Everyday Cheapskate: Make your own cleaners and save a bundle

I hate spending money for things I can make. Take cleaning products, for example. I know I can make specific cleaners for pennies that cost dollars at the store. Here are three handy recipes to help you get started saving all that money you used to spend on household cleaners.

Granite cleaner. Countertops made from granite, marble and stone are tricky to clean because these materials are porous and stain easily. You never want to use anything acidic, such as vinegar or lemon juice. This homemade granite cleaner will not stain and is not acidic.

Pour 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol into a 16-ounce spray bottle. Add three drops -- only three -- Dawn liquid dishwashing detergent, five to 10 drop essential oil (this is optional, but will add a nice fragrance) and enough water to fill the bottle. Apply the spray top and shake to mix. Use this to clean and shine your appliances as well.

This homemade solution costs about 25 cents for 16 ounces. Compare that to Granite Gold ($16.95 for 24 ounces) or Method Daily Granite ($7 for 12 ounces).

Stainless-steel cleaner. Start with a clean 16-ounce spray bottle. Pour in 1 1/3 cups white vinegar, five drops Dawn liquid dishwashing detergent and 2/3 cup water. Apply the spray top and shake to mix.

To use, spray on stainless-steel appliances, scrub with a cloth or sponge to clean, rinse well, then buff with a dry cloth to shine. Be sure to label this product clearly; you do not want to use it on granite, marble or stone countertops because it contains vinegar.

You can spend up to $10 for a 16-ounce bottle of Weiman or 3M cleaner for stainless-steel appliances -- or make it yourself for less than a buck.

Carpet shampoo solution. This is a cleaning solution to be used in your carpet-cleaning machine. Into the cleaner's reservoir, pour 1 cup Febreze, 1 cup liquid OxiClean Laundry Stain Remover and 1 cup white vinegar. Add hot water to the fill line.

I use this solution in my Hoover SteamVac for heavy-traffic spots. After I've cleaned the carpet thoroughly, I fill the Hoover with clear hot water and go over the carpet again to rinse.

This homemade solution should not leave residue on your carpet fibers -- I rinse my carpets because I'm especially paranoid about removing all residue -- and will not cost a fortune to shampoo the whole house. Carpet cleaning solutions can be expensive. A small bottle that cleans one or two rooms is $15 to $20. Making this recipe should cut that cost to $5 or less if you get the ingredients on sale.

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Everyday Cheapskate: Make your own cleaners and save a bundle