Over the last few years, natural cleaners are becoming more and more popular. Natural and non-toxic. With the rising risk of health problems due to our residential and commercial cleaners, people are looking for an alternative. Also, many people with children are looking for products to have around that will not be harmful to them. Here are some cleaners that we've used and know work for us. Feel free to add more uses to these products than we have written down, there is an endless number of uses with these items.

Some of the major products used in natural cleaners are vinegar, baking soda, rubbing alcohol, lemon juice, cream of tartar, olive oil and many more.

1. Water and vinegar make a good all purpose cleaner. From washing windows to washing counters, sinks, toilets, etc. Removes build up on light switches, walls and fixtures (towel rods, light fixtures, etc.) I've seen many different ratios of water to vinegar and have tried some, but there were some that I felt weren't 'powerful' enough, so I added more vinegar to it. A good ratio to start is ¼ cup of vinegar to 1 cup of water. You might not be used to the smell at first (the vinegar), but after using it a while you get used to it just as you do any cleaning product.
   
2. Straight rubbing alcohol is good for use on windows, mirrors, plastic, tables, vinyl, porcelain, etc. Just put in a spray bottle and use.
   
3. Rubbing alcohol works great at cleaning the fronts of microwaves, dishwashers and ovens that are black.
   
4. Substitute tub and sink cleaners (even toilet cleaners) with shampoo. I didn't really think it would work when I first read it somewhere, but I tried it and haven't stopped using it. I buy VO5 shampoos that have different scents and are a good price. I use either a sponge, loofa or mesh body scrubber. Wet down the tub or sink and then pour the shampoo in the tub/sink. Wet your sponge and start scrubbing. It's not irritating, it smells nice and leaves your tubs, sinks and toilets clean. And since shampoo is made to remove grease and oil build up from our hair, it does great at removing them from our tubs and sinks. If you don't clean yours very often, you might have to use a little more elbow work but it cleans it to a shine everytime. (Use baking soda as a mild abrasive)
   
5. To freshen your sink drain, place an orange or lemon or lime (any citrus) peel in the garbage disposal and run with cold water.
   
6. Clean grout with vinegar and rinse with hot water. Regularly cleaning your grout is the best way to keep it looking it's best. Mildew and other residue will build up if not cleaned often and if there is too much moisture
   in the bathroom (open your window after showering or let your vent run for around 10-15 minutes to pull the moisture out)….If you have white grout, try using a toothbrush and a white paste toothpaste (not gel).
   
7. You can make your own wood oil polish by mixing the following ingredients and storing in a bottle. Shake before using: 2 tbsp of oil (preferably olive oil or canola oil), 4 tbsp vinegar, 1 quart of warm water.
   
8. Need to clean copper. Rub catsup (ketchup) on it with a clean cloth.
   
9. Clean the kitchen floors with ¼ cup liquid laundry soap and 1 gallon of hot water. There is no need to rinse after using this.
   
10. Clean windows with dish soap or laundry soap and water (1 capful to a gallon of water). Make sure the soap is phosphate free - phosphate
    can remove special coatings on windows).