Two of my favourite all-natural and inexpensive cleaners: Vinegar and Baking Soda.
I stopped using store bought cleaners many years ago. Why? Most of them are harmful to the environment and can be toxic to humans and animals. I found that I got great results when I cleaned with just these two items: baking soda and vinegar. Here are some ways that you can use them around your home.
Vinegar: Vinegar is not only for cooking. It is a great cleaning agent and is effective at reducing bacteria and viruses.
Window/Glass Cleaner: Mix equal parts of water and white distilled vinegar. Spray on to the glass then wipe dry with a lint-free cloth or newspaper. If windows are especially dirty, wipe them off first with a solution of warm water and few drops of Castile Liquid Soap. Note: Wash windows on a cloudy day or when the sun is not shining on them to help prevent streaks.
Floor Cleaner: For washing no-wax floors, add a 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar to a gallon of warm water. I like to finish the floors, especially if they are wood, by wiping them dry with lint-free cloths. Scooting around with one cloth under each foot works great and you get a little exercise too. Optional: Add a few drops of your favourite essential oil to the water.
Toilet Bowl Cleaner: The bowl can be cleaned by spraying with white distilled vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub clean. To deodorize, pour in about two cups of white distilled vinegar and let it sit for 30 minutes, then flush. If you clean the bowl regularly with the vinegar it keeps hard water stains at bay. If you already have a hard water ring or stains in the bowl, you can combine the vinegar and baking soda. Pour in about a cup of vinegar and swish it around the bowl. Let it sit for a few minutes then add about a cup of baking soda and another cup of vinegar. Let the two work their magic for about 15 minutes then swish solution around the bowl again. Let it sit for about 30 minutes then scrub away the stains and flush.
Bathtub/Shower/Sink Cleaner: Wipe the entire shower clean with white distilled vinegar then rinse. If there are stains or extra soap film, wipe the shower first with the vinegar, then scrub with baking soda, then rinse.
Baking Soda: Baking soda is not just for baking. This natural mineral can also be used for cleaning metal and as a deodorizer.
Stainless Steel Cleaner: Make a paste with baking soda and water. Rub the mixture over the surface then rinse with water.
Deodorizer: To remove odors, sprinkle upholstery or carpet with baking soda. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes then vacuum. Keep some in the refrigerator, freezer, the bottom of a garbage pail, laundry hamper, etc.