Brand name cleaning products are more talk than action and they can put a dent in your shopping budget. Dollar store cleaners are cheaper, but they're watered down and not very effective. I found that the best cleaners for household chores are made at home. Here are 5 DIY cleaning solutions that are customizable and less expensive than retail brands. Spring cleaning will be a breeze!

Step 1: Tools and Location

Mixing DIY cleaning recipes can be messy. Even though no hard chemicals are used, proper ventilation is necessary. The kitchen is the most logical place to set up shop. You will need access to a water source and a microwave. Additionally, many of the tools and ingredients are pantry items or commonly found in the kitchen.

You will need:

Two cup liquid measuring cup
Dry ingredient measuring cups and spoons
Spray or squeeze bottles
Funnel
Plastic pitcher
Wooden spoon
Microwave

Step 2: Ingredient List

The cleaning solution recipes that I have included in this Instructable do not require or use any harsh or hazardous chemicals. All of the ingredients are common household items. The following is a list of all of the ingredients used in this instructable. Note that this is a complete ingredient list.

Dawn Antibacterial Dish Soap
Distilled white vinegar
Borax or washing soda
Baking soda
Tea Tree oil
Essential oils of choice (optional)
Hydrogen peroxide
Murphy's Oil Soap
Liquid automatic dishwasher detergent
Vegetable oil
Lemon juice
Water

Step 3: Antibacterial Basin Tub and Tile Cleaner

For tough soap scum, hard water stains, mold, mildew, and everyday usage grime on all your bathroom surfaces, this recipe just cannot be beaten. Plus, it is antibacterial.

1 cup of Dawn antibacterial dish soap
1 cup of distilled white vinegar
½ cup of Borax or washing soda
10 -12 drops of Tea tree oil (or other scented or antibacterial oil)

In a large pitcher combine the Dawn, Borax, and tea tree oil. In a microwave-safe container, heat the vinegar for 1 minute. Add the vinegar to the other ingredients and stir moderately as to avoid suds. Pour the mixture into a squeeze bottle and go tackle the bathroom. For difficult stains, apply, and let it soak for 20 minutes or so. This recipe works best when warm. Shake product during use to combat possible separation.

Step 4: D.I.Y OxiClean

This recipe works better than the original when used as a prewash stain treatment or to remove stubborn stains.

½ cup of hydrogen peroxide
½ cup baking soda
1 cup water

In a large pitcher, mix all 3 ingredients, stir and transfer the mixture into a squeeze bottle. Pretreat stains or add directly to the wash load. Shake well before using.

Step 5: Kitchen Degreaser

Greasy kitchen messes, a greasy mess in the garage, and any other

tough cleaning job will be much easier with this recipe.

2 cups water
¼ cup Murphys Oil Soap
¼ cup of liquid dishwasher soap
10 -12 drops of your favorite essential oil (optional)

In a large pitcher mix all 4 ingredients and stir moderately as to avoid suds. Transfer mixture into a spray bottle and you're done. Shake the product during use.

Step 6: D.I.Y. Goof Off/Goo Gone

Remove stubborn price tag residue, stickers, and any other tacky messes with this easy recipe.

½ cup vegetable oil
1 cup baking soda

In a large pitcher combine the 2 ingredients and stir. Transfer the mixture to an appropriately sized bottle. Use a damp sponge, rag, or paper towel to apply the solution. For tougher jobs allow the solution to sit on the stain for about 15 minutes. Shake the product during use.

Step 7: General Purpose Cleaner

Kitchen counters, appliances, stainless steel, tiles and cabinetry will sparkle when cleaned with this recipe.

1 cup distilled vinegar
¼ cup lemon juice
Tablespoon of Dawn antibacterial dish soap
8 – 10 drops of your favorite essential oil (optional)

In a large pitcher mix all 4 ingredients a stir moderately to avoid suds. Transfer mixture to a spray bottle and go clean. Shake the product during use.