Make Your Own Natural Recipes

Natural cleaners are cost effective and safer than store-bought options. Make your own with our helpful videos: 

Click to play video on how to make your own natural cleaners

Household Recipes

As with other products used in your home, try these in small and inconspicuous areas first, and always follow manufacturers' cleaning recommendations on furniture, fixtures and carpets.

  • All-Purpose Cleaner: Mix 1/4 cup of vinegar with 1 gallon of hot water. Keep on hand in a spray bottle.
  • Abrasive Cleanser: Mix equal parts of salt and baking soda. Scrub with the mixture and wet sponge. Rinse with warm water.
  • Ant Repellents: Place chili powder, talcum powder or powdered chalk at points-of-entry.
  • Bathroom Cleanser: Scrub the area with baking soda and a wet sponge. Rinse with all-purpose cleaner and warm water.
  • Brass or Copper Polish: Mix 1 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon flour and enough vinegar to make a thick paste. Rub the paste on the surface and let dry completely. Rinse with warm soapy water, and buff with a clean, soft cloth.
  • Drain Cleaner: Pour 1/4 cup of baking soda down the drain followed by one-half cup of vinegar. After the "fizzing" stops, flush with boiling water.
  • Floor Cleaner: Mix 1/2 cup of white vinegar with one-half gallon of warm water.
  • Furniture Polish: Mix 1/2 cup of lemon juice with one cup of mineral oil. Rub on wood furniture with soft cloth. A mixture of 3 cups olive oil and 2 cups vinegar can also be an effective polish, just rub on wood with a soft cloth.
  • Pet Stain Cleaner: Mix 1/4 cup of white vinegar and 1/4 cup of liquid soap. Rub into the stain and then blot. Rinse with warm water.
  • Silver Polish: Put a sheet of aluminum foil in the bottom of the sink and fill it with two to three inches of warm water. Add 1 tablespoon each of salt and baking soda. Place silver in water, touching the foil. Soak for one hour. Rinse in soapy water. Buff with a soft, dry cloth.
  • Window Cleaner: Mix 3 tablespoons of vinegar and 1 quart of hot water. Put in a spray bottle. Spray on windows and glass. Wipe off with crumpled newspaper or a squeegee.
  • Oven Cleaner: Scour with baking soda and water. To prevent grease buildup, always clean spills as soon as the oven cools down.
  • Laundry Detergent: Try borax or baking soda. Add a few drops of vinegar to keep colors bright.

Natural Recipes for a Pest-Free Garden

A beautiful and healthy garden is possible without the use of expensive and often hazardous chemicals. Try these all-natural deterrents. 

All-purpose insect spray: 

  • 1 garlic bulb
  • 1 quart of water
  • 1 small onion
  • 1 tbsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 tbsp liquid soap (hand soap only).

Chop or grind garlic and onion, add cayenne and mix with water. Let stand for 1 hour, then add liquid soap. Store in a covered jar in the refrigerator for up to one week.  Use as a spray wherever insects are causing a problem.

Animal Repellent Sprays

Use a spray on the plants and yard area where these animals are causing problems.

Cats:

  • 2 parts cayenne powder
  • 1 garlic
  • 3 parts dry mustard powder
  • 5 parts flour
  • Add sufficient water

Dogs:

  • 1 medium onion
  • 1 quart water
  • 1 tsp Tabasco sauce

Squirrels:

  • 1/2 oz. Tabasco sauce
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 pint water
  • Dash of dish soap

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