Commercial cleaners are as much a part of life as toilet paper and ketchup. So what did folks do before Windex sprang into being? Most of us don't even think about how the chemicals we use affect our brain cells, pollute the environment, and pose a serious hazard to children.
Although not posted on the label many chemical cleansers are highly toxic to breathe and must be disposed of separately. Not to mention many of them aren't effective! The EPA warns that the indoor air is far more polluted than outdoor air when toxic cleaners are used with inadequate ventilation.
Folks living in pre-Clorox eras used vinegar, borax, baking soda, and water to tidy and freshen the home. If you haven't yet acquainted yourself with these bread and butter staples, get started now! You may even notice fewer headaches and allergies after completely switching products. The main drawback in using traditional solutions to clean your home is the time required to allow them to work, so employ some patience.
Here are just a few ways to cut the grime for less and reduce the nasty fumes in your home:
Countertops
Soak a clean cloth in distilled white vinegar and wipe clean. Since vinegar is highly acidic, the pH value is too strong for most germs to survive. Even nasties like chicken juice and raw eggs can be disinfected with distilled vinegar.
Wood Furniture
Instead of lemon-scented wood polish combine ten drops of lemon oil, two tablespoons lemon juice, and a few drops of olive oil. Wipe the furniture with a small amount of the mixture.
Mirrors
Combine water and vinegar in a spray bottle. Wipe the mirror with a clean microfiber cloth (to avoid the paper towel residue) and then follow with a dry cloth.
Crusty Dishes
Sprinkle baking soda on each dish and soak in vinegar. Let the solution sit for an hour or so. Scrub and rinse for clean dishes. Make sure any utensils or dishes exposed to raw meat are soaked in extremely hot water to limit bacteria.
Toilet Bowl
Drop two denture tablets in the bowl and scour with your regular brush. A dash of white vinegar followed by a quick scrub will kill the rings.
Tile Floor
Sweep all dirt and grime from the floor first. Mix hot water and vinegar in equal parts and scrub the tile and grout completely using a mop or a sponge. Rinse the floor with warm water.
Oven
Combine equal parts salt, baking soda, and hot water (one cup of each for a large oven), apply to the gooey areas, then heat it for 60 minutes on the hottest setting. After the oven cools, wipe clean with a damp sponge or rag. Only use the soft side.
Clothes
Make your own laundry detergent for pennies! Grate 1 Fels-Naptha soap bar into 4 cups of hot tap water and stir over medium-low heat until soap dissolves. Fill a 5-gallon bucket (the kind with a handle) with hot water. Add the warm soap-water, Borax, and washing soda. Stir until dissolved and then fill the bucket to the top with more hot water. Let it sit over night and stir in the morning. Using an empty liquid detergent container, fill it with half the detergent and half with water. Put 5/8 of a cup in top loaders or 1/4 cup into a front loader—don't forget to shake between uses. The entire mixture costs about $2!
Don't fall victim to purchasing green cleaning products — everything you need to spruce up your domicile can be done on the cheap with a few basic supplies.
Get more information on natural cleaning at:
Next: Herbal Supplements
All designated trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. No claims of affiliation are made about the stores on this site.
© 2012 The Frugals
Follow Coupon Sherpa on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
