Michigan State University Extension
Home Maintenance And Repair - 01500303
06/24/03
Homemade Cleaners
Use
Common, inexpensive, mild-to-moderate alkalis (as
baking soda, ammonia), acids (lemon juice, vinegar),
household bleaches, and detergents can be used to do many
cleaning jobs around the home, if used properly according
to directions for specific surfaces and soils. They will
cost less than many commercial products.
A new formula should always be tested on an
inconspicuous part of the item to be cleaned to be sure
it does not damage the material or finish before using it
on a part that shows.
It takes time to mix up you own cleaners; usually only
enough for use at one time should be mixed up (unless
"storing" homemade window glass cleaner in a clean pump
bottle). Formula directions and labels on products used
should be read completely and followed exactly to prevent
damage to the surface and/or injury to the user.
Making complicated products like furniture cleaners
and waxes will probably cost more to get all the
ingredients and utensils than buying the commercial
product, and is dangerous since some ingredients are
flammable and/or toxic. It's safer and results will be
better by using commercial waxes and cleaners. Some
specialized cleaners have combinations of ingredients
that could not be duplicated at home, and will do a
better job for specific problems.
Safety
For safety, users should mix up just what they'll use
of most cleaners, not store them (unless as a glass
cleaner in a spray bottle), and keep them out of reach of
children who might drink them. NEVER put in food
container like a pop bottle! If any are stored, label
them!
For safety, when using strong alkalis, users should
wear rubber gloves. Alkalis that dissolve grease readily,
also dissolve oil out of one's skin. Gloves, rinsed off
after use, last a long time and cost less than extra
lotions rubbed into dry hands; and anyone can learn to
wear them!
Having a few basic "ingredients" around that can be
used for many kinds of cleaning will require less storage
space than dozens of different products and cause less
environmental problems in disposing of used or unused
products.
Many homemade cleaners may require a little more
elbow grease than some commercial spray-and-wipe
products. But if you need more exercise, that's a plus!
This article was written by Anne Field, Extension
Specialist, Emeritus, with references from MSU Extension
bulletin Money Saving Tips on Household Cleaners.
This information is for educational purposes only. References
to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not
mentioned. This information becomes public property upon
publication and may be printed verbatim with credit to MSU
Extension. Reprinting cannot be used to endorse or advertise
a commercial product or company.
MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State
University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race,
color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability,
political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status.
Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in
cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thomas G. Coon, Director,
MSU Extension, East Lansing,MI 48824. This information is for educational
purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.
This file was generated from data base 02 on 02/04/08.
Data base 02 was last revised on 06/24/03.
For more information about this data base or its contents please contact
strausc@msu.edu .