How to Make Your Own Green Cleaning Products

Cleaning your home is a necessity, but that does not mean you have to use toxic, chemically-laden cleaners. In fact, with just a few ingredients, you can make your own green cleaning products. Look below to learn how to make cleaners you will feel comfortable using around your family.

The following are the items you will need to make natural cleaning products:

* White distilled vinegar
* Baking soda
* Washing soda (found in the laundry aisle)
* Natural detergent or liquid soap
* Vegetable glycerin (optional)
* Essential oil (optional)

Soft Scrubbing Cream

To clean your bathtub, pour 1/2 cup baking soda into a medium bowl. Add liquid detergent and stir until it becomes the consistency of frosting. Put a spoonful onto a sponge, wet it slightly, clean your bathtub and then rinse it. You will find this cleaner does not leave a gritty feel in the bathtub. You can make just enough for the job or you can add a teaspoon of vegetable glycerin to keep the cleaner moist. Store it in a tightly sealed jar.

All-Purpose Spray Cleaner

To clean general surfaces, put 1/2 teaspoon washing soda with a small amount of liquid soap in an empty spray bottle. Add 2 cups of hot tap water. Shake the bottle to incorporate the washing soda until it has fully dissolved. Squirt the liquid on the surface and then wipe it off with a rag or a sponge.

Oven Cleaner

To clean stuck-on food in the bottom of the oven, sprinkle water over the food. Cover the moist food with enough baking soda that the bottom of the oven looks white. Add more water over the top of the baking soda and allow the mixture to rest overnight. The next day, wipe out the mess that has loosened. To remove anything that remains, put a little bit of liquid detergent on a wet sponge and finish washing the oven.

Window Cleaner

To clean your windows, mix together 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon liquid detergent, 3 tablespoons vinegar and 2 cups of water in a spray bottle. Shake the bottle and then spray it on your windows. Use a wadded-up piece of newspaper to wipe the spray from the window. You can also add a drop or two of your favorite essential oil to cover the scent of the vinegar.

These four recipes can be used for most of your cleaning needs. However, you can also use each ingredient for cleaning on its own. 1/2 cup of straight vinegar in your rinse cycle softens clothes. (Please note: you do NOT want to use vinegar on marble surfaces.) Baking soda deodorizes. Sprinkle baking soda on your carpet before vacuuming to remove odors.

Even though these green cleaning products are not harmful, if you make larger quantities, be sure to mark the bottles clearly, so you know what is in them. This will ensure you use the right product to get the best results.