Make your own multi-purpose cleaning products with 7 simple household ingredients
Not only a great way to save money, these easy-to-make cleaning household cleaning products are eco friendly too – meaning these natural cleaners made from basic ingredients are far more family-friendly as well.
So what are the ingredients you will need? Here’s our ultimate list:
White vinegar
Both an acid and mild disinfectant, vinegar is a good general cleaner for glass, bench tops, showers and floors. You can even use it as a fabric softener when you do the laundry.
Bicarb soda
With a plethora of uses in the home, we love bicarb soda as it’s an efficient cleaner and works as a gentle scourer for sinks and baths. It can also been used to clean and deodorise carpets, the fridge, and if you mix it with vinegar, it’s perfect for cleaning drains too.
Eucalyptus oil
This natural oil is great as a disinfectant, deodoriser and can be used to treat sticky stains. It is toxic to pets and children, so use sparingly or not for areas where children and furry friends play.
Salt
All hail the common table salt! It can be added to a multitude of ingredients, can act as a scourer and can also lift stains.
Borax
Sold at most supermarkets in the cleaning aisle, you can use Borax as a stain lifter and as a good creepy crawly repellent. Again, this one is harmful to children, so be sure to keep it out of reach.
Washing soda
Also known as sodium carbonate, this solvent can be used to clean the oven, stove, along with blitzing burnt pots and pans.
Soap
This is another washing powder ingredient, and can be used to make dishwashing liquid, stain treatments for clothes, and can also be wiped over walls, doors, light switches, windows and mirrors to give them a clean.
Cleaning product how to:
Extra-strength multi-purpose cleaner
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup bicarbonate of soda
- ¾ cup cloudy ammonia
- ¾ cup white vinegar
- 4 litres warm water
Method: Mix all ingredients and store in a bottle out of reach of children. Pour into a spray bottle when needed.
Window cleaner
Ingredients:
- ½ teaspoon dishwashing detergent
- 3 tablespoons vinegar
- 2 cups of water
Method: Blend well and store in a spray bottle.
Washing powder
Ingredients:
- 1 bar of laundry soap
- 1 cup of washing soda
- ½ cup of Borax
Method: Grate soap. Combine with washing soda and borax and store in a jar. Use three teaspoons per load for a top-loading machine and two teaspoons per load for a front loader.
Furniture polish
Ingredients:
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup lemon juice
Method: Pour oil and lemon juice into a jar. Stir to combine. To use, dip a dust cloth or rag into oil, blot the oil by folding the cloth together, and then dust your furniture.
Weed spray
Ingredients:
- 4 litres white vinegar
- 1 cup salt
- 1 tablespoon dishwashing detergent
Method: Mix all ingredients well in a spray bottle. Spray on weeds to kill them. This is excellent for weeding paths, pavers and along the edges of garden beds.
Stain remover
Ingredients:
- 200ml cloudy ammonia
- 200ml shampoo
- 1 teaspoon eucalyptus oil
Method: Mix cloudy ammonia, shampoo and 200ml water, then add a teaspoon of eucalyptus oil and store in a spray bottle. Shake well before spraying on collars and cuffs.