DIY Cleaning Solvents and Tips

Save money on household expenses with these environment-friendly concoctions! You can thoroughly wash then re-use old containers and spray bottles instead of heading down to the store for new containers.

All Purpose Cleaner : 1/2 cup ammonia, 1 pint rubbing alcohol, 1 teaspoon dish soap, add water to make a gallon.

To clean grills, oven racks, etc. : On a hot, sunny day place them in a dark plastic bag. Pour a cup of ammonia into the bag, seal with a twist tie, and leave out to cook in the sun. At the end of the day take out the grills and wash under hose water. Most of the crud will wipe off.

Pots, Pans, Burner Plates: Put enough water in the pot  to cover the stain. Add 2 tablespoon of any brand of powdered dishwashing detergent. Boil for 15 to 30 minutes. This also works for dirty burner plates if boiled in a pot of water.

Drain Cleaner: When drains get sluggish, use this tested, inexpensive remedy: 1. Pour 1 cup of baking soda into the drain. 2. Follow the soda with 1 cup of vinegar. 3. Pour a pot of boiling water down the drain and follow through with the plunger.

Hardwood Floor Cleaner: Mix 1 cup of distilled vinegar with 1 cup of vegetable oil, and add 1 cup of it to a pail of hot water, and damp mop for your floors. The vinegar’s odor will evaporate with the water. This cleaner is suitable for other floor surfaces as well.

Swiffer mop refill alternative:  Use old socks, towels, or rags cut to size and dampened with your DIY all-purpose cleaner or hardwood floor cleaner. When it gets too dirty, just drop it in the washing machine with whatever else you’re washing.

Laundry Pre-treatment: 1/2 cup vinegar, 1/2 cup ammonia, 1/2 cup Wisky, and 1/2 cup water. Spray on grease or food spots, or dirty collars and cuffs. Wash garment as usual. (Adapted by Jessy Pearl)

Source: www.frugaltownie.blogspot.com