Natural cleaning products are good for the health of the planet as well as the health of your wallet. They're also good for your health and that of your family. A quick read through the caution label on most commercial products indicates how toxic the products can be. Even disposal of the empty container may require special care.
Basic Ingredients
You can mix your own natural cleaning products from ingredients you probably already have around your house. Baking soda and vinegar are staple ingredients, and you can clean most surfaces in your home with those. Citrus is another powerful cleaner. A plain lemon provides one of the strongest food acids and kills most bacteria.
You'll also need a basic soap to make your own ingredients. Be sure to find one that's vegetable-based rather than a petroleum-based one. Also, washing soda and borax are natural cleaning ingredients that you can easily find at your local supermarket. You can also buy a few spray bottles or re-use ones you already have.
In the Kitchen
Plain baking soda can be used as an effective scouring power. Sprinkle on the surface and rub with a damp sponge. Plain white vinegar removes coffee and tea stains. Pour some on a sponge and wipe. Wipe a lemon on your cutting board and allow it to sit for 15 minutes to kill bacteria. Rinse with water.
You can make an all-purpose cleaner by mixing baking soda and vinegar. Mix 1/2 cup vinegar and 1/4 cup baking soda and 1/2 gallon water. Store and keep in a spray bottle for everyday cleaning. You can replace your commercial dishwasher soap by using equal parts washing soda and borax.
In the Bathroom
You can kill mold in your bathroom with a mixture of one part hydrogen peroxide and two parts water. Spray on tile, grout and other surfaces and let stand for one hour before rinsing. White vinegar or full-strength lemon juice can also be used to get rid of mold and mildew. To clean your toilet, add 1/4 cup baking soda and one cup vinegar to the bowl. Let it bubble for a few minutes, brush and flush. You can also use lemon juice to get rid of lime deposits and hard water stains on your fixtures.
Other Tips
Baking soda is an effective deodorizer. Sprinkle it on your carpets and allow it to sit for a few hours before vacuuming. Use vinegar to remove grease and adhesive residue left by stickers and price tags. Mix one part vegetable oil and one part vinegar to make a wood cleaner and polish. Two tsp. of vinegar in a quart of water makes an ideal window cleaner. Use a crumpled newspaper to wipe the windows for a streak-free result.
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