Homemade Cleaning Products

Okay as we all know as Pagans, one of the best things we can do is be kind to Mother Earth and her furry critters. Well, while I'm lying around in a hospital my mother was reading the newspaper and found something very Earth friendly. She, of course, shared the article with her little Pagan Squirrel. I then decided to share it with my readers.

Wood Cleaner

• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
• 2 Tbsp. white vinegar
• 1/4 cup lemon juice

Mix ingredients. Using a soft cloth, rub into the wood, in the direction of the grain.

Furniture Polish

• 1 lemon
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 tsp water

This polish should be made fresh each time you use it. Extract the juice from the lemon. Mix with oil and water. Apply a thin coat on your wood surface and let sit for 5 minutes. Use a soft cloth to buff to deep shine.

Laminate Floor Cleaner (for engineered wood and no-wax floors)

• 1/2 cup white vinegar
• 1 gallon warm water

Mix ingredients. Avoid over wetting the floor by using a spray bottle to apply the mixture to the floor. Mop as usual (microfiber mops work best.)

Garbage Disposal Cleaner

• 1 cup ice
• Lemon or orange rind

To eliminate garbage disposal odors and clean and sharpen blades, grind ice and rinds until pulverized.

Refrigerator Cleaner

• 2 Tbsp. baking soda
• 1 quart warm water

Dissolve baking soda in water. Use to wipe all surfaces inside and out. For stubborn sports, rub with baking soda paste. Be sure to rinse with a clean, wet cloth.

No-Streak Glass Cleaner

• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 1 Tbsp. cornstarch
• 1 quart warm water

Mix the ingredients and apply with a clean sponge or pour into a spray bottle and spray on. For lint free results, wipe dry with crumpled newspaper, buff to a shine.

From an article in the Tyler newspaper by Patrice Dunagin, Smith County FCS Agent.