Recipes for Powerful Natural Household Cleansers

All-Purpose Cleanser

• For everyday cleaning of counters, sinks, tubs and showers, white vinegar will do the trick. Mix equal parts of vinegar and salt in a small bowl. Use a damp cloth or sponge to work the vinegar and salt mixture into your countertop or sink. The vinegar will help remove stains, while the salt provides a mild abrasive to scrub the surface clean. Add a few drops of lemon juice for a fresh, citrus scent that will help deodorize sinks and drains. If you don’t have salt, or if you need a gentler cleanser for delicate materials, you can use baking soda instead of salt. When using baking soda, mix ¼ cup of baking soda for every ½ cup of vinegar. Rinse thoroughly once the area is clean and free of grime.

Tile Grout

• Moldy tile grout in the bathroom can be a health concern, but there are natural ways to remedy this problem. Mix one part of a 3 percent solution of hydrogen peroxide with two parts water in a clean, empty spray bottle. Spray this mixture directly on the tile grout, then rinse it away after allowing it to sit for at least an hour. Another way to clean grout is with baking soda. Mix 1 cup of water with 5 cups of baking soda until you have a paste. Work the paste into the grout with an old toothbrush, and use a little elbow grease until the grout is sparkling white again.

Glass

• Ammonia is the primary ingredient in many commercial glass cleaners, but there are alternative, more natural ways to have streak free glass. Mix 1 quart of warm water with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and ¼ cup of undiluted vinegar. Pour the mixture into an empty spray bottle, and spray directly onto your windows and mirrors. Instead of using a cleaning cloth or paper towels, try wiping the mixture away with a sheet of newspaper or a coffee filter for a streak-free shine.

Disinfectant

• Bleach is a common disinfectant, but can cause irritation to the skin. Instead of using bleach, try a more natural approach by mixing 3 tablespoons of your favorite liquid soap in 2 cups of warm water, then adding 20 to 30 drops of tea tree oil. Apply the solution directly to sinks, tubs or toilets with a clean sponge, then rinse thoroughly. Borax and vinegar also work well as disinfectants. Mix 2 teaspoons of borax with 4 tablespoons of vinegar in a bowl with 3 cups of hot water. Apply the mixture to kitchens and bathrooms with a sponge, and rinse well. This mixture also works as an antibacterial agent. Once you're done with your cleaning you can simply wash your sponges in the dishwasher to disinfect them for future use.

Floors

• There are natural ways to clean your floors, no matter what type of flooring is in your home. For linoleum or vinyl, simply mix 1 cup of vinegar in 1 gallon of warm water and add a few drops of baby oil. For stubborn stains, add ¼ cup of borax. Mop the floor with the mixture as usual. For hardwood flooring, mix equal parts vegetable oil and vinegar and rub the mixture into the wood. Painted wood surfaces can be cleaned with a simple recipe of 1 teaspoon of washing soda in a gallon of water. Washing soda -- or sodium carbonate decahydrate -- is a mineral that works well for stain removal. For brick and stone surfaces, 1 cup of vinegar in a gallon of water will do the trick. Wash bricks and stones with the mixture, then rinse with clean water.

Oven Cleaner

• Commercial oven cleaners can produce fumes that can irritate the eyes and nose, so a safer, more natural way to clean your oven might be appealing. In a bowl, make a thick paste with water and baking soda. Apply this paste to the inside of your oven, and allow it to sit overnight. The next day, put on your cleaning gloves and use a little elbow grease to scour the inside of your oven with a cloth or sponge. Rinse the mixture away completely, and your oven will look as good as new.