Make your own cleaning products

Can you pronounce the ingredients in your cleaning supplies? Are you worried about what all those harsh chemicals are doing to the surfaces in your kitchen and bathroom (let alone to your family!)?

Some of the items in your pantry (like baking soda and vinegar) work as effective cleaners and, even better, cost next to nothing. So the next time you're staring down a big mess but you're out of your favorite product, don't run to the store — try one mixing up one of these DIY standbys instead

1. Kitchen Cleaner and Deodorizer

What you'll need:

• 4 tablespoons baking soda
  

• 1 quart warm water

• To clean kitchen counters, appliances, and the inside of your refrigerator, all you need is baking soda. "It makes a great deodorizer and can be used to shine stainless steel sinks and appliances," says Carolyn Forte, director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab. Just pour the above solution on a clean sponge and wipe.
  

2.Water Ring Remover

What you'll need:

• One part white non-gel toothpaste

• One part baking soda

• Places you've accidentally left a water ring (but not on unfinished wood, lacquer, or antiques), dampen a cloth with water, add the toothpaste mixture and rub with the grain to buff over the spot. Then take a dry cloth and wipe off. Use another soft cloth for a final shine. Polish as you normally would.

3.Brass Cleaner

What you'll need:

• 2-Ingredient Polishing Tricks

• by Good Housekeeping US

• White vinegar or lemon juice
  

• Table salt

• To clean non-lacquered cabinet pulls, bathroom appointments, and more, dampen a sponge with vinegar or lemon juice, then sprinkle on salt. Lightly rub over surface. Rinse thoroughly with water, then immediately dry with a clean soft cloth.

4.Heavy-Duty Scrub

What you'll need:

• 1/2 lemon

• 1/2 cup borax powder
  

• Rust stains on porcelain or enamel sinks and tubs are no match for this cleaner. Dip the lemon into the borax and scrub the surface, then rinse. (This is not safe for marble or granite.) 

5.Toilet Bowl Cleaner

What you'll need:

• ¼ cup baking soda

• ¼ cup Borax

• 1 cup white vinegar

• Pour ingredients directly into toilet. Mix gently with bowl brush. Let sit at least 30 minutes before scrubbing and flushing. 

Now that your toilet, tub, countertops and sinks are all shiny and spotless, give your garbage disposal a little love as well! What are your favorite green cleaning supplies?

*Always read the official safety and use directions before using these products. For your safety and our peace of mind, please remember:

Do not inhale cleaner fumes for an extended period of time. Crack a window and take in some fresh air.

In the instance that you get cleaner in your eyes, flush them out with water. If necessary, consult a physician.

Do not use rubbing alcohol near an open flame.

Do not ingest any of these cleaning products and keep out of reach of children and pets.