Everyday Cheapskate: Fabulous homemade cleaner recipe for glass, counters and floors

I pretty much hate to buy things I know I can make for less money and in a fraction of the time it takes to find them in a store. Take cleaning products, for example. Knowing I can make specific cleaners for pennies that cost dollars in a store just makes me happy. It’s a no-brainer.

Here are my top five handy recipes to help you get started saving all that money you’ve been spending on cleaners:

HOMEMADE EYEGLASSES CLEANING SOLUTION

Fill a spray bottle of any size 3/4 full with 70 percent isopropyl rubbing alcohol (91 or 99 percent are fine to use but more costly and not necessary). Add 2 small drops of mild dishwashing liquid (Blue Dawn is ideal), and fill the rest of the bottle with distilled water (see note). Add the spray top, and gently shake the bottle by rolling it between your hands or on a countertop, so as to not create a lot of bubbles. To use: Spray both sides of your lenses, and gently rub them clean with a clean microfiber cloth.

READ MORE: Everyday Cheapskate: 7 ways to use borax you’ve never thought of

HOMEMADE WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID

Pour 3 cups rubbing alcohol, 1 tablespoon Blue Dawn and 10 cups distilled water into a 1-gallon plastic jug. Shake thoroughly to mix. Pour into your car windshield washer reservoir in place of commercial windshield washer fluid. Always shake prior to adding to the reservoir. The alcohol speeds the drying time and prevents the windows from freezing or cracking in the winter.

HOMEMADE KITCHEN COUNTER AND APPLIANCE CLEANER

Countertops made of granite, marble and stone are tricky because these materials are porous and stain easily. You never want to clean them with anything acidic, which means vinegar and lemon juice are both out.

Here is a homemade countertop cleaner that will not stain and is not acidic. It works like a champ to clean and shine all types of counters — granite, marble, stone, quartzite, quartz and Formica.

Pour 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol into a 16-ounce spray bottle. Add 3 drops (only 3) Dawn liquid…