22 Brilliant Homemade Cleaning Products

Annie D'Souza
May 03, 2014

Spring is in the air… and so are all the dust bunnies that have been multiplying under your bed all winter. However, cleaning with harsh chemicals can be even more dangerous than those dirty dishes in the sink. We love a good cleaning hack, and this post is full of genius, natural and homemade cleaning solutions that’ll keep your home spotless without all the nasty additives that come along with most store-bought products. It’s incredible what you can do with a little creativity and a splash of vinegar!

1. Grapefruit and Salt Tub Cleaner: Rub-a-dub-dub your bathtub with half of a grapefruit. Say goodbye to bleach and hello to a fresh, citrusy bathroom. (via Apartment Therapy)

2. Sage Infused All-Purpose Cleaner: Fresh herbs create a Mrs. Meyers-inspired scent in this all-purpose cleaning spray. (via Melodrama)

3. Dishwasher Detergent Tablets: Nothing beats the ease of popping one of those little tabs into the dishwasher, and we love this homemade version using an ice cube tray! (via One Good Thing)

4. Homemade All-Purpose Cleaner: This spray is infused with essential oils for a little aromatherapy while you clean. (via Crunchy Betty)

5. Homemade Glass Cleaner: You can also use this easy recipe for mirrors, too! (via She Wears Many Hats)

6. Homemade Laundry Detergent: There are just three ingredients to this super simple, stain-fighting laundry soap. (via New Nostalgia)

7. Beeswax Wood Polish: Here’s a natural remedy for weathered wood. (via Crafting a Green World)

8. Screen Cleaning Spray: Your electronics can be some of the dustiest, grimiest devices around, but they’ll be free of fingerprints in two shakes! (via CNET)

9. Reusable Swiffer Cloths: Grab that dust without burning through disposable cloths with these DIY quicker picker uppers. (via Home Talk)

10. Makeup Brush Cleaner: We’re just as guilty as you are of neglecting our makeup brushes… but let’s make a pact not to be gross anymore, shall we? (via Brit + Co.)

11. Easy Homemade Oven Cleaner: When all those homemade cupcakes catch up with you (and the bottom of your oven), you’re gonna need this recipe. (via One Good Thing)

12. Olive Oil Multi-Purpose Cleaner: Not only does plain old olive oil help get paint off your hands, but you can also use it to polish stainless steel, repair scratched leather and polish wood furniture! (via Apartment Therapy)

13. Natural Toilet Bowl Cleaner: The toilet is the throne of your castle. Keep it shining with this cleaner sans harsh chemicals.(via Savvy Sugar)

14. DIY Hardwood Floor Cleaner: This easy recipe of water, vinegar and essential oil will make your hardwood floors shine. (via It’s Just My Life)

15. Ketchup Copper Cookware Cleaner: Yep, KETCHUP. (via Lifehacker)

16. Two Ingredient Natural Air Freshener: Peppermint oil, baking soda and a craftily rigged mason jar are all you need for this safe air freshener. (via BLDG 25)

17. Organic Cleansing Wipes: Easy, affordable and safe for babies and grown-ups alike, these’ll be great to keep on hand when camping this summer! (via White House Black Shutters)

18. Homemade Magic Erasers: The cleaning wizardry of a Magic Eraser can now be yours at a fraction of the cost with just a few household ingredients, including baking soda. (via Little House Living)

19. DIY Silver Polish: A little salt and aluminum foil goes a long way to polish your silver without all the chemicals. (via Pink of Perfection)

20. Ice Cube Garbage Disposal Cleaner: Vinegar ice cubes clean the gunk off the blades of your garbage disposal without the toxins. Your sink will no longer be fruit-fly friendly. (via The Smart Mama)

21. Wool Dryer Balls: Dryer sheets are basically the chemical-ridden devil of cleaning products. Stop using them and start this easy DIY project to keep your clothes just as soft. (via DIY Natural)

22. DIY Jewelry Cleaner: When your best bling isn’t really blingin’ anymore, bring it back to life with this easy recipe. (via Savvy Sugar)

What’s your favorite DIY cleaning hack? Let us know in the comments!

The 'Gilmore Girls' Creators Are Packing On The Drama In First 'Étoile' Leak

If Gilmore Girls andThe Marvelous Mrs. Maisel have shown me anything, it's that creator Amy Sherman-Palladino always has an incredible story up her sleeve. Her new show Étoile, which is coming to Prime Video, promises to be a beautiful and sophisticated look at the world of dance, and if the fact that it's from Amy wasn't enough reason to watch it, it's also Prime's first new show to get a two-season order! Here's everything we know about the series.

What is the next Sherman Palladino show?

Writer/Producer/Director Amy Sherman-Palladino, Writer/Producer/Director Daniel Palladino seen at Netflix's Gilmore Girls: A Year In The Life premiere.Eric Charbonneau/Netflix

Following our beloved Gilmore Girls and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Dan and Amy Sherman-Palladino's next series is Étoile, which is set at two world-famous ballet companies in New York City and Paris. When both companies run into some trouble, the decide to swap their most talented stars in a last-ditch effort to save themselves.

And based on the first set leaks from New York City, it looks like Étoile will definitely be packing on the drama. This short clip shows Luke Kirby standing outside Lincoln Center in a serious conversation (probably about the fate of his ballet company, TBH).

"Well, guess that plan for early retirement will have to wait," Dan and Amy said in a joint statement (via The Hollywood Reporter). "Instead, we’ve decided to embark on an international journey with an unbelievable group of players and the most talented ballet dancers in the world. We will sleep when we’re dead."

But this isn't the first time ASP has forayed into the world of ballet! Her ABC Family series Bunheads (which premiered on June 11, 2012) follows Michelle (Sutton Foster) who moves to her hometown of Paradise and starts working at her mother-in-law's dance studio The Paradise Dance Academy. The best part is that the role of Michelle's mother-in-law is played by Emily Gilmore herself, Kelly Bishop!

When does Étoile premiere?

Anya Juárez Tenorio/Pexels

We don't have an official release date yet, but considering THR recently revealed the show will finish filming soon, we're hoping to see Étoile in 2025. Just like Gilmore Girls is the ultimate fall rewatch, maybe Étoile will be the ultimate winter rewatch!

Who's in the Étoile cast?

Luke Kirby attends the The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel Finale Celebration at the Fonda Theater in Los Angeles on Mon, May 22, 2023. Todd Williamson/JanuaryImages/Prime Video

So far, we know that Étoile will star Luke Kirby, Gideon Glick, Camille Cottin, Simon Callow, Lou de Laâge, and David Alvarez. Yanic Truesdale, who played our favorite Gilmore Girls concierge Michel, has also joined the series as a recurring character! I'm so excited to see Yanic working with Amy Sherman-Palladino again — it's like a Gilmore Girls reunion!

What does Étoile mean?

Jeremy Thomas/Unsplash

Étoile translates to "star," and there are so many different connections here! We have the ballet stars themselves, but you also wish upon a star and reach for the stars when you're working towards a dream. If you ask me, Étoile is the perfect name for this series.

How many episodes does Étoile have?

Merve Sehirli Nasir/Unsplash

The first season of Étoile will have eight episodes total, but considering Prime Video ordered two seasons, we'll definitely be getting more episodes.

Are you excited to watch Étoile? Check back here for the latest news on the series, and stay updated on your favorite TV shows and movies on our Facebook!

This post has been updated.

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Bye, PSL! The Starbucks Holiday Menu For 2024 Returns This Week

So long, pumpkin spice season: Starbucks’ holiday menu is on the way, and per menu leaks, it reportedly brings back a ton of seasonal favorites starting next week.

From a classic Peppermint Mocha to the beloved Caramel Brûlée Latte, the recent menu rumors say a new Refresher flavor, 6 unique cold foams, and 4 new bakery items are on the way as the holidays draw near – including many items we predicted! The speculated lineup is honestly wild. Starbucks teased that the holiday menu will hit stores on November 7.

If you just can’t wait to order off the Starbucks holiday menu, here’s every offering reportedly coming to your closest cafe!

When will the Starbucks holiday drinks for 2024 come out?

Starbucks

According to an Instagram post from Starbucks, new holiday drinks and snacks will come out on November 7, 2024.

Will there be holiday cups?

Starbucks

Yes, the Starbucks holiday menu will include some new holiday cup designs! You can peek at all the new designs for 2024 here.

What's missing from this year's rumored Starbucks holiday menu?

Starbucks

Per rumors around the Starbucks holiday menu, the Eggnog Latte, Toasted White Chocolate Mocha, Irish Cream Cold Brew, and Gingerbread Loaf won't be returning to cafes for 2024. We're especially sad to see the Toasted White Chocolate Mocha not included, though the official menu lineup has yet to be released!

When is Starbucks Red Cup Day 2024?

Starbucks

Though there's no official word out about Red Cup Day for 2024, our best guess – based on the Red Cup Days of years past – is it'll return mid-November. In 2023, Red Cup Day fell on November 16. In 2022, the coffee chain held the event on November 17. Both dates landed on the third Thursday of November, so we predict it to hit on November 21 for 2024. Red Cup Day is when Starbucks customers can get a free reusable red cup when they order a seasonal drink off the holiday menu.

Drinks On The Starbucks Holiday Menu 2024

@markie_devo

NEW! Cran-Merry Orange Refresher

The Starbucks holiday menu leak reported that this brand-new Refresher is packed with sweet orange, tart cranberry and warm spice. It also has cranberry inclusions and is order-able mixed with water, lemonade or coconut milk.

Starbucks

Iced Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai

Chai is a totally underrated holiday flavor in our opinion. This iced drink is crafted with warm chai spices and creamy oat milk, then gets topped with even more frothed oat milk infused with gingerbread-flavored syrup and a sprinkling of spice.

Starbucks

Peppermint Mocha

You know it, and you love it! The Peppermint Mocha has hit Starbucks menus year after year, making it a total statement sip for the holiday season. This drink (available hot or iced) combines peppermint syrup, mocha sauce, and your milk of choice with espresso for a festive feel. It's traditionally topped with whipped cream and tasty chocolate curls.

Starbucks

Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha

Similar to the classic Peppermint Mocha, this bev swaps chocolate for white chocolate sauce.

Starbucks

Caramel Brûlée Latte

This rumored Starbucks holiday menu drink is very rich. The sweet caramel brûlée sauce totally completes the sip, along with plenty of whipped cream and crunchy lil' brûlée bits for textural variety.

Starbucks

Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte

Literally like a sugar cookie in liquid form, this super-sweet latte is handcrafted with blonde espresso (it's sweeter and lighter than Starbucks' traditional espresso shots), sugar cookie syrup, and almond milk for a little bit of a lighter effect. It's finished off with red and green sprinkles to up the seasonal vibes even more!

Starbucks

Chestnut Praline Latte

This nutty latte – rumored to return for 2024 – brings on notes of chestnut and praline, which is a nice, flavorful departure from the very expected peppermint you'll see everywhere come holiday time.

Starbucks

Salted Pecan Crunch Cold Brew

Initially introduced for fall 2024, it appears as though the Salted Pecan Crunch Cold Brew will stay on the Starbucks menu well into winter. The salted, pecan-flavored cold foam offers that classic sweet n' salty twist you'd enjoy on fall snacks like trail mix or dipped pretzels. The best part is you can now also order the cold foam in non-dairy form!

Starbucks

Holiday Cold Foams

Per the menu leak, Starbs will be bringing back four beloved holiday-flavored cold foamsand two new options for 2024. They're the perfect drink customization to add to your iced coffees and cold brews if you don't want to order an all-out holiday drink. See all the predicted flavors below:

  • NEW! Gingerbread
  • NEW! Salted Pecan
  • Peppermint Chocolate
  • Sugar Cookie
  • Chestnut Praline
  • Caramel Brûlée

Snacks On The Starbucks Holiday Menu 2024

@markie_devo

NEW! Dark Toffee Bundt

Per the menu leak, this sweet toffee-flavored bundt will be topped with holly- and berry-shaped sprinkles. How perfect for the holiday season!

@markie_devo

NEW! Turkey Sage Danish

This savory snack reportedly includes "turkey sausage with creamy béchamel sauce in a pastry." It sounds like Thanksgiving in a single treat, and we can't wait to try it!

@markie_devo

NEW! Penguin Cookie

This cutie sugar cookie is decorated like a lil' penguin bundled up for the cold.

Starbucks

Snowman Cake Pop

Starbucks' classic vanilla cake pop gets a wintry twist with an adorable snowman face – this sweet really makes us crave the holiday season!

Starbucks

Sugar Plum Cheese Danish

This cream cheese-filled danish is topped with a slightly-spiced sugar plum jam. It's been one of our go-to's over the past few holiday seasons at Starbucks!

Starbucks

Cranberry Bliss Bar

The Cranberry Bliss Bar has become an absolute staple on the Starbucks holiday menu, and for good reason! This blondie treat is smothered in a delicious cream cheese frosting and sprinkled with orange zest and dried cranberries for added seasonal enjoyment.

What People Are Saying About The Leaked Starbucks Holiday Menu

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A post shared by Markie_devo (@markie_devo)

Though most commenters on @markie_devo's Starbucks holiday menu leak post seemed to be excited for the upcoming rumored menu items, some Starbs fans noticed a few things missing from the leaked lineup.

"Still missing eggnog 😢," someone noted.

"Where is the toasted white chocolate mocha 😢😢😢😢," another questioned.

"ALLLLLL these cold foams, and not the one people want: Irish Cream," one more commenter said.

"Ugh still no gingerbread loaf 😭," a disappointed user wrote. "Everything else looks bomb though!"

Despite the Eggnog Latte, Toasted White Chocolate Mocha, Irish Cream Cold Brew, and Gingerbread loaf not being part of this year's menu predictions, the holiday season is our favorite time of year at Starbucks. Many more users shared the same sentiment:

"So excited for all chestnut praline shaken espressos & cranberry bliss bars 🎄🎄🎄🎄," someone wrote.

"Oh hell yess all the chestnut praline offerings," another rejoiced.

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay posted on the latest Starbucks news, including when the official holiday menu lineup drops!

This post has been updated.

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Chris Evans And Alba Baptista Got Cozy On The Red Carpet After Divorce Rumors

Chris Evans is one celebrity heartthrob that just about the entire internet loves. He's kind, he's romantic, and he has one of the greatest laughs ever. If you haven't read up on how much of a romantic the actor and director is, let me tell you, it's swoon-worthy. He told ET Online he considers himself “a very romantic guy" and that he's "romantic with [his] love of music or art or nature," and told ELLE that "if you're ever fortunate enough to love someone and have them love you back, it's worth protecting that." Again I say: swoon!

Chris is a pretty private person, but over the years, he's admitted just how much he wanted to settle down. Well, a little over a month ago, he finally tied the knot with fiancée Alba Baptista! 🎉 Here's everything you need to know about the wedding and the star-studded guest list.

Was Chris Evans at the Oscars 2024?

Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images for Vanity Fair

While Chris Evans and Alba Baptista might not have been at the Oscars, they did make headlines for getting cozy after the pre-Oscars party — and then made their red carpet debut at the Vanity Fair Oscars after-party! The couple looked amazing in black, white, and red (very Oscar-appropriate), and simple silhouettes & minimalist accessories gave them an overall romantic, relaxed look.

After a video speculating Alba and Chris might have separated after the actress was seen without her wedding ring, the couple showed up to the premiere of Chris Evans' new movie Red One and shared a hug on the carpet. Don't worry, romantics — this couple doesn't seem to be going anywhere.

Where did Chris Evans and Alba Baptista get married?

Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Chris Evans and Alba Baptista had a small ceremony on September 9 at their home near Boston, Massachusetts. According to Page Six (who first broke the nuptial news), guests had to sign NDAs and give up their phones throughout the course of the wedding to keep everything private.

Who was at Chris Evans and Alba Baptista's wedding?

Arnold Jerocki/Getty Images for Miu Miu

Guests included family and close friends of the couple. When I saw that list included Scarlett Johansson, Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, and Jeremy Renner, who all costarred with Chris Evans in the MCU, I genuinely had to fight the tears. See a photo here!

It also appears that Jamie Chung and Bryan Greenburg, as well as John Krasinki and Emily Blunt, attended the wedding as well.

What has Chris Evans said about his marriage to Alba Baptista?

Craig Barritt/Getty Images for ReedPop

Over the weekend, Peoplereported that Chris finally opened up about his marriage during New York Comic Con! Not only did the lucky audience get to see his wedding band but they also learned Chis and Alba hadtwo weddings. The second one was in Portugal which makes perfect sense given the fact Alba is from Lisbon, Portugal.

Happily gushing about both ceremonies, Chris said they were "wonderful and beautiful." He also mentioned he and Alba have been focusing on embracing this new season in their lives while gearing up to enjoy all fall has to offer. He truly is a dreamy and romantic man.

How did Chris Evans meet Alba Baptista?

Andreas Rentz/Getty Images for European Shooting Stars

Fans have speculated that the actors met in the summer of 2021, when they were both in Europe filming (he was filming Netflix action flick The Gray Man opposite Ana de Armas and she was filming Warrior Nun). After interacting with each other on social media, People reported in November 2022 the couple had been dating "for over a year and it's serious...They are in love and Chris has never been happier. His family and friends all adore her."

Throughout 2022, Chris posted jump-scare videos on Instagram (where he would scare his family members, and then they'd scare him), and at the beginning of 2023, he made his relationship with Alba Instagram official by posting a compilation of videos where the couple scared each other!

Who is Alba Baptista?

Manolo Pavón/Netflix

Alba Baptista is an award-winning actress who we've seen in titles like Warrior Nun and Mrs. Harris Goes To Paris. She won the Berlin Film Festival's European Shooting Star Award and the award for Best Actress at the Festival Iberico de Cine, and on top her awards, she was also named one of IMDb’s Top 10 Breakout Stars of 2020!

We hope we get to see Chris Evans and Alba Baptista together in a movie soon ;).

This post has been updated.

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