Recipezaar: Household/Cleansers,5 or Less Ingredients recipes

Charishma's Bathroom Tub Cleaner

Fri, 24 Dec 2004 20:00:10 -0500

This is what I came up with yesterday morning when cleaning my bathroom tub and it worked like a charm! Enjoy! -- posted by Charishma Ramchandani

Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner for Steam Cleaning Machine

Sun, 26 Dec 2004 19:59:47 -0500

An inexpensive solution, and it works! Be sure to test for colorfastness: Dab a small amount of cleaner onto inconspicuous area of carpet or upholstery. -- posted by Fauve

Powdered Laundry Soap

Mon, 10 Jan 2005 20:02:11 -0500

This is an easy and frugal way to make your own laundry soap. Try making your own scents using different scented soaps! This recipe orignally calls for fels naptha soap which you can find at your local walmart or major grocery stores. But I found just about any good soap will work just as well! -- posted by Pepper Monkey

Detox Your Lunch Box

Fri, 25 Feb 2005 15:09:01 -0500

Organic food can get a little pricey if you are on a budget, but you can still eliminate a good bit of the harmful stuff from your fruits and veggies with this soak. It is from the book 'Spa - Glow Guide - Simple Steps For Health and Well Being by Andrea Mc Cloud. Enjoy! -- posted by Charishma Ramchandani

Lavender Pillow Mist

Fri, 04 Mar 2005 19:59:50 -0500

This natural sedative will help you relax and drift off into a deep and restful sleep. Enjoy my favourite pillow recipe! This is from the book 'Spa' Glow Guide: Simple steps for health and well being by Andrea Mc Cloud. -- posted by Charishma Ramchandani

Blood Remover

Wed, 16 Mar 2005 20:00:27 -0500

This is a safe and quick way to remove fresh blood from washable clothes. -- posted by ~Rita~

Take Time to Smell the Roses - Cut Flower Enhancer, Extender

Wed, 23 Mar 2005 19:08:24 -0500

This mixture is just as good if not better then those little packets you get when you buy cut flower. Add this to you home grown cut flowers to enjoy indoors. -- posted by ~Rita~

Goodbye Burnt Food Stains in Pans

Thu, 02 Jun 2005 13:13:26 -0400

To rid your pan of burnt food stains, this is an easy trick I learnt here in Mumbai from the Asian Age newspaper's article "Rid your kitchen of mess" by Rupali Nayar. Enjoy! -- posted by Charishma Ramchandani

Lime Scales Remover from Kettles

Mon, 06 Jun 2005 14:25:28 -0400

This is a wonderful way to remove stains from the kettle. A good trick I learnt from the Asian Age newspaper. -- posted by Charishma Ramchandani

Blender Cleaner

Mon, 06 Jun 2005 14:25:38 -0400

This is a fun and effective recipe from the Asian Age newspaper. This works very well. Enjoy! -- posted by Charishma Ramchandani

Air Freshners

Mon, 11 Jul 2005 16:47:26 -0400

From Knox Gelatin. You can use essential oils, extracts or your favorite perfumes. Yield depends on the size of the jar used. -- posted by Cathleen Colbert

Earth Friendly All Purpose Cleaner

Wed, 31 Aug 2005 17:17:57 -0400

WOW! No streaks, no smears, no buffing. This will clean ceramic tile counter tops, windows and their vinyl casings, SS appliances, sealed wood AND it removes hairspray from mirrors. So far that's all I've tried it on, as I came up with this recipe just this morning. I've been a cleaning fool today, experimenting on everything. I love it...Let me know what you think. -- posted by Deely

De-Skunker

Wed, 31 Aug 2005 18:02:37 -0400

This stuff works! Will even de-scent a roadkilled skunk. Has to be made fresh every time. -- posted by Michigan Dreamer

All-Purpose Bleach Cleaner

Sun, 11 Sep 2005 21:56:50 -0400

Environmentally friendly! Remove germs, mildew and mess. Can be used in the bathroom, kitchen etc... place in bucket or spray bottle. -- posted by Chelle_N

Oven Cleaner

Tue, 20 Sep 2005 09:57:18 -0400

And environmentally friendly, easy, non-chemical way to clean your oven. No over-powering fumes. -- posted by Chelle_N

Laminate Floor Cleaner

Tue, 20 Sep 2005 09:57:23 -0400

Environmentally friendly, no harsh chemicals! We tried the expensive cleaners and found our floors still looked streaky and dull. This homemade cleaner makes them look bright, streak free and beautiful! -- posted by Chelle_N

Wildlife Repellent Recipe

Wed, 28 Sep 2005 22:33:36 -0400

by Carol Martino This mixture is non-toxic and it will not harm any animal, but will succeed in keeping them away. This probably will not work for birds (birds do not have a sense of smell.) Recommended by our local wildlife rehabber. -- posted by DR. House

Air Freshener Gels

Tue, 04 Oct 2005 14:33:50 -0400

This is a good way to soak up smells. It is fragrence free and really works! The activated charcoal soaks up the odors and the gel, as it dries, reveals a bit of charcoal at a time so the odor removing properties last a long time! Please don't use bbq charcoal! You won't get the same results at all! -- posted by Sully7

Air Freshener

Mon, 16 Jan 2006 15:05:04 -0500

This is a quick, simple, and inexpesive way to freshen your home. No toxic chemicals, all natural recipe from another informative website. -- posted by Lauralie41

Cleaning Silver

Fri, 10 Feb 2006 18:16:57 -0500

A few household items that amazling cleans silver. I had a badly tarnished dish that these few items cleaned right up. -- posted by DoryJean54

Drip Coffee Maker Cleaner

Tue, 21 Feb 2006 11:03:51 -0500

Use this recipe to clean your coffee maker. A clean machine makes better tasting coffee! -- posted by Hadice

Veggie Wash

Tue, 11 Apr 2006 13:34:42 -0400

I'd heard that Grapefruit Seed Extract was very effective for cleaning produce (http://www.pureliquidgold.com/), so I set out to find a Veggie Wash recipe to refill my expensive store-bought bottle. I found this one at www.veganforum.com. -- posted by Netgirl's Healthy Cookbook

Cleaner for Brick

Fri, 26 May 2006 22:40:37 -0400

Haven't tried this, yet. Posted in reply to a request. -- posted by Queen of Everything

Eyeglass Cleaner Refill

Tue, 20 Jun 2006 16:59:57 -0400

So, you've bought one of those nifty little squirt bottles of cleaner for your glasses, and now it's empty. Should you spend another small fortune on name brand refills or another bottle full? Absolutely no need. For less than $3 you can have a lifetime supply of refill at your fingertips. -- posted by Roxi

Jewelry Cleaner

Tue, 01 Aug 2006 14:09:09 -0400

This recipe is from wire-sculpture.com. I couldn't believe how dirty my watch and silver jewelry were when I tried it. Yuck! This saves money and is safe for you and the environment. The solution can be very drying to your hands so consider using rubber gloves or even tweezers to handle the jewelry. -- posted by No MSG!

Catalytic Scent Lampe Fuel

Wed, 02 Aug 2006 20:13:46 -0400

I'm addicted to my catalytic scent lamp, and have several brands of lamps, including the famous berger brand lampe. The fuel is expensive to buy, and I deceided to make my own. I use this instead of store bought fuel, but I'll admit it doesn't burn as cleanly. -- posted by crowmama

Clean Your Gas Cook Top Burner Grates

Thu, 07 Sep 2006 18:15:17 -0400

I had tried most everything to clean the porcelain enamel grates on my cooktop with little success. Then I read the use & care guide that came with the cooktop. How simple is this! NOTE: I used a plastic trash bag with a tie top. When entering this "recipe", a plastic bag wasn't recognized but a ziploc was. Ignore that "ingredient" ;-) -- posted by SusieQusie

Orange Glass Shiner

Fri, 08 Sep 2006 19:03:39 -0400

Use Orange Glass Shiner to polish any glass or mirror to a lovely finish and shine. This is a joy to use and really works. I have a my 2-year olds grubby fingerprints to clean everyday. This works and is all natural. For a more antiseptic clean, substitute a little orange or lemon oil with some tea tree oil. The smell won't be that pleasing though. :-) -- posted by Hobbyzu

Antibacterial Bathroom Cleaner

Mon, 11 Sep 2006 19:11:19 -0400

A natural antibacterial cleanser that helps you clean your home without hurting the planet. The aroma of the essential oils makes the cleaning experience a pleasure. (Use only essential oils.) -- posted by Hobbyzu

Essential Liquid Soap

Wed, 13 Sep 2006 20:50:57 -0400

This liquid soap can be used in the bath as well as a hand wash. For antibacterial purposes use tea tree oil, lemon and/or lavender. Other wonderful scents are jasmine, rose and lemongrass. -- posted by Hobbyzu

Fruit Fly/Gnat Trap

Mon, 25 Sep 2006 16:57:37 -0400

This will help take care of those fruit flies that gather around the stuff you have to take out to the compost pile or those bananas you haven't gotten around to baking with yet. The photo I posted (the one with the cherry & grape tomatoes) shows several fruit flies on the paper already (and a couple are in the vinegar, though you can't see them)--not even three minutes after making the trap! Some kinds of cider vinegar work better than others--typically, I find the darker the vinegar, the better it works. I know some people have said they prefer to use plastic wrap over the top, but I find that the paper cone (though it takes some fiddling to get it to fit just right) works best. -- posted by anonymous23

Fruit Fly/Gnat Trap

Wed, 27 Sep 2006 17:35:44 -0400

I saw anonymous23's recipe posted today and thought I'd add my recipe also. I made this a long time ago and it does work. -- posted by Charlotte J

Fruit Fly Trap

Fri, 20 Oct 2006 21:35:15 -0400

I came up with this inexpensive recipe after several attempts to get rid of these pesky critters. They breed very quickly and it's best to get a handle on them ASAP. This recipe is a combination of several recipes and I have found this to be the best! Let me know what you think. We had a bucket of Margarita Mix that unleashed quite a few of these in our house when we opened it. -- posted by Mommy of Five

Easiest Glass Cleaner Ever

Mon, 06 Nov 2006 20:18:38 -0500

This is so somple!! Use Waterless Hand Sanitizer: Purell, etc. It isn't the most economical so I don't reccomend it for everyday use but in a pinch it is fantastic! I used it on my bathroom mirror and now it doesn't fog! I used it on my MIL's eyeglasses and she was astounded! -- posted by Sully7

Stain Remover for Clothes

Thu, 09 Nov 2006 16:47:28 -0500

My daughter spilled a cup of grape juice on her hot pink shirt. This did the trick, and the shirt's still pink! I got this from my sister in law and am posting it here so I don't lose it. The "dish detergent" is actually Cascade automatic dishwasher detergent-it wouldn't let me enter that as an ingredient. -- posted by Kaarin

Liquid Dishwasher Detergent

Sun, 19 Nov 2006 20:57:35 -0500

I searched for a long time and couldn't find a good liquid dishwasher detergent recipe, so I played around and invented this one. It was inspired by the many powdered detergent recipes. It rinses well, but if you have hard water, you might want to use some vinegar in the rinse cycle. -- posted by TRushforth

Citrus Mint Window Spray

Sat, 16 Dec 2006 15:26:57 -0500

This is so nice smelling and very easy to make. -- posted by Dancer^

Veggie Wash #2

Mon, 08 Jan 2007 15:18:32 -0500

This is an option for those who might be allergic to Grapefruit. -- posted by jswope162

Veggie Wash #3

Mon, 08 Jan 2007 15:18:31 -0500

Another option if you cannot use vinegar. Found on a website. -- posted by jswope162

Bathtub Scrub

Tue, 20 Mar 2007 21:29:13 -0400

Don't remember where this came from, but it seems easy. -- posted by JenPo

Environmentally Friendly Toilet Disinfectant

Thu, 07 Jun 2007 23:02:24 -0400

This recipe found in the Toronto Star. It comes from Green Clean by Linda and Mason Hunter and Mikki Halpin. Quote: "For the first time in the history of the world, every human being is now subjected to contact with dangerous chemicals, from the moment of conception until death." Rachel Carson, Silent Spring, 1962 Note: After the reviewers' comments, I've changed the number of drop of essential oils) -- posted by Dreamer in Ontario

Vasili's White Oil Spray

Fri, 03 Aug 2007 16:34:20 -0400

From the SBS gardening show "Vasili's Garden" -- posted by Missy Wombat

Easy Weed Killer

Fri, 24 Aug 2007 23:23:40 -0400

Our HOA is a stickler about grass/weeds in the expansion joints of the driveway, but I am extremely leery of herbicides (or any commercial 'cide'). This easy mixture is also safe enough to let my 10 yr old help out when we are sprucing up the yard! How many lawn care products can say that?!? =) -- posted by SeaDawn

Plant Spray

Mon, 27 Aug 2007 23:06:30 -0400

This is a safe and effective insecticide for plants. -- posted by blah bla bla

Family Safe Insecticide

Tue, 11 Sep 2007 20:57:00 -0400

Once in a while it seems we /must/ bite the bullet and actually use a '-cide'. While we seem to be able to usually manage household and plant pests with care and nature's remedies, after bringing home a potted jade plant that went from vibrant and robust to 3 short stalks with only 2 leaves each due to teensy little buggers, I tried this concoction from www.garlic-acres.com. The jade recovered, I didn't worry about the cats if they nibbled, and it got rid of the munchers that were feasting on my pomegranate tree, too! Who knew??? -- posted by SeaDawn

Pergo or Any Laminate Floor Cleaner

Fri, 28 Sep 2007 15:31:31 -0400

An economical laminate floor cleaner spray that you can make for pennies... and it gets your floors just as clean as that expensive cleaner they sell in stores... if not cleaner! This formula has been keeping my floors so clean and does not give me a headache like so many other commercial cleaners, so I have decided to share this gem that was shared with me from a Pergo expert. This is the first "recipe" I've posted with the hope that many of you will be able to put it to good use!!! -- posted by atlfitgirl

Pre-Wash Spray

Mon, 08 Oct 2007 23:09:58 -0400

As the mum of a toddler I use a LOT of pre-wash spray. This is a recipe I found on CD Kitchen on one of the days I had run out of store bought. -- posted by **Mandy**

Citron (Etrog) Pomander

Tue, 09 Oct 2007 15:11:45 -0400

The etrog (citron) is a citrus fruit that is used by Jews every year during the holiday of Sukkot (late September, early October, depending on the lunar calendar). It's entire purpose during the week-long holiday is to smell nice. Yes, that's it, we just smell the thing. After the holiday is over you can chop up the etrog and make jam. What I like to do is to stud it with cloves and then use it as the most aromatic besamim for the havdalah service signifying the end of the Sabbath. Aside from the etrog and the cloves, you will need a thin crochet hook to pierce the fruit before sticking in the clove. I use a 0.75 hook, but a 1.00 will work just as well. These babies last for years, and if you already have one or two (or ten or eleven, as is the case in my house), they make lovely gifts. BTW, you can also use a lemon or an orange, the results are the same, just shaped differently. -- posted by Mirj

Silver Cleaning in 15 Seconds!

Fri, 21 Dec 2007 01:36:06 -0500

Learned this while I was living in Mexico. You tend to learn tricks like these when you don't have things readily available! Not for use on antiqued silver. -- posted by AniSarit

Pet Urine Remover

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 16:09:16 -0500

I have used everything on the market including vinegar and dish soap. Nothing worked especially on cat urine. I have been using this recipe for years now. It works! I have 4 cats and 2 dogs, and when one has an accident I use this and it takes the smell away instantly! No more having to buy expensive removers from the store. -- posted by Purrheart #562343

Sippy Cup Valve Cleaner

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 20:24:54 -0500

A super easy way to get all the gunk out of those rubber valves in your toddler's sippy cup and bottles. The only bad part is that they smell minty when you're done, but a good cleaning should take care of that -- posted by C. Taylor

Natural Produce Wash

Tue, 19 Feb 2008 01:36:06 -0500

I heard this idea on a radio program long ago and decided to try it when I ran out of the wash I bought at the health food store. This produce wash seems to work as well as the store bought versions, and I know for sure what's in it . -- posted by Blessed*One

Green Window Cleaner

Sun, 02 Mar 2008 21:01:16 -0500

Natural cleaning product from marthastewart.com. -- posted by Velouria

Homemade Ant Killer

Sun, 20 Apr 2008 18:10:36 -0400

The best way I have found to get rid of ants both inside and out is the following recipe: -- posted by Shabby Sign Shoppe

Polish for Wood Flooring

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 22:15:50 -0400

I got this neat new book called 1001 Secret Household Formulas and this one was in it...thought I'd share :) Preparation time is sitting time on floors. -- posted by Tish

Earth Friendly Polishing Cleanser

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 20:01:43 -0400

This cleanser is so simple. You probably already have the main ingredient in you cupboard. It leaves your sink and your pots sparkling clean without the use of harsh chemicals or perfumes. -- posted by Dreamer in Ontario

Green All-Purpose Cleaner

Sat, 05 Jul 2008 00:47:32 -0400

I found this recipe somewhere on the net, but don't remember where. -- posted by Velouria

Aromatic Orange Lip Balm

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 19:05:36 -0400

While you cant purchase Andreas luscious lip balm at Aromatics International or on any store shelf, you can make it yourself. Her recipe calls for Orange essential oil, which mixes nicely with the nutty/appetizing aroma of Shea Butter. The overall scent is tasty but not overpowering or sweet. (In other words, you wont be compelled it lick it right off.) -- posted by Aromatics International

$4.00 Ant and Roach Kill

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 19:08:24 -0400

JUST 1 INGREDIENT: BORIC ACID. It works wonderfully, all by itself. Adding sugar will only attract the nasty critters, and thats more like hunting. We don't want to 'draw' them in, we just want to keep them out. HOW IT WORKS: It breaks down the chitin (which is what makes up the exoskeleton) of the insects. They just need to get the boric acid on them for it to work. when they walk over it, they get it on them and also bring it back to the nest. WHERE TO BUY IT: You can get a huge bottle from Home Depot, Lowes, or drug stores. We found a 1 lb bottle for about $4.00 at Walgreens. The reason you will find it at drug stores is it is used to cure athlete's foot. In small quantities it is harmless to pets/humans. -- posted by 2Bleu

Homemade Cleaner Wow!

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 01:33:59 -0400

I had to share this one. It's amazing. Just two ingredients and a spray bottle! I found this on beingfrugal.net. and it's just too good not to post. You spray it on and leave it, like those expensive (and toxic) cleaners made for bathtubs. I have used it on everything that I would use a spray cleaner on and it is great. It's cheap, natural, and it works great! -- posted by dozey doats

All-Natural Tub and Toilet Cleaner

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 20:35:03 -0400

Who need harsh chemicals? Not me! And my tub has never been so white! From Vegetarian Times magazine -- posted by Prose

All-Natural Carpet Deodorizer

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 20:35:35 -0400

This will make your house smell wonderful without breaking the bank or exposing your family and pets to harmful chemicals. And you probably have the ingredients on-hand. Use whatever essential oils you like. From Vegetarian Times magazine. Cooking time is sitting time. -- posted by Prose

Easy, All-Natural Hard Floor Cleaner

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 20:35:40 -0400

Chemical-free! Because Pinesol and Mr. Clean make me gag. Add some essential oils (I like lavender) if you desire a prettier smell. From Vegetarian Times magazine. -- posted by Prose

All-Natural Wood Polish

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 20:36:03 -0400

Why buy Pledge when 2 ingredients you probably have in your kitchen work just as well? From Vegetarian Times magazine. -- posted by Prose

All-Natural Laundry Detergent (1-Year Supply)

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 20:36:24 -0400

This stuff is wonderful! Very economical and perfect for people with sensitive skin/allergies or those who wish to "go green," and it really works! Soap flakes are often available at craft stores. Use whatever essential oils you like. Lavender, orange, lemon, and grapefruit are really nice for laundry. Recipe from one of my husband's classmates. -- posted by Prose

Oven Cleaner

Sun, 19 Oct 2008 16:24:30 -0400

A tip I got from the Australian Women's Weekly. -- posted by **Mandy**

Finger Paint

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 01:16:21 -0400

From a Glycerine advertorial in an old Good Taste mag, toddler DD & I will try this soon. -- posted by **Mandy**

Homemade Shower Cleaner

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 17:50:36 -0500

I found this recipe online and am giving it a try. I am posting it here so I can find it when I run out of this first batch. -- posted by Rubies

Worked for Me Safe Ant Kill (Homemade Ant Killer)

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 23:03:24 -0500

Each time I went into the kitchen, I saw ants all over the counter. I'd spray bleach cleaner on them, wipe them up and next time I'd go in the kitchen, they'd be back! I didn't want to use anything toxic with kids and pets around, so I scoured the web and combined 3 different ideas. Cheap and effective! -- posted by Karen=^..^=

Cheap Daily Shower Spray Cleaner

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 20:46:23 -0500

I wrote this recipe myself. I make most of our household cleaners. There is no soap in this. It's great on soap scum. My shower sparkles. -- posted by AmericanLadybug

Homemade Fabric Softener

Sun, 15 Feb 2009 02:56:09 -0500

If you check the dangers of fabric softner you will appericate this simple recipe that is much safer. -- posted by barefootmommawv

Plant Food

Sun, 22 Feb 2009 15:33:04 -0500

Use once a month, and your plants will be greener and healthier -- posted by Abby Girl

Garbage Disposal Cleaner

Sun, 22 Feb 2009 16:21:53 -0500

This mixture both cleans, deodorize and sharpens the blades of your disposal -- posted by Abby Girl

Plant Leaf Gloss

Sun, 22 Feb 2009 16:25:13 -0500

I have large leafy plants that can get really dusty. I use this solution every 4 - 5 months to keep them clean. The computer does not recognize "part" so I have used tsp. -- posted by Abby Girl

Plant Food II

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 11:22:20 -0500

Use once a month, and your plants will be greener and healthier -- posted by Abby Girl

Clorox Anywhere Spray Copycat

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 14:32:39 -0400

I found this "recipe" on the internet and I will never buy Clorox Anywhere Spray again! -- posted by bmcnichol

Beer for Hair Volume

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 03:19:54 -0400

Saw this on TV but haven't tried it yet. Don't want to forget it. -- posted by Oolala

Formula to Test Drinking Water

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 00:27:32 -0400

This test will determine if any bacteria are present in your drinking water. -- posted by The Daycare Lady

Digestive Aid

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 00:27:48 -0400

"A Cheap,Homemade Solution" -- posted by The Daycare Lady

Improve the Efficiency of Your Septic Tank

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 00:36:18 -0400

A Natural, Homemade Alternative To Commercial Septic Tank Treatments -- posted by The Daycare Lady

Grandpa's Antacid Relief

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 01:00:19 -0400

A Homemade Concoction For Relieving A Sour Stomach -- posted by The Daycare Lady

Shower Cleaner - Once a Week - No Shower Mold Ever Again!

Sun, 10 May 2009 19:48:07 -0400

We had random mold spots in the shower on and off forever until I finally found a way to eliminate it forever. Once a week, and no more mold, forever!. Here is a list of the once opened and never used again cleaners.Tilex, CLR Bathroom & Kitchen Cleaner, ZEP Grout Cleaner, OXI Clean, Arm&Hammer Clean Shower, KABoom, Comet-liquid and powder. -- posted by 2Jacks

All-Purpose Household Metal Polish

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 11:01:58 -0400

This is from Dan Wallace's"The Natural Formula Book for Home and Yard". Please do not use this on soft metals such as silver and do not use on jewelry. Also, the diatomaceous earth can be found at swimming pool or garden supply houses. Do not inhale this powder, so handle it gently and keep it downwind from you. (The supply houses often fail to tell you that it can cause lung damage.). NOTE: As Recipezaar would not take diatomaceous earth, I typed in flour. DO NOT USE FLOUR, USE THE EARTH! -- posted by dogsandwoods

Sparkling Fireplace Glass

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 12:49:45 -0400

We have a fireplace with glass doors. "How beautiful!" we thought when we bought the place. It didn't take long to figure out it was a curse rather than a blessing. They fog over with only one fire and within a week can be black and opaque. We tried many different techniques and even resorted to scraping it with a razor blade at times. I think I read this tip in a book full of similar tips. I didn't really believe that it would work but was pleasantly surprised! Cleanup has gone from a several hour affair to about 15 minutes. You can disregard the amounts... the recipe was rejected for lack of quantities originally so I had to add them to get it accepted. -- posted by Chef Tweaker

Organic Garlic Fire Spray for Gardens

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 01:27:02 -0400

This is an organic solution that will take care of all the pesky creatures in your garden; insect or four legged. I found it on an organic gardening site recently, and it worked so well, I had to share it! Evaluate the pest situation after applying and adjust the water dilution as necessary. It will be pungent when first applied, but the smell will dissipate. Spray every few days until pests are gone. Respray after rain, and about every week to ten days thereafter. -- posted by Miss_Elaine

Windex

Sun, 19 Jul 2009 13:07:24 -0400

A little different than the other homemade window cleaners posted here, this solution works great and I've saved a lot of money over the years using it! -- posted by Deb's Recipes

Homemade Laundry and Dishwasher Detergent

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 01:45:12 -0400

It's cheap and does the job! -- posted by Llamatron

Stain Soak Recipe for Fabrics

Sun, 09 Aug 2009 21:43:06 -0400

I had received this recipe years ago from WestminsterLace as their "trusted recipe" for spotless linens, cottons and cotton blends. They proffered lace-touched clothing, lingerie, linens, beddings, antique lace and accessories. -- posted by gailanng

Easy No Cost Fire Starters

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 13:46:07 -0400

I'm afraid that I'm not really good at starting fires in the fireplace. And, since it will be fireplace season soon, I thought that I would post this little tip here. I read about this somewhere online a few years ago and gave it a try. It works well and doesn't cost any extra money. The only ingredients listed are vinegar and water - which are not used in this 'recipe' - but Zaar wouldn't take the 'other' ingredients. -- posted by lazyme

Fruit Fly/Gnat Trap

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 02:50:55 -0400

I detest any type of bug or fly in my house, so when I saw a newscast regarding fruit flies, my interest perked up quite quickly! (I am the one that runs after everyone to close the screen doors!!) They lay their eggs in and amoungst ripe fruit....so one way to deter this is by washing your fruit right away and storing in the fridge. Obviously....your chances of getting hords of fruit flies are greater if you have fruit trees on your property!! Sorry for you...but this application will definately help relieve you of this burden!! -- posted by Abby Girl

Simple Homemade Fabric Softener

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 10:36:17 -0400

The most inexpencive and easiest recipe of all. The simplest way to soften fabrics and control static. Makes towels more absorbent. -- posted by Dee Coonhound

Cut Flower Preservative #3

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 01:06:42 -0400

I stumbled across this recipe for making your own flower preservative on About.com today. TIPS: To keep your cut flowers fresh you need to give them water & food, protect them from decay or infection plus keep them cool and out of direct sunlight. Try to keep your flowers away from ripe fruit as the gases will shorten their life. Keep them in a cool area and away from direct sunlight. Flowers with milky latex-containing sap such as poinsettia, heliotrope, hollyhock, euphorbia and poppy need special treatment The milky sap prevents water loss by the stem but in cut flowers it prevents the absorption of water. To prevent this problem dip the bottom tips (--1/2 inch) of the stems in boiling water for about 30 seconds or by flashing the tips of the stems with a lighter or other flame. -- posted by Dreamer in Ontario

Grandma's Homemade Bleach

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 17:07:37 -0400

Try this environmentally friendly recipe to remove stains from your laundry. -- posted by The Daycare Lady

Refrigerator Freshener Spray

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 17:09:41 -0400

A cheap effective cleaner. -- posted by The Daycare Lady

Floor Grease Cutter Cleaner

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 17:09:56 -0400

This solution is for heavy duty cleaning. -- posted by The Daycare Lady

Fruit Fly/Gnat Trap #2

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:59:10 -0500

I hate flies....period! What I hate most are those pesky fruit flies that seem to love to dive bomb right in front of your face. We had a particularly bad year for these little devils that I found this method quite satsfying to see it work!!! -- posted by Abby Girl

Olive Oil Furniture Polish

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 14:52:10 -0500

I love stupid, easy household tricks! I found that after using this method, the dust seems to settle and not fly around once disturbed....which makes clean up a snap! -- posted by Abby Girl

Nif's Cure for Stinky Onion Fingers

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 20:46:43 -0500

Do your fingers stink like onions after you handle them? I had to list the ingredients the way that I did because I couldn't list the knife. I have never used lemon, but it can't hurt! :) You won't believe how well this works! It usually takes away the smell of garlic too. You can use a dull butter knife but if you are not comfortable using a knife, you can use some other resources of stainless steel. Enjoy! -- posted by Nif

Natural Drain Unclogger

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 19:26:43 -0500

Based on a recipe from my Shaws grocery stores Wild Harvest November 2009 holiday pamphlet. It says, Along with potato peels and onion skins often comes a clogged sink. Thankfully, there is a way to unclog sinks without sending toxic chemicals down the drain and out into the environment. Cook time is boiling water time. I can honestly say that I use this regularly in my kitchen sink and it works as well for me as Draino did. -- posted by mersaydees

Deb's Homemade Dishwasher Rinse

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 00:04:30 -0500

After a great deal of experimentation in my "lab" (which looks a lot like my kitchen), I developed a cheap, easy to make fake "Jet Dry" type dishwasher rinse aid that works very well. It's natural and non-chemical, but you still need to keep it out of reach of kiddies due to the alcohol content. -- posted by Chef #1318506