Green Clean
Mar 1st, 2011
Our local news all the time channel runs a weekly segment called Mrs. Fix-It. Basically, this wonder-woman shows you how to take stuff you already have to clean and repair things in your house. She has pretty much become my idol so I had to share some of her tricks. Today we will be focusing on the cleaning as the repairing is a bit advanced for me. You will not find me making homemade spackle anytime soon.
The best part of these cleaning ‘recipes’ is they are all made without toxic chemicals therefore eliminating your family’s exposure to harmful ingredients. This is a very important detail especially for those of you who have curious little ones running around. Here are the simple items you will need to clean green (I bet you already have most of them!):
- Baking Soda: scrubbing, whitening
- Beeswax: polishing wood
- Borax: removing stains, disinfecting
- Club Soda: lifting stains
- Cornstarch – absorbing stains
- Hydrogen peroxide: disinfecting, removing stains
- Lemon: removing stains and odors
- Liquid dish soap: sudsing power
- Olive Oil: polishing wood
- Pine Oil: cleaning soft wood floors
- Plant Essential Oils: chemical-free fragrance
- Salt: scrubbing
- Toothpaste: polishing metal
- White Vinegar: disinfecting, removing stains
Please remember that even all-natural cleaning ingredients can be irritating. Make sure you have plenty of ventilation and are wearing gloves while you clean.
1. All-Purpose Cleaner – Use on any non-wood surface
- 1/2 cup borax
- 1 gallon hot water
Mix until borax is dissolved; mop or spray and wipe surfaces
2. Floor and Wall Cleaner – Use this on any floor, including wood and on walls
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 gallon hot water
- 1 tablespoon to 1/4 cup liquid soap
- 1 to 2 tablespoons pine or lemon oil
Mix all ingredients and clean floor or walls with mop or damp rag. Follow with a clean-water mop.
3. Glass Cleaner - Shine on without toxic ammonia-based products
- 1/4 cup white vinegar or 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 cups water
- 3 to 4 drops liquid soap
Mix and spray or wipe-on; for the best shine, use old newspapers.
4. Soft Scrub – Use this non-scratching, chlorine-free paste on enamel or porcelain
*You know those stains on the counter that make your heart race when you see them? This scrub will get them out. I use it all the time when my husband throws hot sauce all over the kitchen.*
- 1 cup baking soda or borax
- Warm water
- 2 to 3 drops liquid soap
Combine baking soda or borax with enough water to form a paste. Add liquid soap. Apply to surfaces, let sit at least 5 minutes, and scrub with a non-abrasive sponge. Rinse and wipe off residue.
5. Grout Cleaner – Kill mildew and whiten grout without chlorine
- Baking soda
- White vinegar or hydrogen peroxide
Combine ingredients to make a paste. Let stand 30 minutes or more, then scrub.
6. Toilet Bowl – Scrub with 1/2 cup of borax to brighten and disinfect. For daily maintenance, brush the bowl with baking soda and let sit for a while before flushing. Add white vinegar for a little extra stain-lifting fizz.
*Happy Cleaning!*
Source: naturalhomemagazine.com
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Written by Lea Barlow • 2 Comments
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