Back to top

Encompass® Insurance Insights & Articles



Tips for DIY Cleaning Products

If you're out of your favorite cleaning products or facing a particularly tough kitchen mess, an alternative solution might be right in your pantry. Household staples, like baking soda and vinegar, can be effective all-purpose cleaners. Learn some DIY solutions before tackling those messes.

Cleaning product ingredients.

All-Purpose Cleaner

These types of cleaners can be used in kitchens, bathrooms and other household surfaces to quickly clean up spills. Combine one part white vinegar with one part water either in a bucket or empty spray bottle. For a fresh scent, add a rosemary sprig or lemon rind to the mixture. When making your own, keep in mind that this cleaner should not be used as a disinfectant. Some store-bought all-purpose cleaners have anti-bacterial ingredients added to them, but a more DIY approach does not.

Kitchen Deodorizer

If there's an unpleasant smell lingering in your fridge, this deodorizer trick can help. Combine 4 tablespoons of baking soda to 1 quart of warm water. Use this solution with a paper towel to wipe down the inside of your fridge. This cleaner also works to shine and remove spots from stainless steel appliances, so your fridge can be sparkling clean inside and out.

Garbage Disposal

For tough odors in garbage disposals, pour half a cup of baking soda straight from the box into the disposal. Then, add half a cup of vinegar which will make the mixture start to foam. Cover the disposal with your sink stopper and wait 5 minutes. The sink stopper keeps the foaming inside for maximum cleaning power. For a fresh scent after the deep cleaning, add citrus peels, an ice cube and cool water, and then run the disposal.

Window, Mirror and Glass Cleaner

Remove streaks, fingerprints and dirt from your windows and mirrors with this quick solution. Combine 2 cups of water with one-quarter cup of distilled white vinegar and half a teaspoon of dish soap. Mix the ingredients in a 24-ounce spray bottle and shake lightly to combine. For a fresh scent, add 1-2 drops of your favorite essential oil. To minimize streaks, spray the solution onto a soft cloth and then wipe down the surface.

Staying Safe with DIY Cleaning Products

Like any cleaning product or solution, learn a few ways to keep you and your family safe when dealing with cleaning products. Never combine ammonia-based cleaners with chlorine bleach or any products that contain bleach as that can potentially create dangerous fumes. Make sure to read all labels before mixing your own cleaning products and label all bottles accordingly with the ingredients.


Family in the kitchen.

Cover home, auto & more.

Encompass Insurance offers protection for the things that matter most.

Find an agent

The general information contained in The Encompass Blog is provided as a courtesy, and is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The contents of this website are subject to periodic change without notice. Information provided on The Encompass Blog is not intended to replace official sources. Although attempts will be made to ensure that the information is accurate and timely, the information is presented "as is" and without warranties. Information contained on The Encompass Blog should not be mistaken for professional advice. Information contained herein should not be considered error-free and should not be used as the exclusive basis for decision-making. Use of website information is strictly voluntary and at the user's sole risk. We encourage you to obtain personal advice from qualified professionals when making decision regarding your specific situation.

Other resources linked from these pages are maintained by independent providers. The Encompass Blog does not monitor all linked resources and cannot guarantee their accuracy. Statements, views and opinions included in an independent provider's material are strictly those of the author(s). These views may not necessarily represent the opinions or policies of The Encompass Blog, the Encompass family of companies or its agents, officers or employees.

ECC Monitor: OK