Make Your Own Natural Recipes

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

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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