Inexpensive Cleaners You Can Make at Home

To clean up fruit juice spills, cover the spill with salt, and later rinse with cool water.

Grapefruit rinds are a great way to remove stains on porcelain

To remove wax spills from tablecloths, place in the freezer and then peel off.  Works with candleholders, too.

An easy way to clean your oven is to place a pan of hot water and 2 Tbsp. of ammonia in it overnight.

You can add sparkle to your dishes in your automatic dishwasher by doing the following:  Run the dishwasher on the regular cycle without soap.  When the machine has filled with water, open the door and add a cup of white vinegar.  Finish the cycle.  This helps to remove deposits in the pipes.

Sprinkle baking soda on carpet stains when they occur.  Leave on overnight and vacuum.

Remove crayon from carpeting by moistening the spot and rubbing in laundry detergent.  You may have to repeat the process more than once.

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Use cat litter to absorb oil spots in the garage

Remove circles made by wet glasses on tables by rubbing in camphorated oil with a piece of cotton

Mix 6 parts water, 2 parts household ammonia and a pinch of salt to remove milk stains with a soft cloth.

Use a dryer sheet for removing soap scum from showers and tubs

To clear a sink drain, drop 3 tablets of Alka Seltzer into drain followed by a cup of white vinegar. Wait a few minutes, then run hot water.

Use hairspray to dissolve ink in fabric

Jars of white vinegar placed in your home will help absorb odors

Goo-gone, a citrus-based cleaner, is great for removing adhesives from any surface

Boil cinnamon and cloves to freshen the air in your home

When washing linoleum floors, try a mixture of mild dish detergent and a couple capfuls of baby oil 

Vinegar and a little vegetable oil works well for cleaning wood floors

Use one cup vinegar and one gallon of water when washing brick surfaces

Toothpaste works well for removing crayon from your walls

Add 1/4 C. baking soda to your laundry detergent to leave clothes smelling fresh

To remove smoky odor from clothes, fill your bathtub with hot water. Add 1 cup white vinegar. Hang garments above the steaming bath water. 

To remove deposits from metal showerheads, combine 1/2 cup white vinegar and one quart water.  Completely submerge the showerhead and boil 15 minutes.