Homemade Cleaners

Store-bought natural cleaners are so expensive! I’d like to make my own cleaners. Where do I start?

Two of the most common ingredients in homemade cleaners are items you already have in the cupboard — vinegar and baking soda. Here’s what you can do with each one.

Vinegar, which is acidic, will cut grease and dissolve mineral deposits, and it kills some germs. Dilute the vinegar with warm water depending on the strength needed for the job. For example, a cup of vinegar in a pail of water makes a good floor cleaner.

Baking soda is your scouring powder; you can use it dry, or mix it with a little water to make a paste. Use a baking soda paste to clean your oven. To clean drains, toilets and bathtubs, pour in half a cup of baking soda, and chase it with half a cup of vinegar. When the mixture fizzes up like a science experiment, you know it’s working.