| Homemade Cleaners Information |
Use Common, inexpensive, mild-to-moderate alkalis (as baking soda, ammonia), acids (lemon juice, vinegar), household bleaches, and detergents can be used to do many cleaning jobs around the home, if used properly according to directions for specific surfaces and soils. They will cost less than many commercial products.
A new formula should always be tested on an inconspicuous part of the item to be cleaned to be sure it does not damage the material or finish before using it on a part that shows.
It takes time to mix up you own cleaners; usually only enough for use at one time should be mixed up (unless "storing" homemade window glass cleaner in a clean pump bottle). Formula directions and labels on products used should be read completely and followed exactly to prevent damage to the surface and/or injury to the user.
Making complicated products like furniture cleaners and waxes will probably cost more to get all the ingredients and utensils than buying the commercial product, and is dangerous since some ingredients are flammable and/or toxic. It's safer and results will be better by using commercial waxes and cleaners. Some specialized cleaners have combinations of ingredients that could not be duplicated at home, and will do a better job for specific problems.
Safety For safety, users should mix up just what they'll use of most cleaners, not store them (unless as a glass cleaner in a spray bottle), and keep them out of reach of children who might drink them. NEVER put in food container like a pop bottle! If any are stored, label them!
For safety, when using strong alkalis, users should wear rubber gloves. Alkalis that dissolve grease readily, also dissolve oil out of one's skin. Gloves, rinsed off after use, last a long time and cost less than extra lotions rubbed into dry hands; and anyone can learn to wear them!
Having a few basic "ingredients" around that can be used for many kinds of cleaning will require less storage space than dozens of different products and cause less environmental problems in disposing of used or unused products.
Many homemade cleaners may require a little more elbow grease than some commercial spray-and-wipe products. But if you need more exercise, that's a plus!
This article was written by Anne Field, Extension Specialist, Emeritus, with references from MSU Extension bulletin Money Saving Tips on Household Cleaners.
MSU 2003
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