Save money with homemade cleaning solutions

Cleaning products can be a drain on your wallet, so why use them at all?

The solutions that you purchase in-store can be toxic, even deadly. And that's not even taking into consideration the fact that many of the best ones can be way too costly. So cleaning products are potentially dangerous and often pricey - how do you get past that? It is fairly easy to simply make your own cleaning solution for free, without having to take time out of your day to go to the store and dish out money for expensive chemicals. Additionally, making your own cleaning solutions will help you stay green, if you're interested in staying environmentally friendly. If making your own cleaning solutions is an idea that you're interested in, then check out the mixtures below to learn more about saving money and staying safe with homemade cleaning products:

1. Diluted white vinegar
White vinegar is often cited as a cleaning product. The liquid, which is mildly acidic, is effective in dissolving dirt, soap scum and hard water deposits from the smoother surfaces in your home. Additionally, white vinegar can be used to clean your hardwood flooring. In order to make this solution, simply mix nine parts water with one part white vinegar. Antibacterial soaps and cleaners have been linked to thyroid damage, water pollution and  drug-resistant superbugs, Rodale News explained. This is why an all-natural alternative like diluted white vinegar can prove useful. You can heat up the mixture in the microwave until it is a bit warm - not too hot - to give it even more cleaning power. 

2. Baking soda mixtures
Often, tile cleaners contain a variety of chemicals that aren't very good for the human body, and one powerful alternative that you can take advantage of involves little more than baking soda and soap. Baking soda is mildly abrasive, and has natural deodorizing qualities, which make it an especially useful replacement for tile cleaners and scouring powders. Sprinkle baking soda onto a sponge, combine it with water or mix it with liquid soap in order to create a cleaning solution. You can also use baking soda to clear out pipes, according to HGTV. Pour 1/2 a cup, or a bit more, down the drain and then top it off with some warm water. Let the solution stand for at least two hours, and then clear out the pipe with hot water. 

3. Carpet cleaning solution 
It's hard to avoid carpet stains, so you're going to have to know how to take care of them. Instead of investing in costly carpet cleaner, why not make your own? This one will require a few more ingredients than the previous two mixtures. For your carpet cleaner, you'll need one teaspoon of dishwashing liquid, one tablespoon of white vinegar, one cup of warm water and one teaspoon of baking soda, according to Popsugar. When the acidic vinegar mixes with the baking soda, which is a base, the two will create a froth of powerful cleaning bubbles. When you're finished with the solution, vacuum over the area of the carpet you'd like to clean, then spray on the mixture generously. Spraying and dabbing over and over should be enough to remove the stain. 

Why go out and purchase expensive cleaners? Just take a trip around your house, grab the supplies listed above and begin mixing to save money on your cleaning products.