I have decided it's time to go natural...
with cleaning products that is.
For as long as I can remember, I have enjoyed (yes)
keeping an arsenal of commercial products
for all of my cleaning tasks.
409/Comet/Windex/Chorox/Scrubbing Bubbles
etc etc etc
But I am committed to turning a new leaf and
today will begin using home made non toxic versions.
Here are a few working ideas:
Porcelain and Tile:
Baking Soda and Water:
Dust surfaces with baking soda, then scrub with a moist sponge or cloth.
Lemon Juice or Vinegar:
Got stains, mildew or grease streaks? Spray or douse with lemon juice or vinegar
Disinfectant:
Instead of bleach, make your own disinfectant by mixing 2 cups of water, 3 tablespoons of liquid soap and 20 to 30 drops of tea tree oil.
Kitchens Counters
Baking Soda and Water:
Sprinkle with baking soda, then scrubbing with a damp cloth or sponge.
Kosher Salt and Water:
If you need a tougher abrasive sprinkle on kosher salt, and scrub with a wet cloth or sponge.
Natural Disinfectant:
To knock out germs without strong products, mix 2 cups of water, 3 tablespoons of liquid soap and 20 to 30 drops of tea tree oil.
Windows and Mirrors
White Vinegar, Water and Newspaper:
Mix 2 tablespoons of white vinegar with a gallon of water, and dispense into a used spray bottle. Squirt on, then scrub with newspaper, not paper towels, which cause streaking.
If you're out of vinegar or don't like its smell, you can substitute undiluted lemon juice or club soda.
(Note- I like a stronger solution-
higher concentration of acidity)
Wood Floors:
Vinegar: Whip up a solution of 1/4 cup white vinegar and 30 ounces of warm water.
Safer Oven Cleaning
Baking Soda and Water: Coat the inside of your dirty appliance with a paste made from water and baking soda. Let stand overnight. Then, don gloves and scour off that grime.
Silverware
Silver
Aluminum Foil, Boiling Water, Baking Soda and Salt:Line your sink or a bucket with aluminum foil, and drop in tarnished silver. Pour in boiling water, a cup of baking soda and a dash of salt. Let sit for a few minutes. The tarnish will transfer from the silver to the foil.
Toothpaste: If you can't immerse your items or are otherwise inclined to polish by hand, rub tarnished silver with toothpaste and a soft cloth. Rinse with warm water and dry. Instead of toothpaste you can substitute a concoction made of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water.
(all photos and more tips at The Daily Green )
Now, I feel healthier already don't you?
Cheers!
Dust surfaces with baking soda, then scrub with a moist sponge or cloth.
Lemon Juice or Vinegar:
Got stains, mildew or grease streaks? Spray or douse with lemon juice or vinegar
Disinfectant:
Instead of bleach, make your own disinfectant by mixing 2 cups of water, 3 tablespoons of liquid soap and 20 to 30 drops of tea tree oil.
Baking Soda and Water:
Sprinkle with baking soda, then scrubbing with a damp cloth or sponge.
Kosher Salt and Water:
If you need a tougher abrasive sprinkle on kosher salt, and scrub with a wet cloth or sponge.
Natural Disinfectant:
To knock out germs without strong products, mix 2 cups of water, 3 tablespoons of liquid soap and 20 to 30 drops of tea tree oil.
White Vinegar, Water and Newspaper:
Mix 2 tablespoons of white vinegar with a gallon of water, and dispense into a used spray bottle. Squirt on, then scrub with newspaper, not paper towels, which cause streaking.
If you're out of vinegar or don't like its smell, you can substitute undiluted lemon juice or club soda.
(Note- I like a stronger solution-
higher concentration of acidity)
Vinegar: Whip up a solution of 1/4 cup white vinegar and 30 ounces of warm water.
Baking Soda and Water: Coat the inside of your dirty appliance with a paste made from water and baking soda. Let stand overnight. Then, don gloves and scour off that grime.
Silver
Aluminum Foil, Boiling Water, Baking Soda and Salt:Line your sink or a bucket with aluminum foil, and drop in tarnished silver. Pour in boiling water, a cup of baking soda and a dash of salt. Let sit for a few minutes. The tarnish will transfer from the silver to the foil.
Toothpaste: If you can't immerse your items or are otherwise inclined to polish by hand, rub tarnished silver with toothpaste and a soft cloth. Rinse with warm water and dry. Instead of toothpaste you can substitute a concoction made of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water.
(all photos and more tips at The Daily Green )
Now, I feel healthier already don't you?
Cheers!
