Want to simplify cleaning and save money at the same time? Skip the brand name cleaners and use what you have under the sink.

After accidentally burning a hole in our carpet a few years back, we moved completely away from commercial cleaning products. Instead we use only four products to clean: white vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, and dish soap. You can make a full suite of cleaning products from these simple ingredients, all for around $4. Not to mention, it is better for the environment.

Kitchen:

White vinegar will kill harmful bacteria (including E.coli and salmonella). Use full-strength on anything that needs to be disinfected – like cutting boards, kitchen counters, garbage pails, etc.

Replace the rinse agent in your dishwasher with white vinegar. It will leave your dishes spotless and costs less than 5 cents per month.

Run a carafe of half vinegar and half water through your coffee maker to clean and descale it.

Keep a spray bottle of diluted white vinegar for general clean-up of counters, appliances, and windows.

Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda and 1/2 cup of white vinegar in the garbage disposal to clean and deodorize it. This same combination will also unclog your drain.

Bathroom:

Soak your shower head in baking soda and vinegar to remove mold and soap scum.

Mix 3/4 cup baking soda, 1/2 cup white vinegar, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 3 TBSP salt, and 3 TBSP of your favorite dish soap to clean the bathtub, shower, and remove toilet stains.

Floors:

Mix 1/2 cup baking soda and 1/2 cup corn starch together and shake on carpets before vacuuming for a quick refresh.

Use 1 cup vinegar, 1/2 cup baking soda, and 8-10 cups of hot water to mop hard floors.

Remove minor carpet stains with diluted white vinegar.

Laundry:

Add 1 cup of white vinegar to your laundry to eliminate heavy odors – like sweat. Vinegar also helps preserve the color in your clothing and cleans your washer at the same time.

Car Care:

Diluted white vinegar will clean most every surface inside your car, from dashboard to floorboard.

Clean hazy headlights by mixing 1/4 cup baking soda, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1/3 cup white vinegar, 1 TBSP salt, and a squirt of dish soap. When the foam settles, rub the paste on your headlight and scrub with a toothbrush. Rinse and repeat 2-3 times, depending on the severity of the haze.

What tips do you have for cleaning with natural ingredients?