Homemade products clean up over commercial brands

Which is better, commercial cleaning products or homemade products?

Over the past several weeks, I've been experimenting with various products to see if they were really better than homemade products. The items I tested were window cleaner, carpet spotters and laundry stain removers. I truly think you'll be surprised at my totally unscientific testing results.

The first item I tested was Windex. The reason I selected Windex is because every time I use the product, the end results is terible. It seems like it always smears and streaks. I found that a mixture of ammonia, rubbing alcohol and vinegar works far better. It cleans the surface squeaky clean with no streaks.

To make the solution, take a one-quart spray bottle and put three ounces of ammonia, two ounces of rubbing alcohol and two ounces of vinegar and fill the balance with water.

The second group of items I tested were Woolite, Resolve and a cheap white shaving cream. I made three spots where I poured cola on the carpet and waited 15 minutes. I put Woolite on one spot, Resolve on the next and shaving cream on the last. Both Woolite and Resolve left the carpet stiff after drying. Also, the stains slightly re-appeared after drying. Surprisingly, the cheap white foam shaving cream cleaned the stain the best with almost no remaining stain.

The last of the items I tested were Shout and Spray 'n' Wash. When comparing the two, I found that Shout works far better than Spray 'n' Wash.

However, I found that if I mixed three ounces of ammonia, two ounces of peroxide andone tablespoon of Dawn dish soap into a one-quart spray bottle filled with water works better than both of the above.

Spray the solution on the material, scrub with an old toothbrush and let stand to work for 10 minutes before washing. I think you'll be surprised at the end result. Don't use on delicate items or wool fabric.

If you are allergic to any of the above products, please don't use them. Always test fabric and paints before using any chemical compounds. Please remember to wear rubber gloves to protect your hands and eye protection for your eyes. If you would like to share a cleaning idea or concept with the reading audience, please call Ed at 255-2266 or send them to Bonner County Daily Bee, 310 Church St., Sandpoint, ID 83864, Attn: What would Ed Do?

Copy written by Ed Madan, certified executive housekeeper, Northwest Environmental Services