All-Purpose Cleaner

• For a general, all-purpose cleaner to use throughout your home, begin with 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide, ¼ cup lemon juice and 2 cups water. Mix well and place in a spray bottle for easy application. The hydrogen peroxide can clean and disinfect as well as bleach, but no harmful chemicals pose a health risk. Adding lemon juice imparts a fresh scent, and its acidic nature helps cut through dirt and grime. You can use this cleaner to disinfect counter tops, remove sticky residue from the refrigerator and keep mirrors streak-free. You can even add it to your laundry to help brighten your clothes.
  
  

Oven Degreaser

• Baking soda can help remove the greasy build-up in your oven. Begin by spraying some water on the bottom of your oven, and cover the dirty, greasy areas with baking soda so they are no longer visible. Add more water and let the mixture sit overnight. The next morning, use a cloth to wipe away the baking soda, along with the grease, dirt and debris. Follow up with a damp sponge and small amount of dish washing detergent to remove any lingering residue.
  
  

Window Cleaner

• To get a shiny, streak-free finish for your windows, start with ¼ to ½ tsp. of liquid dish washing detergent in a plastic spray bottle. Mix in 3 tbsp. of vinegar and 2 cups of water, and shake well. Spray on your windows and wipe clean as you would with a store-bought cleaner. Not only is the homemade cleaner cheaper and more convenient, it doesn't leave behind the waxy residue that you see on your windows after using a commercial cleanser.
  
  

Carpet Cleaner

• Removing a stain from your carpet quickly can help prevent a permanent mark from forming. Fortunately, you can make several effective carpet cleaning treatments with items that you already have in your kitchen. For a synthetic carpet, a simple mixture of ¼ tsp. of dish washing detergent and a cup of lukewarm water can get rid of most stains when applied with a white cloth. You may also opt for a solution that contains 2 cups of water and 1 cup of white vinegar. If you have a natural fiber carpet, you can use the same dish detergent and water mixture, but apply it with a spray bottle instead of a cloth. You can also mix 1 tbsp. of clear ammonia with a ½ cup of warm water to help remove stains.