House Work Basic Cleaning Recipes

You don’t need a cleaning closet full of dozens of different products. And you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars on the latest cleaning gadgets and supplies. Sometimes simple is actually better.

Our recipes at House Work are what put us on the map. Simple, affordable and effective ways to deep clean your home is our jam. We have changed the cleaning game with our recipes and we want to share them with you!

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Large batch of Water, Bleach and Tide

• 1 gallon of hot water
• 1/3 cup of bleach
• 1 teaspoon of powdered Tide®

Small Batch of Water, Bleach and Tide

• 4 cups of hot water
• 4 teaspoons of bleach
• 1/2 teaspoon of powdered Tide®

We use this recipe not only to clean floors, but also walls, baseboards, showers, fridges, countertops and so much more. It’s basically liquid magic in a bucket. Once you see its effectiveness, you’ll find yourself using this mixture more than almost anything else in your cleaning “arsenal.”

We use bleach when it’s time to disinfect, like in the bathroom. But be cautious around upholstery and carpet – and make sure to wear clothes you don’t mind getting some spots on!

You can also omit the bleach if you are working with or near something that could be ruined. Always keep it away from any marble as it will ruin the finish and etch the marble.

Keep in mind that bleach breaks down in the presence of water and light, so you have to make a new batch every time. And remember, folks, never mix bleach with anything but water and Tide. Keep in mind bleach can also leave streaks on dark surfaces because when bleach evaporates, it leaves salt behind. If this is the case, a simple wipe with a warm damp cloth will clear it right up. 

Shower Doors and Fixtures

• 1 cup white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons of blue Dawn® dish soap
• Mix together in a spray bottle to spray on doors and fixtures.

We use this recipe to remove hard water stains from shower glass, shower heads, taps, and tile. Refer to this article for more detailed instructions on how to use it.

Degreasing

Grease is not fun to clean. It sticks to surfaces and you need the right products to lift it! We love using straight Mr. Clean® to wipe up greasy messes. Spray it directly onto your greasy surface and let it sit for a few minutes so it can work its magic before you wipe it up. You can also spray it directly onto a microfibre cloth. Another option for degreasing is using dishwasher pods. Throw a few pods in your sink or tub and fill it up with hot water. Throw anything greasy in there and let it soak for as long as it needs and let it do the work for you.

We can’t make blanket statements pertaining to every single surface. Remember that you’re working with chemicals and it is always best to err on the side of caution before using a new method. Here’s what we recommend:

1. Test a small spot before you start scrubbing.
2. ALWAYS open your windows when you clean.
3. Turn on your fans.
4. Move the fresh air through the home.
5. Be smart and stay safe.

To see these recipes in action, check out our YouTube video:

Read our other blog posts to hear how we use these recipes around the house!

For a list of our favorite products, click here.

Ready to put these recipes to work? Knowing the recipe is only half the battle. Our Cleaning Guide walks you through every room in your house, showing you exactly how to use these mixtures to get a professional-grade deep clean without the professional price tag.

– Georgia @ GoCleanCo