SQUEAKY CLEAN

Here are tried-and-true recipes provided by Jennifer Hagen, a family and consumer sciences extension agent with the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agriculture Sciences, or UF/IFAS, office in Lee County:

GENERAL ALL-PURPOSE CLEANER

2 oranges White vinegar Put the peel from the oranges in a quart jar and fill with white vinegar. Let the product sit for about one week. Pour the product into a spray bottle—and clean away.

CERAMIC TILE FLOOR CLEANER

¼ cup white vinegar, more if floor is very dirty 1 gallon water This cleaner typically requires little to no scrubbing to remove most dirt. It does not leave a film.

SANITIZING SOLUTION

3 tablespoons liquid bleach 1 tablespoon liquid soap, detergent 1 gallon water (For smaller batch, use 1 teaspoon bleach to 1 quart water.) This solution is excellent for hard surfaces such as cutting boards, counters, toys, doorknobs and trash cans. Spray surface and allow to air dry.

Baking soda removes odors, softens water and dissolves dirt.