These days, it’s perfectly possible to knock up a whole world of cleaning products from the kinds of everyday bits and pieces you already have lying about the place. From staple cupboard ingredients to condiments to powders to fruits, it’s quite amazing how effective such simple things can be when combined for a specific use.
But at the same time, it’s important to exercise caution when it comes to making and using these kinds of products. The reason being that as they are technically made-up and haven’t been put through any kind of testing, there’s no way of knowing if they’ll work – or even if they’re safe to use. Homemade cleaning products can be an effective, economical and rewarding alternative to store-bought products. But if you do choose to explore this avenue, always do so in accordance with the following tips:
1 – Tried and Tested
First of all, try to avoid mixing up any concoctions that haven’t been extensively tried and tested by plenty of users. They won’t have been put through any formal testing for sure, but you can still gain some good information from those that have given them a go before. See what people have to say in their responses and comments, only ever going for those that have got the job done and proved safe to use.
2 – Beware Chemicals
In every instance, it is of the utmost importance to never, under any circumstances mix two chemicals or chemical cleaning agents together. Even if you’re advised by an online source that doing so is safe, it represents a risk that is not worth taking. The reason being that by combining two or more substances, you run the risk of triggering the kind of chemical reaction that could prove extremely harmful. So unless specifically advised by a trained professional to do so, mixing chemicals is something to be avoided at all costs.
3 – Test a Small Amount
If you’ve decided on a DIY cleaning product to go ahead with, be sure to follow the same guidelines as you would with any purchased cleaning product. That being, only ever test it out on a very limited and ideally hidden area, just to see how it reacts. The simple fact of the matter is that while it may have worked a treat for someone else, it might not be quite the same case for you.
4 – Beware Experimentation
Last but not least, it’s also important to remember that while experimentation can be fun and produce great results, you’re taking a risk if you don’t know exactly what you’re doing. For example, DIY cleaning products based around vinegar will work wonders in some instances – glass perhaps – but could well and truly damage the surface and the lustre of other materials. The simple piece of advice therefore being to proceed with caution and to do so in full accordance with the above three tips at all times.
Approach it all mindfully and DIY cleaning products really can be an interesting avenue to explore!