Cleaning your house with non-toxic cleansers is as easy as 1-2-3. Vinegar. Lemon. Baking powder. These three natural ingredients are safe, inexpensive and easy to use.
1. Vinegar
1. Vinegar
Vinegar is a great all-purpose cleaner, disinfectant and deodorizer. Mix equal parts vinegar and water and store in a spray bottle. While it may not smell like the cleaners you are used to, the smell will disappear when it dries. Use it to clean:
• Bathroom – the vinegar and water solution is great way to clean every surface in the bathroom (except marble). If you are having trouble getting the tub and tiles clean, don’t resort to the highly toxic prepared cleaners. Just heat the vinegar and water mixture in the microwave until it is hot, spray on tub and tiles and let sit for 10 to 15 minutes. This will loosen soap scum and hard water deposits. And to remove tough rings in the toilet, dump a pail of water in the toilet to drain it and then pour straight vinegar on the stains. Scrub with a toilet brush or a pumice stone for really tough stains.
• Kitchen – vinegar and water can be used for every surface in the kitchen.
• Floors - mix ½ cup vinegar in a gallon of warm water. Add essential oils if you want a more appealing scent.
• Laundry – use one cup of undiluted vinegar in the rinse cycle for a natural laundry softener.
• Window Cleaner – use equal parts vinegar and water to clean glass surfaces. Wipe with a soft cloth or newspaper.
2. Lemon
Lemon is another superb “green” cleanser. Because it is acidic, it can dissolve soap scum and hard water deposits and has the added bonus of leaving a fresh scent. Use it to clean:
• Brass and copper make a paste with either vinegar or baking soda.
• Scrub stains – cut a lemon in half and sprinkle it with baking soda.
• Furniture polish – for a great natural polish for wood furniture, mix 1 cup olive oil with ½ cup lemon.
3. Baking Soda
It is common knowledge that baking soda is a great deodorizer, but few people know that they can use it in place of Comet or Dutch Cleanser. Just sprinkle it on and scrub it with damp cloth. It can also be used to clean the toilet bowl.
These are just the beginning of natural formulas you can use to replace the toxic cleaners we have all become so accustomed to using. For more great formulas, visit these sites: http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Prairie/8088/clngrn.HTML http://www.eartheasy.com/live_nontoxic_solutions.htm
Source: www.family.go.com
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