Natural Cleaners

One thing I can't stand as a minimalist and a "naturalist" is a cabinet full of various cleaners. I spent a while getting rid of cleaners and experimenting with natural alternatives.  Here are some recipes I found helpful:
 

Furniture Polish:
¼ cup vinegar
Few drops of olive oil
Place in a spray bottle, shake.

(If it's not real wood, I just use a damp cloth.)

Window Cleaner:
¼ cup vinegar

2 c. water

Automatic Dishwasher Detergent:
1 cup Borax
1 cup WASHING soda (not baking soda)
½ cup kosher salt
½ cup citric acid (for hard water)

Mix together in a jar.  Use a tablespoon or two for each load.  Fill your rinse compartment with vinegar.


Soft scrub/toilet cleaner:
1/2 cup BAKING soda
Enough liquid castille soap to make it thick
Mix this all together to form a paste and it works well to scrub your toilets or tubs.

All Purpose Cleaner:
½ tsp.  WASHING soda
2 tsp. Borax
½ tsp. liquid castille soap
2 cups HOT (distilled or filtered) water
Combine minerals and soap.  Add water.  Shake well each time you use it.

So, get rid of all those nasty chemicals!  You don't need to smell them and your kids don't need to be around them.

Don't get these two confused!