Readers rate inexpensive, green cleaning solutions

USA TODAY asked readers to try these green cleaning methods. Most gave them high marks.

"All of these recipes and strategies consist of normal, household products," says USA TODAY reader Joyce Prestriedge, 57, of Dickinson, N.D. "They work beautifully and are economical. Best of all, I don't have to worry about running out of ingredients or my grandkids getting into poisonous cleansers."

Although many of these ingredients are safe enough to use in cooking, experts say it's a good idea to label all cleaning supplies and keep them away from children, who can get into trouble even with relatively safe products.

Cleaning windows, mirrors and showers

Spray with undiluted white vinegar or a mix of vinegar and water, then wipe clean with a newspaper. Save your outdoor window cleaning for a cloudy day to avoid streaks. The vinegar odor will disappear within minutes as it dries, says Elizabeth Goldsmith, author of "Green Cleaning for Dummies."

USA TODAY reader Marie Smith, 58, of Canton, Ga., says this recipe "worked just as well as commercial glass cleaner, was easy to use, and I'd definitely use it again."

Reader Jen Boulden, 35, of Los Angeles, says this mixture even gets rid of hard water deposits. Boulden, who mixed her own cleaning solutions for years, say getting rid of commercial products also helped unclutter her kitchen.

Cleaning hardwood floors

Mix three cups white vinegar, one tablespoon castile soap and three cups of water. If desired, add three drops of grapefruit essential oil, sold in many natural food stores and Web sites. Barely wet your mop or rag, then allow to air dry.

Smith likes this recipe because she already had all of these ingredients in her home, except for the essential oil, which she skipped. Still, she says, "I would use this versus a conventional cleaner because I did not have to work any harder than I normally would, and it was very inexpensive."

Cleaning countertops and other surfaces

Vinegar and water cut grease and clean most surfaces, Goldsmith says. Another great all-around cleaner includes four tablespoons of baking soda and one quart of water. Spray, then wipe clean. The solution will clean and deodorize refrigerators, microwaves, diaper pails, tiles, coffee pots and toys.

Smith liked this approach but not the white film left by the baking soda. Goldsmith says consumers may need to wipe down certain surfaces, such as a black glass stovetop, a second time with a clean wet cloth.

Removing soap scum in the shower or sink

Mix this alternative all-purpose cleaner - half a cup of vinegar and one quart or water - in a spray bottle. Spray, wait 30 seconds, then scrub away. Rinse with hot water, says Goldsmith, a professor at Florida State University.