Cleaningforpenniesebook

CLEANING FOR PENNIES
HOW TO USE CHEAP, KITCHEN-CUPBOARD

INGREDIENTS TO CLEAN NATURALLY
Annie B. Bond
GREEN CHI CAFE BOOKS
How To Use Cheap, Kitchen-Cupboard
Ingredients to Clean Naturally
by Annie B. Bond
CLEANI NG FOR PENNI ES
Green Chi Caf Books, a Division of Green Chi Caf
72 Old Farm Road, Rhinebeck, NY 12572
Copyright 2009, Annie B. Bond
All rights reserved under International and Pan-American
Copyright Conventions. No part of this booklet may be repro-
duced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or
mechanical, including photocopying, recording, without per-
mission in writing from the publisher. Published in the United
States by Green Chi Caf Books.
Note to Reader: This book is intended as an informational
guide. Each individual person, fabric, or material may react
differently to a particular suggested use. It is recommended
that before you begin to use any formula, you read the direc-
tions carefully and test it frst. Nothing in this booklet is in-
tended as a substitute for professional medical care or treat-
ment. Should you have any health care-related questions or
concerns, please call or see your physician or other health care
provider.
ISBN: 978-0-9841538-5-3
Published in the United States 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Cover design by: Green Ideals
Text design by: Green Ideals
GREEN CHI CAFE BOOKS CLEANING FOR PENNIES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I NTRODUCTI ON: CLEANING FOR PENNIES 4
1: FOUR BASIC INGREDIENTS 12
2: GENERAL CLEANERS 15
- ALL- PURPOSE CLEANERS, SPRAYS, AND CLEANSERS: 15-18
- MOLD AND MI LDEW CLEANERS & DEODORI ZERS: 18-20
- WI NDOW CLEANERS: 20-21
- FLOOR CLEANERS: 22, 33-34
- CLEANI NG FI XTURES: 23
- CLUB SODA SPI LL, STAI N, AND SPOT REMOVER: 23
- SCOURERS: 24-25
- MI NERAL DRAI N CLEANER: 25-26
- BATHROOM CLEANERS: 26-30
- CARPET CLEANERS: 30-33
- FURNI TURE DUSTERS, CLEANERS, AND WAXES: 35-39
- LAUNDRY: 39-41
- GENERAL METAL CLEANERS: 41-43
BI BLI OGRAPHY, ABOUT THE AUTHOR, & ABOUT GREENCHI : 44-47
5
7
I NTRODUCTI ON
An editor for a leading U.S. magazine came to my house once
to write an article about my green lifestyle. She was so im-
pressed with how little was in the cupboard under my kitchen
sink that it became the focus of her story! There was hardly
anything there, just baking soda, washing soda, vinegar, all-
purpose soap, dish detergent, a few rags, spray bottles, and
sponges! That was a proud moment for me, because in truth,
with those few kitchen cupboard ingredients I can clean every-
thing in the house - and so I literally clean for pennies.
I started off learning to clean this way simply because I had to.
I was seriously sick for eight years with devastating central ner-
vous system damage from a pesticide poisoning, and spent
three months in the hospital being treated. I was a bubble case
I could not be around any chemicals. The important point to
dwell on, however, is that it only took me six months of being
surrounded by natural materials to recover, and I rejuvenated
like a wilted plant that had been given water. In those six
months, I became well enough to have a baby, and have led a
relatively normal life for the past 21 years because I learned
how to live without chemicals.
In short, I learned how to clean, renovate, shop, and live with
all natural materials, and it has made all the difference. The
quality of my life still depends on an entirely natural lifestyle.
It isnt that all natural materials are always healthy, because
they arent (think of mold, for example). But Ive looked at
8
natural materials with an educated eye and learned to use those
that enhance health and dont hurt it.
I gained other benefts (besides my health) because of this life-
style of using household staple ingredients safe (GRAS) for
household chores rather than chemical products: I learned all
sorts of tips and tricks for being green, and, of course, I saved
large amounts of money something that youre about to learn
how to do, too.
Why write about cleaning? Twenty years ago I decided to start
a clearing house for non-toxic living, and I started with clean-
ing. Funny, because the biggest secret my family keeps is that I
hate to clean! Yet I have probably read and tested more folk
formulas for cleaning than anyone on this planet. I never fo-
cused on natural, kitchen cupboard ingredients because I like
to clean, as anyone in my family will tell you, but instead be-
cause I have found the research into the old folk formulas fas-
cinating, and because I want to help people have healthier
homes. Also, I love the thrift of the old formulas - they work so
well.
It is reassuring to discover that the modern synthetic formulas
pretty much copy the old formulas, but use synthetic, chemical
substitutes for the old formulas natural ingredients. Of course,
as I mentioned above, I have eliminated some of the old formu-
las, looking at them with modern awareness about health and
the environment. I take only the completely non-toxic formu-
las, and then test those carefully, keeping the ones that work
the best. And, because of my budget 20 years ago and because
of my strong dislike for cleaning, they cost pennies and take
almost no time to make and use.
so much healthier when I am not surrounded by chemical
products. Second of all, you can be green in college without
ftting the stere
HEALTH
The studies are rolling in: one shows that nurses who use dis-
infectants have a much higher rate of asthma; another that
housekeepers and stay-at-home moms (who use cleaning prod-
ucts regularly) have higher rates of cancer, especially bladder
cancer; and another that the state of Maine has determined
that 1,700 chemicals in everyday products are hazardous to our
health. I could go on and on, but the issue, in a nutshell, is
whether or not you believe in the Precautionary Principle.
Many believe that the government protects us and wouldnt al-
low toxic chemicals in the market. Sadly, however, this isnt
true. The government is much less cautious than it should be in
its banning of certain ingredients and products. To me, the
Precautionary Principle means to protect my health and that of
my familys by choosing GRAS materials rather than ones that
the government says are okay.
One way the government does protect us is by using signal
words on products. These include fatal if swallowed, etc. I
recommend that people go through their cleaning products
and separate all products that have any signal word stronger
than a caution, make sure they are fully sealed, and save them
for a Hazardous Waste pickup day.
ENVI RONMENT
Every toxic product damages the environment in both manu-
facture and disposal. Waste water systems arent equipped to
remove most chemicals, so they end up back in our drinking
water. The air becomes polluted from the factories that
9
10
make the products (think global warming), and nonrenewable
resources are being used up to make them.
EXPENSES
Ive compared the two methodsmaking my own formulas or
buying commercial products--ounce by ounce. Cleaning with
homemade, natural products saves about 70 percent on the
cleaning product bill compared to buying commercial cleaning
products. I could save even more if I wanted to forgo essential
oils and green detergents. I did a program for Smart Money
television show a number of years ago and found that even with
my essential oils and green detergent, I spent $11 to clean,
while the commercial versions of a simple range of products
cost $66. Figuring that one needs to replace cleaning products
quarterly, I save at least $200 a year.
DOES THI S TYPE OF CLEANI NG TAKE EXTRA
TI ME?
Most of the formulas take seconds to make. The only timely
factor is deciding to switch to non-toxic cleaning and learning
the basics: once you know the basics, cleaning this way takes
no more time than using commercial products.
MORE ELBOW GREASE?
There is a myth that cleaning with homemade formulas takes a
lot of elbow grease. This myth persists only because people
dont know how to use the materials needed to make these for-
mulas something that I am going to teach you. Minerals like
baking soda and washing soda work like magic if you use
enough of the material and let it set and work over time. For
example, cleaning the oven with baking soda would take a huge
amount of scrubbing if you just poured it on and started scrub-
bing. However, pouring the baking soda onto the bottom of the
oven, getting it damp, and leaving it overnight is a completely
11
different story. When left to work overnight, with a few swipes
you can remove all the grime and buildup in seconds.
12
CHAPTER 1: FOUR BASIC INGREDIENTS
My formulas focus on four simple ingredients: baking soda,
washing soda, white distilled vinegar, and a soap or a vegeta-
ble-based detergent. With these, I believe you can clean any-
thing in the house. I occasionally use the essential oils of tea
tree oil or lavender, which are expensive, but a little big goes a
long way.
1. BAKI NG SODA
Baking Soda is a mineral made from soda ash. It is slightly al-
kaline (pH about 8.1 - 7 is neutral), so it neutralizes acid-based
odors in water, and it adsorbs odors from the air. It also eats
away at grime, making it a good oven and pot cleaner.
Baking soda is a nonabrasive cleaner, so it works well for kitch-
en countertops, sinks, bathtubs, ovens, and fberglass. Because
it adsorbs odors, it eliminates body and perspiration odors,
and even neutralizes the smell of many chemicals. It also works
well sprinkled on carpets to remove odors (like pet or stain
odors).
2. WASHI NG SODA
A relative of baking soda, washing soda (sodium carbonate), is
soda ash that is processed differently than baking soda and is
more strongly alkaline, with a pH around 11. It is caustic but
does not release harmful fumes. Wear gloves.
13
Washing soda is an excellent solvent substitute. It cuts grease;
removes petroleum oil, wax, or soot; and neutralizes odors in
the same way that baking soda does. Use it as a thick, damp
paste or add cup to a gallon of very hot water. You can fnd
washing soda in the laundry section of the supermarket, usu-
ally next to Borax.
Note: Dont use it on fberglass or aluminum, or on waxed
foors unless you intend to remove the wax.
3. VI NEGAR
Food grade vinegar is an acid made from the fermentation of
wine, cider, or malt beyond the alcohol stage. The acid in vin-
egar neutralizes alkaline substances such as baking soda and
scale from hard water. Vinegar also kills mold, germs, and bac-
teria. For cleaning, the acid cuts grease and dirt buildup, eats
away tarnish, and removes dirt from wood surfaces. I recom-
mend using white distilled vinegar to avoid possible stains
while cleaning. You can buy gallon jugs in supermarkets.
4. ESSENTI AL OI LS
Essential oils are liquid extracts derived from shrubs, fowers,
trees, roots, bushes, herbs, and seeds. They tend to be highly
antibacterial and, of course, have an aromatherapy value.
Be sure the oils you purchase are petroleum-free. To test for
purity, place a drop of your oil on a piece of blotting paper.
Pure oils will not leave a residue after evaporation, while those
that contain petroleum products will.
If you have any serious medical condition or are pregnant, con-
sult your physician before using. Dont use essential oils around
babies.
14
ACCESSORI ES
Clean spray bottles. Make sure to label these if the product
will be stored for any length of time.
Clean, soft rags.
Glass bowls and metal spoons.
Glass jars for storage.
Caution: Keep all products, including detergents, away from
children.
MAKE YOUR OWN PRODUCTS
For the formulas in this booklet, I provide the cost to make it,
the ingredients required, and the time it takes to make. I also
provide a general shelf life when appropriate. I then compare
the cost of the homemade, do-it-yourself (DIY) formula to the
cost of an equivalent amount of store-bought, commercial
cleaner, so you can see how much youre saving.
A NOTE ABOUT DOLLARS AND CENTS:
The costs cited are from the Hudson Valley, New York and the
Internet in the summer of 2009. All comparisons are of equiv-
alent amounts of product: i.e. half cup-to-half cup, ounce-to-
ounce.
15
ALKALI NE ALL- PURPOSE SPRAY CLEANER
This formula is the basic all-purpose cleaner: you should have
it on hand for most cleaning jobs such as cleaning baseboards,
walls, and counters.
Makes 2 cups
Cost for 2 cups:
- DIY = $0.05
- Store Bought = $2.45
Ingredients
1/2 teaspoon washing soda
2 teaspoons borax
1/2 teaspoon liquid soap or detergent
2 cups hot water or club soda (rich in alkaline minerals)
Instructions
Combine all the ingredients in a spray bottle, making sure that
the water is hot enough to dissolve the minerals. Shake to blend.
Use as you would a normal all-purpose spray cleaner.
Takes about 1 minute to prepare, the shelf life is indefnite.
ACI D ALL- PURPOSE SPRAY CLEANER
Acid cleaners are very helpful for scale (mineral buildup), and
for pet and body odors.
CHAPTER 2: GENERAL CLEANERS
16
Makes 1 cup
Cost for 1 Cup:
- DIY = $0.06
Ingredients
1/4 cup white distilled vinegar or lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon liquid wool detergent
3/4 cup warm water
Instructions
Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake to blend be-
fore use. Takes about 1 minute to prepare, the shelf life is in-
defnite with vinegar, a few days for lemon juice (store in the
fridge).
ALL PURPOSE HEAVY- DUTY CLEANER
You cant beat this formula for heavy duty cleaning.
Makes 2 gallons - If you have some big cleaning project that
needs doing, preparing this much cleaner will be useful.
Cost for 2 Gallons:
- DIY = $0.50
Ingredients
1/4 cup each washing soda and liquid soap or detergent
2 gallons hot water
Instructions
Combine the ingredients in a pail and stir to dissolve. Wearing
gloves, saturate a sponge with the mixture, and wash the area.
Rinse well.
Takes 3 to 4 minutes to prepare. Discard leftovers.
17
ALL- PURPOSE HEAVY- DUTY CLEANI NG SPRAY
Use this formula for tough stains and grease, such as engine
oil.
Makes 1 cup
Cost for 1 Cup:
- DIY = $0.06
Ingredients
2 teaspoons washing soda
1 cup hot water
Instructions
Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well. Spray
the stain. The high concentration of washing soda can result in
white residue, so rinse well with water. Wipe dry.
Takes about 1 minute to prepare, shelf life is indefnite; just
store in the spray bottle.
BASI C ANTI SEPTI C CLEANSER
Not only does this preparation clean, but the essential oils dis-
infect and provide a natural fragrance.
Makes 2 cups
Cost for 2 Cups:
- DIY = $0.84
18
Ingredients
Up to 1 teaspoon antiseptic essential oil (thyme, sweet orange,
lemongrass, rose, clove, eucalyptus, cinnamon, rosemary,
birch, lavender, or tea tree)
1 teaspoon washing soda
2 cups hot water
Instructions
Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake to dissolve
and to blend the minerals. I like to spray this cleanser onto a
surface, then leave it for 15 minutes or so before I wipe it up
with a rag, to give the essential oils antiseptic qualities time to
work.
store in spray bottle or in a glass jar with a screw top.
VI NEGAR ANTI - MI LDEW AND MOLD SPRAY
Studies show that vinegar kills up to 82 percent of mold, so you
cant beat it for a cheap mold and mildew product. If you have
black mold, consult a specialist.
Makes 1 cups
Cost for 1.5 Cups:
- DIY = $0.08
Ingredients
1/2 cup white distilled vinegar
1 cup water
19
Instructions
Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle. Spray on the moldy
area. Do not rinse. The smell of vinegar will dissipate in a few
hours.
Takes less than 1 minute to prepare, make only as much as you
need at a time.
TEA TREE MOLD AND MI LDEW CLEANER
Tea tree oil is a broad spectrum fungicide often used medici-
nally. While expensive, a little goes a long way. Ive found it
especially good for musty smells and to kill mold growth from
leaks. (Make sure to consult with an expert if you have a seri-
ous mold problem.)
Makes 2 cups
Cost for 2 Cups:
- DIY = $2.33
Ingredients
2 teaspoons tea tree oil
2 cups water
Instructions
Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle, shake to blend, and
spray on problem areas. Do not rinse. The strong odor will dis-
sipate in a day or so.
Takes less than 1 minute to prepare, shelf life is indefnite; just
20
VI NEGAR DEODORI ZER SPRAY
I particularly like this spray for deodorizing toilet bowl rims.
Makes 1 cups
Cost for 1.5 Cups:
- DIY = $0.08
Ingredients
1 cup water
Instructions
Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle. Spray on the moldy
area. Do not rinse.
Takes less than a minute to prepare, make only as much as you
need at a time.
WI NDOW CLEANER
You need the dab of soap or detergent in this recipe to remove
all the wax buildup of the commercial products you may have
been using over the years.
Makes 2 cups
Cost for 2.25 Cups:
- DIY = $0.07
Ingredients
2 cups water
A few drops essential oil, for scent (optional)
21
Instructions
Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle, and shake to blend.
Spray on, then remove with a squeegee, paper towel, or news-
paper.
SUPER- DI RTY WI NDOW CLEANER
Especially good for glass windows on wood stove doors or oth-
er unusually dirty windows.
Makes 2 1/2 cups
Cost for 2.5 Cups:
- DIY = $1.76
Ingredients
1/4 teaspoon washing soda
1/2 cup hot water
2 cups club soda
Instructions
Dissolve the washing soda in the hot water, then pour into a
spray bottle. Add the liquid soap and club soda. Shake to com-
bine, then spray and wipe clean.
22
BASI C LI NOLEUM FLOOR CLEANER
Most of the time, a good clean with a detergent is all you need
to pull up the dirt.
Makes about 2 gallons
Cost for 2 Gallons:
- DIY = $0.40
Ingredients
1/4 cup liquid soap or detergent
2 gallons water
Instructions
Combine the ingredients in a pail, and wash foor as usual.
Takes about 1 minute to prepare, discard after use.
LI NOLEUM SCUFF REMOVER
The baking soda in this preparation makes it slightly abrasive.
Makes about 3/4 cup
Cost for 3/4 Cup:
- DIY = $0.54
Ingredients
1/2 cup baking soda
Liquid soap, dish soap, or detergent
Instructions
Pour the baking soda into a bowl. Stir in the soap a bit at a time
until the texture is like frosting. Scoop onto a sponge and wash
the foor. Rinse well.
Takes about 1 minute to prepare, shelf life is 1 day
23
CLEANI NG FI XTURES
This formula rinses very easily, but it has enough grit to get the
job done.
Makes 3/4 cup
Cost for 3/4 Cup:
- DIY = $0.54
Ingredients
1/2 cup baking soda
Liquid soap, dish soap, or detergent
Instructions
Pour the baking soda into a bowl. Stir in the soap a bit at a time
until the texture is like frosting. Scoop onto a sponge and wash
the fxtures. Rinse well.
Takes about 7 seconds to make. Use it up.
CLUB SODA SPI LL, STAI N AND SPOT REMOVER
Club soda is very alkaline, dissolving and loosening stains if it
is applied.
Makes about 2 cups
Cost for 2 Cups:
- DIY = $1.74
Ingredients
2 cups club soda
Instructions
Add about 2 cups club soda to a spray bottle. Spray on fxtures.
Let set for a few minutes, if possible. Wipe dry, then polish with
a soft, clean rag.
Takes less than 1 minute to prepare, shelf life is indefnite.
24
ANTI BACTERI AL DEODORI ZI NG SCOURER
Borax and salt are both antibacterial (just think of how salt is
used to cure meat).
Makes 2 cups
Cost for 2 Cups:
- DIY = $2.17
Ingredients
1 cup each salt and borax
2 to 4 tablespoons dried and ground antiseptic herbs such as
thyme, rosemary, and lavender
Instructions
Combine the ingredients and stir to blend. Sprinkle onto the
surface, scour with a sponge, then rinse thoroughly.
Takes about 5 minutes to prepare, shelf life is a few months;
store in a glass jar with screw top.
HEAVY- DUTY SCOURI NG POWDER
Washing soda is a heavy duty alkaline mineral that works won-
ders on tough cleaning jobs. Combined with baking soda, which
is a softer texture, they make a good-textured DIY product. Re-
read about washing soda in the introduction, as washing soda
can eat away at sensitive fnishes.

Makes 1 cup
Cost for 1 Cup:
- DIY = $0.40
25
Ingredients
1/2 cup each baking soda and washing soda
Instructions
Combine the ingredients, sprinkle onto the surface, scour with
a sponge, then rinse thoroughly.
Takes less than 1 minute to prepare, shelf life is indefnite; store
in a glass jar with a screw top, a confectioners sugar shaker or
Tupperware container
MI NERAL DRAI N CLEANER
This old standby works most of the time. If it doesnt, use a
plumbers snake.
Makes 3 cups
Cost for 3 Cups:
- DIY = $1.08
Ingredients
3 cups baking soda or 1 cup washing soda
Boiling water
Instructions
If water wont go down the drain in your sink, pour 1 cup wash-
ing soda into the water surrounding the drain, as close to the
drain as possible. Within a minute, the water should go down.
If water hasnt yet backed up, and you dont have any washing
soda, pour 1 cup baking soda down the drain followed by 3 cups
boiling water. The boiling water chemically changes the baking
soda to a more washing sodalike chemical.
Tip: To keep drains clean, pour 1 cup washing soda down them
every week or so.
26
VARI ATI ON: BUBBLE THE TROUBLE
Grade school students are often taught to make a volcano by
making a small heap of baking soda and pouring vinegar on top
of it. As the vinegar works to neutralize the baking soda, the
mixture starts bubbling away. If all of this is combined in the
drain, the bubbling can work to dislodge the grime blocking the
pipe.
Ingredients
3 cups baking soda or 1 cup washing soda
1 cup vinegar
Instructions
Follow the baking soda and boiling water, or the washing soda,
with 1 cup vinegar.
BATHROOM CLEANERS
BASI C SOFT SCRUBBER BATHROOM FORMULA
I wish I had a dollar for every time this recipe is used. It is the
best one I have ever formulated, and really a joy to use.
Makes 1/2 cup
Cost for 1/2 Cup:
- DIY = $0.36
Ingredients
1/2 cup baking soda
Enough liquid soap or detergent to make a frosting like consis-
tency
5 to 10 drops fragrant essential oil, such as 5 drops each rose
and lavender (optional)
Instructions
Place the baking soda in a bowl; slowly pour in the liquid soap,
27
stirring all the while, until the consistency reaches that of frost-
ing. Add a few drops essential oil (if using). Scoop the creamy
mixture onto a sponge, wash the surface, and rinse.
Takes about 1 minute to prepare, make only as much as you
need at a time since natural soft scrubbers dry out.
VARI ATI ON: ANTI BACTERI AL SOFT SCRUBBER
Substitute borax for half of the baking soda, and add about 15
drops antibacterial essential oil, such as thyme, sweet orange,
lavender, clove, rosemary, tea tree, or cinnamon.
HEAVYDUTY GREASECUTTI NG SOFT SCRUBBER
Make sure to wear gloves with this caustic (but non-toxic) for-
mula. Id only choose this over the regular soft scrubber, above,
for truly dirty jobs. .
Makes 1/2 cup
Cost for 1/2 Cup:
- DIY = $0.44
Ingredients
1/2 cup washing soda
Enough liquid soap or detergent to make a frosting-like consis-
tency
Instructions
Place the washing soda in a bowl; slowly pour in the liquid
soap, stirring all the while, until the consistency reaches that of
frosting. Scoop the creamy mixture onto a sponge, wash the
surface, and rinse.
Takes about 1 minute to prepare, make only as much as you
need at a time since natural soft scrubbers dry out.
28
TOI LET BOWL CLEANERS
Buy a good toilet bowl brush to help reduce the time spent do-
ing this chore.
VINEGAR DEODORIZER
Vinegar kills germs, bacteria, and fungus, so is an effective de-
odorizer.
Makes 2 1/4 cups
Cost for 2 1/4 Cups:
- DIY = $0.04
Ingredients
2 cups water
Instructions
Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle, shake, and spray
along the inside rim of the toilet. Leave on for 15 minutes or so
before scrubbing with a toilet brush.
SOAP AND BRUSH
Peppermint adds some antibacterial beneft to this cleaner.
Makes 1 tbsp
Cost for 1 Tbsp:
- DIY = $0.19
29
Ingredients
About 1 tablespoon peppermint liquid castile soap
Instructions
Squirt the soap into the bowl; scrub and fush. If you have hard
water, add 1/4 cup white distilled vinegar before fushing.
TOI LET BOWL SI ZZLER
This is my favorite toilet cleaner because it sounds as if power-
ful cleaning is going on.
Makes 1 cup
Cost for 1 Cup:
- DIY = $0.26
Ingredients
bout 1/2 cup each baking soda and white distilled vinegar
Instructions
Pour the ingredients into the toilet. Let sizzle, then scrub.
Flush.
SI NK AND TUB STAI N REMOVER
In my opinion, this is the best whitener for sinks and tubs.
Use cup for sinks, 1 cup for the tub,
Cost for 1/4 Cup:
- DIY = $0.36
Ingredients
Sodium percarbonate
Instructions
Fill the sink or tub with enough water to cover the stains. Add
the sodium perobrate, let set for a few hours, rinse.
30
SOAP SCUM SPRAY
The vinegar in this formula is the key ingredient because its
acid content eats up soap scum.
Makes 2 1/4 cups
Cost for 2 1/4 Cups:
- DIY = $0.07
Ingredients
1 teaspoon borax
1/2 teaspoon liquid detergent
2 cups hot water
Instructions
Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle, and shake to blend.
Spray. Follow with a sponge. Rinse.
BASI C CARPET CLEANER
Many hardware stores and even large supermarkets rent steam
extraction carpet cleaners, which can be used with this formu-
la.
Makes 4 gallons
Cost for 4 Gallons:
- DIY = $0.40
31
Ingredients
1/4 cup concentrated all-purpose liquid detergent (perfume
free)
4 gallons water
Instructions
Fill the machines water and detergent dispenser. Follow the
manufacturers directions.
Takes a few minutes to prepare, discard after use
VARI ATI ON: HEAVY- DUTY CLEANER
Sometimes the addition of alkaline minerals helps remove
dirt. Dissolve 2 teaspoons each borax and washing soda in
about 4 cups hot water, then add the mixture to the water dis-
penser in the machine. Be sure not to add too many minerals;
they can leave a white residue that will require extra rinsing to
remove.
BASI C CARPET DEODORI ZER AND ODOR
REMOVER
Nothing works like baking soda to remove odors from a carpet.
It literally neutralizes them on the spot.
Cost for 1 Oz:
- DIY = $0.04
Ingredients
Baking soda
Instructions
Sprinkle baking soda over the carpet. Sometimes you will need
a box or two of baking soda to really do the trick. Leave it on
overnight. To avoid clogging your vacuum cleaner, sweep off as
much baking soda as you can, then vacuum up the rest. If some
of the baking soda is damp and has left a residue, wash it off
with 1 cup water mixed with 1/4 cup white distilled vinegar.
32
VARI ATI ON: URI NE NEUTRALI ZER
Use borax or baking soda (following the directions above) or a
spray of straight club soda (do not rinse; soak up moisture with
a sponge, if necessary). Follow these directions for spilled milk,
wine, and alcohol neutralizer.
WHI PPED DETERGENT
The foamy quality of this formula works well to penetrate car-
pet weaves.
Makes 1 cup
Cost for 1 Cup:
- DIY = $0.40
Ingredients
Equal amounts water and liquid detergent
(1/2 cup each water and detergent should cover 10 square
feet)
Instructions
Whip the water and detergent together with a hand beater until
frothy. With a sponge, scoop some mixture onto a section of
carpet, rub in, and wipe dry with a clean rag. Continue over the
entire carpet.
Takes a few minutes to prepare, shelf life is indefnite but re-
whip before reusing; store in glass container with a lid.
VI NEGAR AND WATER
Vinegar makes this formula a good antiseptic deodorizer, which
can be sprayed or sponged onto stains to neutralize odors such
as urine. It also draws out dirt and can be used as an effective
rinse following a detergent.
33
Makes 2 cups
Cost for 2 Cups:
- DIY = $0.16
Ingredients
About 1 cup each white distilled vinegar and water
Instructions
Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle or a bowl. Spray or
sponge the mixture onto the carpet, making sure not to splash
the vinegar in your eyes. Let it set for 10 minutes or so before
blotting the mixture with a sponge or paper towel. The vinegar
odor will dissipate after a few hours.
in a glass jar with a screw top, a lidded plastic container, or a
spray bottle
BASI C FLOOR CLEANER FORMULA
Make sure to follow the manufacturers directions if you have
factory-made foors.
Cost for 2 Gallons:
- DIY = $0.48
Ingredients
1/4 cup liquid soap or detergent
Up to 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar or lemon juice
2 gallons warm water
Instructions
Combine the ingredients in a large plastic bucket. Use with a
mop or sponge.
34
VARI ATI ON: HEAVYDUTY GREASECUTTI NG
FLOOR CLEANER
Makes cup
Cost for 1/4 Cup:
- DIY = $0.14
Ingredients
1/4 cup washing soda
Instructions
Add 1/4 cup washing soda to the bucket before adding the
warm water. Stir to dissolve. Do not use on waxed foors.
VI NEGAR CLEANER
Vinegar is a good degreaser and dissolver of buildup.
Cost for 2 Gallons:
- DIY = $0.08
Ingredients
2 gallons water
Instructions
Combine the ingredients in a bucket. After the foors have been
washed, rinse with this mixture. The smell of the vinegar will
dissipate quickly.
35
WOOD FURNI TURE DUSTER
I particularly like lemon juice in this formula because it is so
refreshing and uplifting. That said, vinegar is fne, and a great
wood cleaner.
Makes 1/4 cup
Cost for cup:
- DIY = $0.34
Ingredients
1/4 cup white distilled vinegar or lemon juice
A few drops jojoba or olive oil
3 to 5 drops fragrant essential oil (optional)
Instructions
Combine the ingredients in a bowl, dab some on a soft natural-
fber rag, and use it to dust. The smell of vinegar will dissipate
in a few hours.
Takes less than 1 minute to prepare, shelf life is indefnite with
vinegar but if you use lemon juice, make only as much as you
will use at one time; store in glass jar with a screw top.
LEMON OI L DUSTER
Buy pure food grade lemon oil. Lemon oil is very lubricating for
wood.
Makes about 2 tablespoons
Cost for 2 tablespoons:
- DIY = $2.74
- Commercial = $0.23
36
Ingredients
10 drops lemon oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
A few drops raw linseed oil or jojoba
Instructions
Combine the ingredients in a jar. Shake to blend. Dab some on
a cloth (about 1/2 teaspoon at a time), and dust.
Takes about 1 to 2 minutes to prepare, make only as much as
you need at a time (lemon juice can turn rancid).
BASI C WOOD FURNI TURE CLEANI NG FORMULA
This formula is for everyday wooden furniture that gets a lot of
wear and tear.
Makes 1/2 cup
Cost for 1/2 Cup:
- DIY = $1.06
Ingredients
1/4 cup water
A few drops jojoba or olive oil
3 to 5 drops fragrant essential oil (optional)
Instructions
Combine the ingredients in a bowl, saturate a sponge with the
mixture, squeeze out the excess, and wash surfaces. The smell
of vinegar will dissipate in a few hours.
in a glass jar with a screw top.
37
FURNI TURE WAXES
BASI C WATERLESS WAX FORMULA
Dont be intimidated by the double boiler. This recipe really
couldnt be easier.

Makes up to 1 cup
Cost for 1 cup:
- DIY = $0.87
Ingredients
2 to 8 ounces olive oil or jojoba (more for a soft wax, less for
hard)
1 ounce beeswax
1 capsule (200 i.u.) liquid vitamin E per 2 ounces of oil
Instructions
Melt the oil and beeswax in a double boiler over medium heat.
Remove from the heat, add the contents of the vitamin E cap-
sule, and blend with a hand mixer until creamy.
Takes 25 minutes to prepare, shelf life is 6 months or more;
store in a glass jar with a screw top
OLD FOLK FORMULA FOR FURNI TURE POLI SH
This formula also kills weeds!
Makes 4 cups
Cost for 4 cups:
- DIY = $0.64
38
Ingredients
4 cups white distilled vinegar
Handful of salt
Instructions
Combine the ingredients in a nonaluminum pan and simmer
for 1 hour, checking frequently to make sure that the liquid
hasnt evaporated, and if it has, add more vinegar. Cool. Dab
the mixture onto a cloth, and polish.
Takes about 1 hour to prepare, shelf life is indefnite; store in a
glass jar with a screw top.
BASI C RUBBED OI L FI NI SH
Jojoba is a liquid wax and wont go rancid, but nothing smells
quite as good as linseed oil, which will also dry completely over
time.
Ingredients
Food-grade linseed oil, jojoba, or olive oil
Instructions
Dribble a bit of oil onto the wood, and rub in deeply with a soft
cloth, adding more oil as needed. Reapply over the following
months as needed.
No preparation time.
VARI ATI ONS
OI L AND LEMON: For a lemony smelling polish, add 5
drops pure lemon essential oil per ounce of oil.
TART POLI SH: With a vinegary polish you dont have to
worry about how well an oil dries, because there is not enough
39
oil to cause a gummy buildup. Combine 1/4 cup white distilled
vinegar and a few drops oil.
LAUNDRY
LET THERE BE LI GHT AND LEMONS WHI TENER
Put lemon juice in the sun and it will lighten white fabric.
Makes 1/2 cup
Cost for 1/2 cup:
- DIY = $1.32
Ingredients
1/2 cup lemon juice
Instructions
Add the lemon juice to the rinse cycle. This works best if you
hang the clothes to dry in the sun.
No preparation time, shelf life is 3 to 5 days; store in a glass jar
with a scre top or a lidded plastic container.
MI NERAL MI GHTER
Minerals are alkaline and boost detergent power as a result.
Makes enough for 1 load (1/2 cup)
Cost for 1/2 cup:
- DIY = $0.28 if using washing soda
- DIY = $0.19 if using borax
Ingredients
1/2 cup borax or washing soda
40
Instructions
Add the mineral to the wash cycle, using warm to hot water so
it dissolves.
No preparation time.
HYDROGEN PEROXI DE
You can buy hydrogen peroxide bleaches, or just use the
standard 3 percent solution available in pharmacies.
Makes enough for 1 load (1/2 cup)
Cost for 1/2 cup:
- $0.20
Ingredients
1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide
Instructions
Add to the rinse cycle.
FABRI C SOFTENERS AND STATI C CLI NG
Fabric softeners are designed to reduce static cling. If you wear
natural fbers, you usually wont have that problem. Add 1/4 to
1/2 cup vinegar to the rinse cycle to soften the fabric.
LAUNDRY ODOR REMOVAL
Start with alkaline minerals such as baking soda and if the
odors linger, repeat with the same amount of vinegar instead.
Vinegar is good at neutralizing perfume.
Makes 1/2 cup
Cost for 1/2 cup:
- DIY = $0.18 for baking soda
- DIY = $0.24 for washing soda
41
Ingredients
1/2 cup baking soda or washing soda
Instructions
Fill the laundry tub with warm water and the mineral or vine-
gar. Add the clothes and agitate. Let set for a few hours and
agitate again. Repeat a few times and then add detergent and
wash as usual.
SPOT REMOVERS
Use citrus solvent for bad stains. Just pour on the spot and
launder as usual.
Try a sodium perborate paste for stains, putting the paste
onto the stain and then laundering as usual.
Try soaking the stain in 3 percent hydrogen peroxide before
laundering.
GENERAL METAL CLEANERS
Baking Soda: Mix 1/2 cup baking soda with enough water to
make a paste. Scoop some paste onto a sponge, and polish the
metal. Rinse with hot water, and wipe the metal dry with a soft
cloth. Discard leftovers.
Toothpaste: Dab a bit onto your fnger and rub into the metal
until clean.
Vinegar: Polish with straight vinegar. Rinse in hot water, and
wipe the metal dry with a soft cloth.
ALUMI NUM, BRASS, BRONZE, AND COPPER
Use natural acids such as vinegar and ketchup to clean these
metals.
42
VI NEGAR ABRASI ON
The acid in vinegar eats off tarnish, and the salt is mildly abra-
sive.
Makes 2 tablespoons
Cost for 2 Tbsp:
- DIY = $0.06
Ingredients
3 teaspoons salt
1 tablespoon four
Enough white distilled vinegar to make a paste
Instructions
Combine the ingredients until a paste is formed. Scoop the
paste onto a clean sponge and polish the metal clean. Rinse
with hot water, and buff dry with a soft cloth.
VARI ATI ON
LEMON OR LI ME JUI CE, TOMATO JUI CE, OR MI LK:
Substitute any of these acids for the vinegar.
MAGI C MI NERAL CLEANER FOR SI LVER
It is best to use this formula if you can have the windows open
or put the pan outside. The odor of rotten eggs is released as
the tarnish is pulled off the silver.
Makes 2 tablespoons
Cost for 2 Tbsp:
DIY = $0.15
Store Bought = $0.75
43
Ingredients
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon baking soda
A few sheets of aluminum foil
Water
Instructions
Place the foil in a pan large enough to hold the silver. Combine
the salt and baking soda and add to the pan. Add water to cover
and let set for a couple of hours. Pour out the water; rinse the
silver thoroughly in hot water and wipe dry with a soft rag.
NOTE: Do not use this cleaner for pieces that have parts
joined by glue, such as candlesticks.
44
BI BLI OGRAPHY
Cleaning Green, by Annie B. Bond
Better Basics for the Home, by Annie B. Bond
Home Enlightenment, by Annie B. Bond
45
WWW. GREENCHI CAFE. COM
Green Chi Caf is a space for you to work together with experts
in green living to create a community of learning, appreciation,
and friendship. Whether you have been green for years, or are
just starting to go green, we welcome you to:
-Come to our site to share your eco-fails and eco-wins,
-Browse the shelves of our green eBookstore for fun and
helpful how-to eBooks,
-Take a minute to share and observe beauty in our Open
Mic & Gallery,
-Read and share inspirational green stories about people
all over the world, and
-Get advice and tips from the experts.
Green Chi Caf is unique because you are the focus and the
inspiration. Come laugh, learn, share, and celebrate the beauty
of the green revolution at www.greenchicafe.com. Green Chi
Caf is overseen by Annie B. Bond, named the foremost expert
on green living by Body & Soul magazine, 2009.
ABOUT GREENCHI CAFE. COM
46
Green Chi Caf publishes a variety of green how-to eBooks with
topics ranging from how to clean for pennies to how to make
your own bubble bath. There are books on beauty, health, gar-
dening, and the home. Some of our books include:
- The Green Dorm Room
- Beauty and the Bath: How to Make Natural Skin Care
Baths
- Natural Scents for the Home, and
- Cleaning for Pennies
- Natural Flu Protection
- Homemade Detox Baths
These books are well-researched, authoritative, easy-to-follow
guides that will help you simplify greening your life. Annie B.
Bond, named one of the Top 20 Environmental Leaders by
Body & Soul magazine, carefully checks each book before
awarding them her Seal of Approval, so you know that the in-
formation you are getting is clean, green, and accurate.
DI SCUSS NATURAL FLU PROTECTI ON I N THE SPEAKEASY
ON GREENCHI CAF. COM!
ABOUT GREEN CHI CAFE BOOKS
Annie B. Bond has become the trusted name in green living.
After 20 years of helping people to live greener and healthier
lives, she has been called the foremost expert on green living
by Body & Soul magazine. She is the best-selling author of 4
(soon to be 5) books in the feld, as well as the author of thou-
sands of articles and the editor of numerous green magazines
and web sites.
Contact us at: comments@greenchicafe.com
Contact the author at: annie@greenchicafe.com
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
47
ABOUT GREEN CHI CAFE BOOKS
Cleaning For Pennies is a product of Green Chi Cafe, which
publishes a variety of green, how-to books like this one. All of
Green Chi Cafes books are available as eBooks, and can be
found on www.greenchicafe.com/ebooks. These books are
well-researched, authoritative, easy-to-follow guides that will
help you simplify greening your life.
Please visit us on www.greenchicafe.com! Green Chi Cafe is a
cyber ebookstore-cafe begun by Annie B. Bond, named the
foremost expert on green living by Body&Soul Magazine in
2009. Green Chi Cafe follows in the cafe tradition by providing
a place for revolutionary thinkers to converge: it is the meeting
place for the eco-revolution. Whether you have been green for
years, or are just starting to go green, we welcome you to:
-Come to our site to share your eco-fails and eco-wins,
-Browse the shelves of our green eBookstore for fun and
helpful how-to eBooks,
-Take a minute to share and observe beauty in our Open
Mic & Gallery,
-Read and share inspirational green stories about people
all over the world, and
-Get advice and tips from the experts.
ISBN: 978-0-9841538-5-3

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