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DIY Cleaners You Can Make Yourself

Here are a few DIY cleaners you can make yourself!

Granite Cleaner. Countertops made from granite, marble and stone are tricky because these materials are porous and stain easily. You never want to clean them with anything  acidic, which means vinegar and lemon juice are both out. Here is a homemade granite cleaner that will not stain nor is it acidic. It works like a champ to clean and shine these natural counters. 

Pour 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol into a 16-oz. spray bottle. Add 3 drops (only 3) Dawn liquid dishwashing detergent, 5 to 10 drop essential oil (this is optional, but will add a nice fragrance) plus enough water to fill the bottle. Apply the spray top and shake to mix. You  can use this cleaner to clean and shine your appliances as well.

This homemade solution costs about 25 cents for for 16 oz. Compare that to Granite Gold ($16.95/24 oz), or Method Daily Granite, ($7.00/12 oz.) 

Stainless Steel Cleaner. Start with a clean 16-oz. spray bottle. Pour in 1 1/3 cups white vinegar, 5 drops Dawn liquid dishwashing detergent and 2/3 cup water. Apply the spray top and shake to mix. 

To use, simply spray on stainless steel appliances, scrub with a cloth or sponge to clean, rinse well then buff with a dry cloth to shine. Be sure to label this product clearly, as you do not want to use it on natural countertops of granite, marble or stone because it contains vinegar. 

You can spend upwards of $10 for a 16-oz. bottle of Weiman or 3M cleaner for stainless appliances, or make it yourself for less than a buck.

Carpet Shampoo Solution. This is a cleaning solution to be use in your Hoover SteamVac or other carpet cleaning machine. Into the cleaner’s reservoir, pour 1 cupFebreze, 1 cup liquid OxiClean Laundry Stain Remover and 1 cup white vinegar. Add hot water to the fill line.