Cleaners You Can Make Yourself

 If you've run out of your favorite cleaning solution, don't run to the store; try one of these standbys instead.

 1. GLASS CLEANER

Great for: Windows and mirrors

Ingredients
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 cup white or cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol (70% concentration)
• 1 to 2 drops of orange essential oil, which gives the solution a lovely smell (optional)

How to use: Combine ingredients and store in a spray bottle. Spray on a paper towel or soft cloth first, then on the glass. Hint: Don't clean windows on a hot, sunny day because the solution will dry too quickly and leave lots of streaks.

2. HEAVY-DUTY SCRUB
Great for: Rust stains on porcelain or enamel sinks and tubs

Ingredients
• Half a lemon
• 1/2 cup borax (a laundry booster; find it in the detergent aisle)

How to use: Dip the lemon into the borax and scrub surface; rinse. (Not safe for marble or granite.)

3. GREASE CLEANER

Great for: Oven hoods, grills

Ingredients
• 1/2 cup sudsy ammonia mixed with enough water to fill a one-gallon container. (Sudsy ammonia, which has detergent in it, helps remove tough grime.)

How to use: Dip sponge or mop in solution and wipe over surface, then rinse area with clear water.

 4. ALL-PURPOSE CLEANER AND DEODORIZER

Great for: Kitchen counters, appliances, and inside the refrigerator

Ingredients
• 4 tablespoons baking soda
• 1 quart warm water

How to use: Pour solution on a clean sponge and wipe.

5. LAST-RESORT CLOTHING STAIN REMOVER
Great for: Badly stained washable or bleachable garments

Ingredients
• 1 gallon hot water
• 1 cup powdered dishwasher detergent
• 1 cup regular liquid chlorine bleach (not ultra or concentrate)

How to use: Mix and pour ingredients into a stainless steel, plastic, or enamel bowl (not aluminum). Soak garment for 15 to 20 minutes. If stain is still there, let it soak a bit longer, then wash garment as usual.

6. WHITE RING REMOVER
Great for: Anywhere you've accidentally left a water ring (but not on unfinished wood, lacquer, or antiques).

Ingredients
• One part white non-gel toothpaste to one part baking soda

How to use: Dampen a cloth with water, add toothpaste mixture, and rub with the grain to buff over the ring. Then take a dry cloth and wipe off. Use another soft cloth for a final shine. Polish as you normally would.

7. DISHWASHER STAIN REMOVER

Ingredients
• 1/4 cup powdered lemon or orange drink

How to use: To remove rust from the inside walls, pour the powder (which contains citric acid or citric acid crystals) into the detergent cup and then run a regular cycle. Repeat as necessary.

8. BRASS CLEANER
Great for: Non-lacquered cabinet pulls, bathroom appointments, and more

Ingredients
• White vinegar or lemon juice
• Table salt

How to use: Dampen a sponge with vinegar or lemon juice, then sprinkle on salt. Lightly rub over surface. Rinse thoroughly with water, then immediately dry with a clean soft cloth.

9. MARBLE CLEANER
Great for: Natural stone countertops

Ingredients
• A drop or two of mild dishwashing liquid (non-citrus-scented)
• 2 cups warm water

How to use: Mix the detergent and water. Sponge over marble and rinse completely to remove any soap residue. Buff with a soft cloth; do not let the marble air-dry. Caution: Never use vinegar, lemon, or any other acidic cleaner on marble or granite surfaces; it will eat into the stone.

SAFETY TIP:Never combine ammonia-based cleaners with chlorine bleach or products containing bleach, such as powdered dishwasher detergent. The fumes they'll create are extremely dangerous. Before doing any mixing, read the product labels first.