For the budget minded, safety minded homeowner, or the person in a pinch, here are some more recipes for helpful homemade household cleaners.
Dusting and Polishing Solution
Mix one half cup of real lemon juice with one teaspoon of olive oil. Mix thoroughly and apply sparingly to furniture with soft cloth. Store excess in closed glass container and keep in the refrigerator. Let stand until room temperature before use.
Surface Cleaner
You can use full strength vinegar or ammonia for surface cleaners or dilute either option two-to-one and make a spray. Pour two parts water and one part solution into a spray bottle and use to clean surfaces such as counters.
Disinfectant Cleaning spray
Combine 1 teaspoon of antibacterial liquid hand soap with 2 cups of water. Shake well and pour into spray bottle. Allow suds to settle before using.
You can also use bleach in many areas that require disinfectant, such as the toilet bowl. Take care with bleach and avoid getting it on carpets and other items that could become discolored. Bleach can also be diluted three-to-one for use as a cleaning spray for shower stalls and tile, and bleach works great on mold and mildew. Mix three parts bleach with one part water (you may need a stronger mixture for severe mold or mildew). Bleach fumes can be overpowering, so be sure to ventilate the area. Never mix bleach with other cleaning products. It can create a harmful chemical reaction.
Remember, store household cleaning products in closed containers. Even homemade products need to be kept out of reach of children and should always be clearly labeled. Use clean containers, not used ones, to avoid chemical reactions. You can find spray bottles and other types of closed containers at your local dollar or discount store for very reasonable prices.