Many of the products used to clean homes include ingredients that are harmful to people and the environment. Choosing less toxic cleaners does not need to be expensive. Using ingredients that are in most people’s cupboards already, safe, inexpensive and effective cleaners for all areas of the home can be easily made.
Safe Cleaning Ingredients
- Baking soda – Is an odor absorber and a mild abrasive.
- Lemons - found in most kitchens, the strong citrus scent is great at removing odors.
- Vinegar – Will remove grease, soap scum and mineral deposits and also acts as a deodorizer. Be sure to use white, distilled vinegar for most recipes. Apple cider vinegar can be used for washing windows.
- Washing soda – Is slightly caustic and great for cutting grease. Do not use on waxed floors, fiberglass or aluminum. Washing soda can be found in the laundry section of most stores.
All Purpose Cleaners
Mix ingredients in a spray bottle to clean counter tops, floors, walls or carpet.
- ½ cup of vinegar and 1 cup to 1 quart of warm water.
- Dissolve 4 Tablespoons of baking soda in one quart of warm water.
Laundry
Instead of fabric softener, use ½ cup of baking soda in the rinse cycle. 1 to 2 cups of vinegar in the rinse cycle will also soften and deodorize fabrics.
Equal Parts vinegar and water can be used to remove tough stains such as grass, perspiration, rust, coffee, wine, beer or pet stains among others.
Air Fresheners
Aerosol sprays should be avoided in any product, they disperse toxic products into the air, making them easier to inhale.
Other ways to keep the air smelling fresh or remove odors:
- Spray baking soda on carpets and let it sit for an hour or longer before vacuuming.
- Simmer cinnamon and cloves in water.
Kitchen
- For garbage disposal odors, place a cut up lemon in the disposal and let it grind.
- Place cut lemons in a bowl of water in the microwave to get rid of old food odors.
- A dish of vinegar will help eliminate unpleasant cooking odors.
- To deodorize a cutting board: rub cut lemon onto the washed cutting board to eliminate any odors.
- For a heavy duty scouring powder, use ½ a cup of both baking soda and washing soda. Use gloves as the washing soda is caustic. Do not use on fiberglass as it may be scratched with this formula.
Glass Cleaner
For streak free windows, combine ¼ cup white vinegar, 1 T. cornstarch, and 1 quart of warm water in a spray bottle.
Safe and Inexpensive
There are many environmentally friendly ways to clean the house, without draining the wallet or contributing more toxins to the environment. Simple yet effective products can be made using ingredients found in most pantries. Recycle spray bottles from store bought cleaning products to store these safe, toxin-free cleansers.
Sources:
- The Green Guide.com
- Green Living Ideas.com
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