effective cleaner for your septic tank, and it will not harm the system. 2 cups brown sugar 5 cups warm water 1 tablespoon baker's yeast

Stir sugar and yeast into the warm water until dissolved. Pour the solution into the toilet and flush. Wait 30 minutes before flushing again to allow the yeast time to work.

Shoe Waterproofing
2 parts beeswax 1 part mutton fat Melt beeswax and mutton fat together. Apply to shoes at night. In the morning, wipe shoes well with a piece of flannel.

Shower Curtain Wash

1/2 cup detergent 1/2 cup baking soda Fill the washing machine with warm water and add 2 large bath towels. Add detergent and baking soda. Put the shower curtain into the washing machine. Run through the entire wash cycle; however, add 1 cup vinegar to the rinse water. Do not spin dry or wash vinegar out. This method will not work without the bath towels. Hang the shower curtain immediately. Wrinkles will disappear after the curtain has thoroughly dried.

Shower Head Cleaner (for plastic shower heads)

1 pint white vinegar 1 pint hot water Pour into a pot to cover shower head. Soak for 1 hour.

Shower Wall and Glass Door Cleaner

White vinegar, heated Dry borax To clean hard water spots and scum off shower walls and glass doors, use undiluted, heated white vinegar. Put heated vinegar into a spray bottle, spray on and let soak 15 minutes. Using a nylon-covered sponge, apply dry borax and scrub. For really stubborn problems use a dry, soap-filled steel wool pad on a dry shower.

Sick Fern Remedy

1/2 cup salt

6 pints lukewarm water Mix salt with water. If ferns are infested with worms, stick matches into the soil, sulfur end down. For an ordinary size plant, use four matches; six for a large pot.

Sick Houseplant Treatment

4 or 5 empty eggshells 4 cups water Put eggshells in water and let stand for 24 hours. Water the plants with this mixture.

Silver Polish
1 cup soap flakes 1 tablespoon ammonia 1 cup whiting 2 cups boiling water Mix soap, whiting, and ammonia together in a glass or enamel pan. Pour in boiling water and stir to dissolve. Let solution cool. Store in a one-quart glass jar. To use, wash silver in soap and warm water. DO NOT RINSE. Shake polish and apply to silver with a soft cloth or sponge. Rub gently. Rinse silver pieces in clear, warm water, buff, then dry.

Silver Polish 2
1 cup whole milk 2 teaspoons cream of tartar or 1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice Mix. Soak tarnished silver overnight. Rinse with cold water, then polish dry.

Silver Polish 3
1 cup water 1/4 cup soap flakes 2 1/2 tablespoons whiting 1 tablespoon isopropyl alcohol (70%) Boil water and remove from heat. Add soap flakes and stir to dissolve. Beat mixture by hand or with electric mixture at medium speed until it is foamy. Slowly add whiting and alcohol while beating by hand or at low speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Rub onto silver gently with a damp sponge. Rinse well, then wipe dry. Store mixture in a clean jar with a lid.

Silverware Cleaner
This is especially good for pieces of silver that are difficult to clean. 3 tablespoons Ivory or Lux soap flakes 3/4 gallon water In a large aluminum kettle, mix soap flakes and water and bring to boiling. Add silverware. Cook for 10 minutes. Remove silverware from water and rinse in hot water. Rub thoroughly with a soft, dry towel.

Sink or Tub Whitener

This will temporarily whiten yellowed sinks or tubs. 1/2 cup turpentine 2 tablespoons salt Scrub with a terry cloth rag.

Skunk Smell Remover

1 qt. hydrogen peroxide 1/4 cup baking soda 1 tsp. dish detergent Sponge on and let dry. Safe for use on cats and dogs.

Sneaker Freshener
5 drops lavender 5 drops tea tree 1 tablespoon baking powder or cornstarch Add essential oils (EOs) to baking powder (which is more sweetening in nature) or the cornstarch (which is softer-textured). Stir gently to spread scents of the oils. Store in shaker top containers. Give the insides of sneaker a coating of powder overnight. Shake out before wearing.

Soap Scum
Apply baking soda dry or as a thick paste, rub vigorously with a wet sponge, then rinse.

Soft Scrub
4 tablespoons baking soda 4 cups warm water Combine baking soda and water and pour into a clean spray bottle. Spray directly on the surface to be cleaned and wipe off with a damp sponge.

Soft Soap (for delicate washables)

1/4 cup soap flakes or grated soap ends 1 cup water 1/4 cup borax Simmer in a saucepan, stirring until of uniform consistency. Strain into a jar. Cover and store. Wash most items in hot water with a small amount of Soft Soap. For wool, use Soft Soap and cold water.

Soft Soap (jellied soap)

Several bits, slivers, and pieces of used soap enough to make 1 cup, dried out, or 1 cup soap flakes 1 cup boiling water If using soap bits, grind them in a food processor blender until they are fine. Mix with the soap flakes, if necessary to make 2 cups. Pour boiling water over the soap and stir until soap is completely dissolved. Cool. Label and store in a pump-type dispenser or a squeeze-top plastic container.

Spackle
Baking soda "Elmer's" Glue Mix to the proper consistency.

Spider Spray
1 cap Lemon Joy (dish soap) 1 cap Listerine 1 cap ammonia cleaner 1 quart water Mix together and spray on areas where spiders are coming in.

Sponge Reconditioner
2 tablespoons salt 2 quarts water Soak sponges in this solution, then wash in the washing machine along with your towels.

Spot Remover
This is especially good for removing spots from delicate fabrics. 3 tablespoons hydrogen peroxide 1 tablespoon ammonia Mix ingredients and dab on the stained area. Leave on for up to 1 hour, then rinse off. Reapply if necessary. CAUTION: Fumes from this cleaner may seem strong, so work in a well-ventilated area. Also, do not make this recipe in a larger quantity as it will not keep. Also the two chemicals generate heat if left together for long.

Spot Stopper (for dishwasher)

1 cup borax 1/2 cup baking soda Mix ingredients and store in a clean, tightly closed pint-size jar or can. Label and keep out of the reach of children. To use, add 1 teaspoon of the mixture to your dishwasher in addition to the dishwasher detergent.

Spotless Dishwasher Rinse 1 to 1 1/2 cups white vinegar added to the rinse compartment of your dishwasher will do! Don't overfill. Add before washing. Also helps with odors from your dishwasher. Spray and Wash
2 tablespoons ammonia 1 teaspoon liquid soap or detergent 1 pint warm water

Mix. Store in a spray container. Spray on tough spots and let set for 15 minutes. Wash as usual.

Spray Starch
1 part liquid starch 1 part water Mix and put into an old spray bottle. Add a small amount of cologne if desired.

Squirrel Repellent
1 ounce Murphy's Oil Soap 1 ounce hot sauce 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper Mix everything together and put the mixture in a 22 ounce spray bottle. Fill the bottle to the top with water. Gently mix. Spray everything around where the squirrels are unwanted.

Stainless Steel Cleaner

1/2 cup cornstarch 1/2 gallon warm water Wipe on with paper toweling; polish with a soft lint-free cloth.

Stainless Steel Cleaner 2

1 tablespoon ammonia 1 pint water Mix. Use to clean stainless steel.

Starch (basic)
1/2 cup starch 2 1/2 quarts boiling water 1/2 cup cold water Mix starch with the cold water and stir to a smooth paste. Add the boiling water gradually to the creamed mixture and cook, stirring constantly, for about 5 minutes or until the mixture becomes transparent. Heavy Starch: Mix 1 part basic starch with 1 part lukewarm water. Medium Starch: Mix 1 part basic starch to 3 or 4 parts lukewarm water.

Light Starch: Mix 1 part basic starch to 5 or 6 parts lukewarm water.

Starch (for crocheted baskets and favors)

1/2 cup granulated sugar 2/3 cup water Boil sugar in water for three minutes. Cool slightly; dip basket, stretch on jar, vase or other object. Place on heavy cardboard or several layers of paper. Pull and stretch to desired shape and size as it hardens, then let dry to set the shape.

Starch (for doilies)

1/2 cup starch 1 1/4 cups water 1/2 cup cold water Dissolve starch in cold water. Boil the 1 1/4 cups water, stirring constantly. Remove from flame, then slowly stir the starch mixture into boiling water, stirring constantly. Place back on flame until it thickens. As soon as the starch is cool enough to handle, dip doily and squeeze through it thoroughly. Wring out the extra starch. The doily should be wet with starch, but there should be no starch in the spaces or openwork. Pin center of doily in true shape and allow to dry thoroughly. After it is dry, press with a steam iron. If a regular iron is used, dampen the doily slightly before pressing. Pin folds of ruffle in position and leave until thoroughly dry.

Steam Iron Mineral Deposit Remover

1 part water 1 part white vinegar Fill the steam iron with water vinegar. Let it steam for several minutes, then disconnect and let set for 1 hour. Empty and rinse out with clear water.

Strong All-Purpose Cleaner

Mix in a sprayer bottle: 1 T clear, non-sudsing ammonia 1 T clear laundry detergent 2 cups water

Strong Glass Cleaner

Mix in a sprayer bottle: 1 cup rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol

1 cup water 1 tablespoon clear, non-sudsing ammonia

Stuck Glass Stopper Remedy

1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon glycerin 1 teaspoon rubbing alcohol Mix. Dribble the mixture around the top of the bottle, a little at a time, until it works its way down around the neck of the bottle, inside the stopper. Add more of the mixture as needed and be patient as it takes time. You should eventually be able to lift out the stopper, but it may require a little nudging. If so, tap the neck of the bottle VERY lightly with a wooden spoon.

Super Drain Cleaner Recipe

1 cup baking soda 1 cup table salt 1/4 cup cream of tartar 1 cup boiling water Cold Water. Mix baking soda, table salt, and cream of tartar. Stir each time before using. Keep in a clean, covered jar. When ready to use, pour 1/4 cup of mixture into drain. Immediately add the 1 cup boiling water. Wait ten seconds, then flush with cold water for at least 20 seconds.

SUPER GLUE REMOVER

Use acetone nail polish remover on a cotton ball and let it saturate the super glue to remove it.

Swiffer Refill Cloths

This works well for both the wet and dry Swiffers! Cut up an old receiving blanket or other similar heavy fabric in the size needed for your "Swiffer." Use and toss in the washing machine to be used again.

Tailor's Crease Remover

1 1/2 ounces rubbing alcohol 8 ounces water 1/2 ounce fabric softener

Mix. Spray on hemline or trouser crease and press dry. This is the professional method used by tailors.

Tea Kettle Lime Deposits Remover

1 part vinegar 1 part water Fill tea kettle with the above mixture. Bring to a boil, turn off heat, then let stand overnight. Rinse thoroughly.

Tea Kettle Lime Sediment Remover

1 1/2 cups apple cider vinegar 1 1/2 cups water 3 tablespoons salt Mix the above in the tea kettle and boil for 15 minutes. Let set in kettle overnight, then rinse with clear water.

Tea Tree Spray For Mold

2 teaspoons tea tree oil 2 cups water Combine in a spray bottle, shake to blend, and spray on problem areas. Do not rinse. Makes 2 cups Preparation Time: Under a minute Shelf Life: Indefinite Storage: Leave in the spray bottle

Termite Remedy
1 quart creosote 1 (1 pound) box moth balls 1 quart household ammonia 1 package hartshorn Mix and dissolve all ingredients in a gallon jug. Put 1 cupful in 3 gallons of water for spray. Keep corked and out of the way of children. Spray around the foundation of house and porch, wooded areas, basement, sheds and buildings.

Thermos Bottle Cleaner

Hot water 1 tablespoon baking soda

Fill thermos with hot water. Add baking soda. Let soak overnight. Rinse thoroughly.

Tile and Grout Cleaner

1/2 cup baking soda 1/3 cup household ammonia 1/4 cup white vinegar 7 cups warm water Combine in a gallon container.. do yourself a favor .. and put the water in FIRST! Shake.. and don't get it near anything with BLEACH! To use: fill a spray bottle, spray onto tile/grout- wipe with a damp cloth or sponge, or use a scrub brush.

Tile Cleaner and Grease Remover

1 cup baking soda 1 cup ammonia 1 cup vinegar 14 cup warm water Mix all ingredients together and place in a spray bottle. Apply directly to tile, and grease and mildew will vanish.

Tile Floor Cleaner

1/4 cup ammonia 1 gallon hot water

Tile Floor Shiner

This will give the tile floor a shiny, glazed look. 1/2 cup powdered clothes starch 1 gallon warm water Apply a very thin layer, then let dry.

Tips for Clean Dishes Tips for Clean Dishes *For very greasy dishes, add 1/2 cup vinegar or lemon juice to the water.

*To loosen baked-on food from pots and pans, immediately add some baking soda and wait 15 minutes before you've had a chance to add baking soda, boil a solution of 1 cup water, 5 drops cedar or other essential oil, and 3 tablespoons. baking soda directly in the pot or pan. Allow the mixture to stand until the food can be scraped off easily. Toilet Bowl Cleaner
1 cup bleach 1 to 10 cups water Pour bleach and water into a clean gallon-size plastic jug. Label, cap, and keep out of the reach of children. Pour 1 cup into the toilet. Let sit for 30 minutes with the lid closed and then swirl around and under the rim with a toilet bowl brush. Flush.

Toilet Bowl Cleaner 2

* 1/4 cup baking soda * 1/4 cup white vinegar 1. Sprinkle baking soda into the toilet bowl and add vinegar. Let sit for a couple of minutes before cleaning with a toilet brush.

Read more at Suite101: Natural Household Cleaning Guide: Eco-Friendly Ways to Detoxify the Home | Suite101.com http://naturalproducts.suite101.com/article.cfm/natural_household_cleaning_guide#ixzz0Z2Ov0z1 D

Toilet Bowl Ring Remover

Borax Lemon juice Make a paste of borax and lemon juice. Flush toilet to wet sides. Apply paste. Let set for 2 hours, then scrub thoroughly.

Toilet Bowl Ring Remover 2

Hydrogen peroxide Cream of tartar Few drops ammonia

Make a thick paste. Rub on and let set for 20 minutes. Scrub with very fine sandpaper.

Toilet Cleaner
3 cups white vinegar 10 drops tea tree essential oil (optional). Pour the ingredients slowly into the toilet bowl. Leave it for 15 minutes then scrub.

Toilet Stain Cleaner

Here is how to clean those toilet stains. 1 cup borax 1/4 cup lemon or vinegar juice Mix, then pour into the toilet bowl. Let sit for about 15 minutes, then scrub the stains away.

Tough Hand Cleaner

1/4 cup grated naphtha soap ends 2 tablespoons mason's sand or pumice 1 cup water Place soap and water in a saucepan. Place over low heat; stir until soap is melted. After mixture cools, add mason's sand or pumice. Store in a cottage cheese container or margarine tub. To use, dip fingers into soap mixture and lather hands. Rinse well. This works well on greasy tools, also. Be sure to rinse and dry tools thoroughly.

Tough Toilet Stain Cleaner

Pour a box of borax into the toilet bowl; let sit overnight. In the morning the stains will be gone.

Transplant Mix
2 quarts finely sifted topsoil 2 quarts finely sifted compost or high-quality leaf mold 1 quart coarse builder's sand, perlite OR vermiculite 1 teaspoon weak organic fertilizer (3-2-2), dehydrated poultry manure or 2 teaspoons dehydrated cow manure

Triple-Action Multipurpose Cleaner

1/4 cup baking soda 1 cup ammonia 1/2 cup white vinegar 1 gallon warm water Mix thoroughly. Store in a bottle.

Tub & Tile Cleaner

Mix 1 2/3 cup baking soda, 1/2 cup liquid soap, and 1/2 cup water. Then, as the last step, add 2 tablespoons vinegar (if you add the vinegar too early it will react with the baking soda). Immediately apply, wipe, and scrub.

Tub and Tile Cleaner

1 2/3 cups baking soda 1/2 cup liquid soap 2 tablespoons vinegar 1/2 cup water a few drops of Tea tree essential oil Mix soda and soap. Add water, then add vinegar and oil. Store in a squirt-top bottle and shake before using. Rinse thoroughly to avoid leaving a residue.

Tub and Tile Cleaner 2

Combine 1/2 cup baking soda with enough vegetable-oil-based liquid soap to make a frosting-like mixture. Add 15 drops of Tea tree oil . Scoop the mixture onto a sponge and scrub the bathtub, sinks, Formica countertops or shower stall. Rinse.

Tub and Tile Cleaning Spray

1 12 oz spray bottle essential oils, such as orange lime lavender, grapefruit, tea tree etc etc etc 10 oz water 2-3 tablespoons 40 volume cream hydrogen peroxide (found at beauty supply stores) Directions:

Wear gloves when mixing this, the hydrogen peroxide wont hurt you, but it could bleach your skin at full strength and itch a little:) also, don't use the peroxide on your hair:) Mix peroxide, water and oils of you choice. the cram consistency of the peroxide will help it cling to the moldy areas of your tile, and just like a scrape full of germs, the spray foams on contact with the mold, wiping it out fast! I usually buy a 6-10 oz bottle of peroxide, make the spray, and dump the rest into a running tub to "bleach" out the rust stains and I let it soak for 15 minutes before I scrub! Serves: 1 12 oz bottle

Tub Scrub
1/4 to 1/2 cup baking soda essential oil (optional) water Directions: Put baking soda in a bowl (cereal size is good). Add 10 drops of essential oil if using. I use sweet orange oil which smells heavenly while scrubbing the tub. Add a tiny bit of water at a time mixing with a spoon until a paste forms. Smooth the paste over your bath tub and let sit for 5 minutes. Use sparingly as you aren't going for thinkness on this. Come back and scrub your tub clean.

Twenty Mule Team Soap

1 can lye 6 cups water 1/2 cup Twenty Mule Team Borax 9 cups tallow or lard 6 cups water Mix lye, Borax and water. Let stand one hour to dissolve. Melt the tallow or lard to lukewarm and add the lye-borax mixture. Stir for 5 minutes or until it starts to thicken. Pour into pans. Let thicken, and cut into squares. Use an old pan and a wooden spoon to make this soap.

Upholstery Cleaner
1/2 cup mild detergent 2 cups boiling water

Mix; let cool until it forms into jelly. Whip with a hand beater for a good stiff foam. Test solution on an out-of-sight spot before you apply all over.

Vanilla Room Spray

1 (4 ounce) clean spray bottle with a fine mist setting 1 1/2 ounces distilled water 1 1/2 ounces clear vanilla extract Fill the spray bottle with vanilla extract and distilled water. Let the bottle sit for one day before use. Shake the bottle prior to each use. Mist lightly in the room. Be careful not to allow the air freshener mist to fall onto furniture or into open beverages.

Varnish Remover
1 cup cornstarch 1/2 cup ammonia 1 cup sal soda Add hot water to cornstarch to make a thin paste. Add sal soda and ammonia. Mix well and apply hot; wait 10 minutes more and apply once more. Wait 10 minutes more and then remove.

Vegetable Cleaner
From Linda (carnation037) At the grocery store you can find a product in the produce aisle - a spray bottle of "fruit and vegetable cleaner." When you look at the label for the ingredients, you will find the main ingredients are vinegar and water. You can make your own veggie wash solution very cheaply, for the cost of a spray bottle and a bottle of vinegar (which you probably already have in your cupboard, anyway.) To make the solution, simply mix a few tablespoons of vinegar with the water in the spray bottle and you're in business for a whole lot less! (Don't worry, it doesn't leave a smell on your produce, and it works great!)

Velvet Scrub
Use this on fiberglass or the inside of a refrigerator. 4 tablespoons baking soda

1 tablespoon Soft Soap 4 cups warm water Combine and pour into a plastic pump-type spray bottle. Spray directly on the surface to be cleaned and wipe off with a damp sponge.

Vinegar Deodorizer
A spray bottle filled with straight vinegar is a good item to keep handy. Vinegar is a great countertop deodorizer and mold killer. Vinegar can also be sprayed directly onto cutting boards and left overnight to deodorize and kill germs. Straight vinegar also works well for cleaning the toilet rim: just spray it on and wipe off. Read more at Suite101: Natural Household Cleaning Guide: Eco-Friendly Ways to Detoxify the Home | Suite101.com http://naturalproducts.suite101.com/article.cfm/natural_household_cleaning_guide#ixzz0Z2P2szR T

Vinegar Mold Killer

Fill a spray bottle 3/4 full with white vinegar and the rest with water, spray on the icky moldy area and in a few minutes wipe off. It practically melts the mold!

Vinegar Shower Cleaner

This is a wonderful, natural alternative to chemical bath and shower cleaners (and it's much less expensive). 1 cup white vinegar 3 cups water Put into a large spray bottle and shake well before each use. Use to clean your bathroom, allowing the mixture to sit longer on more stubborn stains. The acidity in the vinegar will help remove grout and grime.

Vinyl Cleaner
1 part whiting 1 teaspoon mild dishwashing liquid 3 parts baking soda 2 quarts warm water Combine whiting and baking soda in a bowl or bucket. Stir well. Rub powder onto the vinyl with a damp sponge. Mix dishwashing liquid and water in a bowl to make a sudsy solution and wash off the baking soda mixture. Rinse and wipe dry.

Wall and Woodwork Cleaner

1 cup ammonia 1/4 cup baking soda 1/2 cup vinegar 1 gallon water

Wall Cleaner (for heavy dirt)

1 gallon hot water 1 cup ammonia 1/2 cup white vinegar 1/4 cup baking soda Scrub with a terry cloth rag, then wipe dry with a clean rag. NOTE: This is so strong it may dull a glossy wall.

Wall Paper Remover

1 part vinegar 1 part hot water Dip roller or sponge into solution and wet paper thoroughly. After two applications, the paper should peel off in sheets. NOTE: Use a paint roller. It is much more effective than using a brush.

Wall Wash (for painted walls)

2 tablespoons ammonia 1 quart warm water 2 tablespoons liquid detergent Mix well. Dust the walls first with a dry mop. Wash with Wall Wash mixture, rubbing gently. Sponge off with 1 tablespoon borax to 1 quart rinse water. Wipe dry.

Water Rings on Wood

Water rings on a wooden table or counter are the result of moisture that is trapped under the topcoat, but not the finish. Try applying toothpaste or mayonnaise to a damp cloth and rub into the ring. Once the ring is removed, buff the entire wood surface.

Waterproof Glue Recipe

2 Packets unflavoured gelatin -- (1/2 ounce) 2 tablespoons cold water 3 tablespoons skim milk several drops oil of cloves (optional) 1. In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over cold water. Set aside to soften. 2. Heat milk to boiling point and pour into softened gelatin. Stir until gelatin is dissolved. 3. Add oil of cloves as preservative if glue is to be kept for more than a day. Makes about 1/3 cup Store glue in a screw-capped jar. It will gel as it cools, but this will not affect its adhesiveness. Set jar in a pan of hot water to soften glue for reuse.

Wax Stripper
1 cup granular laundry detergent 1 gallon warm water 6 ounces ammonia

Weekly Drain Cleaner Recipe

1 cup baking soda 1 cup vinegar very hot water Pour the baking soda into the clogged drain followed by the vinegar. As this foams, flush with very hot water. Done on a weekly basis, this keeps the drain free of hair and clogging grease. Great for kitchen sinks and bathrooms.

Wet Carpet Cleaner

1 cup Spic 'N' Span 1/2 cup ammonia 2 gallons hot water

White Sock Soap

1/4 cup liquid chlorine bleach 1 cup powdered dishwasher detergent 1 gallon hot water Use a plastic, enamel or stainless steel container (not aluminum) or the kitchen sink.

If the fabric or material cannot take hot water, let it cool. Let socks soak for 5 to 10 minutes. Check them and, if needed, soak a little longer. Rinse well and then wash as usual.

Whitening Soak
1/2 cup bleach 1/4 cup dishwasher powder (such as Cascade) 1 gallon hot water Soak clothes for 30 minutes, then launder as usual.

Wild Life Repellent

Source: vicon.net by Carol Martino 1 whole Spanish onion 1 jalapeno pepper 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper Chop up the onion and the pepper. Mix together and boil in 2 quarts of water for about 20 minutes. Let cool, and strain the water through a cheesecloth. Using a garden sprayer, spray any area outside where wild animals or even neighborhood pets are being a nuisance. This probably will not work for birds (birds do not have a sense of smell.) This process may have to be carried out for a period of 2 weeks to ensure success. This mixture is non-toxic and it will not harm any animal, but will succeed in keeping them away.

Window and Glass Cleaner

* 1/4-1/2 teaspoon liquid soap * 3 tablespoons vinegar * 2 cups water * Spray bottle 1. Put all the ingredients into a spray bottle and shake. The soap in this recipe cuts down on wax residue, commonly found in commercial window and glass cleaners.

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Window and Surface Cleaner

1 cup ammmonia 1 teaspoon Dawn dish liguid 1 pint (2 cups) alcohol Place ingredients in a one-gallon jug and fill the remainder of jug with tap water. To use pour some into spray bottle and use on widows and other surfaces.

Window Cleaner
This is the old-fashioned variety. 1/2 cup ammonia 2 tablespoons cornstarch 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar 1 bucket warm water Dry the windows with two towels. The second towel will make windows sparkle. NOTE: If cold weather, add 1/2 cup rubbing alcohol to the above mixture to prevent ice from forming on your windows.

Window Cleaner (blue)

3 tablespoons ammonia 1 tablespoon white vinegar 3/4 cup water 2 drops blue food coloring

Window Cleaner (for cold weather)

2 tablespoons cornstarch 1 quart warm water

Window Cleaner (for warm weather)

2 tablespoons rubbing alcohol 2 quarts water

Window Washer 1/3 tsp liquid Castile or other liquid vegetable based soap 3 tbsp cider vinegar or white vinegar 2 cups water.

Mix vinegar and water in spray bottle. Add soap. Mix and use. Windshield Cleaner (extra-strength)
1/2 cup whiting 1 cup fuller's earth 1/4 cup baking soda Mix, and add enough water to make a paste. Apply with a sponge. Polish with a dry lint-free cloth.

Windshield De-Icer
3 parts vinegar 1 part water Put into a spray bottle. Before going to bed at night, spray the windshield and all the windows and mirrors. In the morning, the windows should be free of ice.

Windshield Washer Spray

Water 1/4 cup vinegar Put vinegar in dispenser first, then fill with water.

Wintergreen Air Freshener

To add a touch of wonderful wintergreen scent, all you need are some cotton balls and some oil of wintergreen. (Find that in any pharmacy - ask the pharmacist if you can't find any & they'll likely order some in.) Dip the cotton balls in the oil of wintergreen and place near opened windows or anywhere out of sight where the air will circulate around them - smells minty and wonderful!

Wonder Spray
1/4 cup white vinegar 2 teaspoons Borax 1/4 cup liquid soap 32 ounces hot water 20 drops essential oil* Combine all ingredients. Use as you would any other cleaning spray. * Lavender is an antibiotic, antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial.

Wood and Wall Cleaning Solution

1 gallon warm water 1 cup ammonia 1/2 cup vinegar 1/4 cup baking soda Combine and use to clean walls and woodwork.

Wood Cabinet Cleaner/Polish

2/3 cup white vinegar 1/3 cup safflower oil Pour vinegar into blender. With the blender running, add oil in a thin stream. Blend until the mixture is emulsified. Apply with a soft cloth and buff to a shine.

Wood Cleaner/Reviver
1/3 cup boiled linseed oil 1/3 cup WHITE vinegar 1/3 cup turpentine Mix together and shake well. Apply with a wad of steel wool and lightly scrub the surface. Stir the formula, as needed, to keep the vinegar suspended. Wipe again with a clean cloth. NOTE: DO NOT TRY TO BOIL YOUR OWN LINSEED OIL AS IT IS NOT THE SAME. BUY IT AT A HARDWARE OR PAINT STORE.

Wood Floor Cleaner

cup vinegar 1 gallon water The most important thing to keep in mind while cleaning wood floors is that they can not get overly wet. When you use the above mixture, dip your sponge mop into the solution and squeeze until almost dry. Then mop. Never put the cleaner directly on the floor. Dry any streaked or wet area with a clean towel as you go along the floor.

Wood Floor or Furniture Polish

1/8 cup lavender base oil (or plain olive or other vegetable oil if you don't have the base oil handy)

1 Tbsp cider vinegar 1 tbsp vodka 10 drops oil of lavender Mix all together well and rub into the wood with a clean soft rag.

Wood Floor Soap

1/8 cup vegetable oil-based liquid 1/2 cup fragrant herb tea Soap (such as Murphy Oil Soap) 2 gallons warm water 1/4 to 1/2 cup vinegar or lemon juice Combine in a bucket. Swirl until sudsy, then use for mopping.

Wood Floor Wax

1 cup base oil, 1/2 cup vodka, 1 to 1-1/2 oz grated beeswax, 1-1/2 to 2 oz carnauba wax (depends on hardness desired), 20 drops of essential oil of lavender. NOTE: Carnauba wax is brittle and can be quickly pulverized by placing in a plastic bag and gently tapping with a hammer or other suitable tool. Put the base oil and the waxes into the top of the double boiler and place over the bottom portion of the double boiler to which water is already added and is at a simmer. At "low heat" stir gently until all waxes are dissolved. Remove from heat and add vodka and essential oil and blend well. Pour into a clean, recycled nut can or other similar size heat-resistant container. Allow to harden. Use a rag to rub into the wood. If the rag "drags" too much, dip it into a tiny bit of the base oil.

Wood Polish
1/2 teaspoon olive oil, 1/4 cup white vinegar or lemon juice. Mix the ingredients in a glass jar. Dab a soft rag into the solution and wipe onto wood surfaces.

Wood Stain (all-purpose oil-based)

1 part boiled linseed oil 2 ounces Japan drier 2 parts turpentine Up to 1/2 pound dry artist's pigment Wearing rubber gloves, mix linseed oil, Japan drier, and turpentine in a sealable container, then stir in artist's pigment to get the desired color. The pigment does not dissolve. It is suspended in the linseed oil and turpentine. When not using the stain,

keep the container sealed to prevent evaporation.

Wooden Floor Cleaner

(for floors with a hard-coat finish only) 4 teabags 1 quart water Boil teabags in water, then let cool. Clean small areas of the floor at a time. Wipe dry to prevent water-spotting and warping. OR Few drops mild dish soap 1 gallon warm water Clean small areas of the floor at a time. Wipe dry to prevent water-spotting and warping.

Wooden Floor Cleaner 2

2 tablespoons ammonia 5 tablespoons turpentine 1 pint mineral oil 1/2 cup vegetable oil Mix in a jar. To use, add 1 cup mixture to 1 quart warm water in a bucket. Mop the floor, following the grain. Wipe completely dry with a clean cloth.

Wooden Floor Paste Wax

9 tablespoons carnauba wax 1 tablespoon pine oil 5 tablespoons ceresin wax 1 pint mineral spirits 2 1/2 tablespoons montan wax 1/4 cup turpentine 2 tablespoons yellow beeswax Melt all waxes in a double boiler. Add pine oil and blend well. Remove from heat and cool slightly. Slowly add mineral spirits and turpentine, stirring constantly until well blended. Store in a covered jar. Apply a small amount to floor; let dry and polish vigorously.

Wooden Floor Polish (non-slip)

1/2 cup orange shellac 2 tablespoons turpentine 2 tablespoons gum Arabic 1 pint denatured alcohol 2 tablespoons gum Arabic 1 pint denatured alcohol Mix shellac, gum Arabic and turpentine until the gum Arabic dissolves. Store in covered jars. Apply with a cloth, sponge or mop. Allow to dry 30 minutes, then buff.

Woodwork/Wood Cabinet Cleanser

2 tablespoons olive oil 1 quart warm water 4 tablespoons white vinegar Combine all ingredients in a 2-quart bottle, cap, and shake to mix. Dampen a cloth with the solution and wipe cabinets or woodwork. Dry with a clean cloth. Shake the bottle frequently while using to keep the oil dispersed in the water.

Work Surface Cleanser

2 cups water 1 cup white vinegar 3 Tablespoons bicarbonate of soda Few drops tea tree essential oil Few drops lavender essential oil Directions: Put all ingredients in spray bottle and shake well. Spray worktops and wipe down. This mixture cuts grease on worktops, removes mold spores, AND repels ants. The repellent effect lasts for three or four days, and the mixture is not harsh on granite worktops.