Mixing your own Eco friendly solutions is the first step in limiting your family’s exposure to harmful household chemicals. You can substitute some or all of your cleaning products with these formulas and other natural cleaning solutions made from safe, readily available ingredients. Then you will be well on your way to a new green cleaning routine!
See below for a list of fantastic eco cleaning alternatives.
Basic Baking Soda All-Purpose Formula
1/4 cup baking soda
400ml water
Dissolve baking soda in water, and pour into a spray bottle. This mixture can be used as a general cleaner for all surfaces. Keep some dry baking soda handy in a jar with a shaker cap for jobs that need a bit more abrasive action.
You can use this mixture to clean virtually anywhere in your home, including all kitchen and bathroom counter surfaces, inside the refrigerator, microwave, and dishwasher. Always rinse well.
Baking soda is a natural drain cleaner! Measure 1/2 cup baking soda and 1/2 cup vinegar. Pour the baking soda into the drain first, followed by the vinegar. It will bubble furiously. Follow with 400ml of hot water. Please do not use this method if you have recently used commercial drain cleaners. Eliminating drain cleaners from your home is a giant step toward a greener home, as they are among the most dangerous household chemicals available.
Basic Vinegar Clean and Shine
Antibacterial Formula
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- Five drops of liquid soap
Add mixture to a spray bottle and use for cleaning kitchen and bathroom surfaces such as appliances, mirrors, stainless steel sinks, laminate counter tops and tile. You can add a tablespoon of coarse salt directly on your sponge to act as an abrasive when using this formula on kitchen and bathroom sink fixtures. Vinegar can be irritating to the skin, so please use gloves.
- Vinegar is great for cleaning copper! Liberally sprinkle salt on the copper surface and make a paste with white vinegar. This method works like magic with lemon juice as well!
- Soaking your shower head with vinegar and water is a great way to remove mineral deposits. Spray the shower head and then cover with a small plastic bag. Let it sit for a few hours or overnight.
- Add a small amount of vinegar to your sink dishwater when washing greasy pots and pans, and it will help cut the grease.
- Clean out mineral deposits in your coffee pot by pouring in 1 cup of white vinegar and 1 cup of water. Follow up with a full carafe of plain water.
- Pour a cup of vinegar into the bottom of your dishwasher when you are ready to run it through a full cycle. The vinegar will deodorize, sanitize and make the dishes and glasses sparkle.
- Spray vinegar full strength on tile and grout. Let sit for a few minutes, then use a scrub brush to brighten grout. Vinegar will help reduce mildew in the bathroom.
Green Laundry Basics
- Add 1/2 cup baking soda at the start of your wash cycle to boost your detergent’s effectiveness. This helps reduce the amount of detergent you need for each wash load, and brightens whites and colours very well.
- Use 1/2 cup vinegar in the final rinse in place of fabric softener. Vinegar also removes soap residue from your laundry. The vinegar smell will not linger after the clothing has dried. (Never mix vinegar with bleach as the combination creates dangerous fumes!)
Basic Carpet Stain Formula I
- 1 cup vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup baking soda
Mix in a spray bottle. Blot accidents with dry towels, paper towels, and then spray, blot excess and let dry. Repeat, if needed, to eliminate odours.
Basic Carpet Stain Formula II
- 1/2 cup salt
- 1/2 cup borax
- 1/2 cup vinegar
Mix the three ingredients into a paste. Use a clean, white towel to rub the mixture directly into the stain. and leave for a few hours. Vacuum thoroughly.
Basic Bath & Tile Cleaner
1 2/3 cups baking soda
1/2 cup liquid soap (try to find liquid glycerin, if possible)
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons vinegar
Squeeze bottle with a tight fitting cap
Whisk the baking soda, liquid soap and water together until smooth and creamy. Add the vinegar and let it foam a bit. Whisk again until well mixed. Pour into a squeeze bottle with a tight-fitting cap to prevent the mixture from drying out between uses. Shake well before each use; will store indefinitely. (Squirt this cleaner anywhere – the tub, the sink, floors, or the toilet bowl.)
The best natural air freshener for your home is fresh air! Open up the doors and windows while you are cleaning! But once you’re done washing and polishing, you can enhance your home environment and set the right mood by using the natural fragrances of essential oils.
Sourced from: http://www.back-to-basics-cleaning.com/