Green household cleaners are safer for you to use and don't release harmful chemicals into the environment. Common household cleansers including bleach and ammonia are extremely toxic if ingested and can cause irritation to the skin, eyes and lungs. Green cleaning supplies are generally less expensive than commercial cleansers, and most have a variety of uses.
Baking Soda
Baking soda, or bicarbonate of soda, is a nontoxic and inexpensive alternative to many abrasives and deodorizers. It removes odors by neutralizing the pH. Use baking soda to scrub glassware, stainless steel, tile and other ceramic surfaces, such as bathtubs and sinks, without scratching the surface. Sprinkle baking soda into carpets before vacuuming to remove odors, or make a paste with baking soda and liquid soap or water to remove stains from ceramic and carpets.
White Distilled Vinegar
White vinegar is usually made from grains, and it is a very versatile cleaning product. White vinegar neutralizes odors, cuts grease and works as a mild disinfectant. Although it has a strong smell when first applied, this evaporates quickly as the vinegar dries. Use white vinegar to remove hard water stains from cookware, glass and bathroom fixtures. White vinegar can also be used to remove mildew stains.
Dilute white vinegar to 1 cup per gallon of water to use as a window spray or to polish counters and kitchen or bathroom surfaces. Mix a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water to soak limescale out of coffeepots, or run the solution through a coffeemaker to remove hard water deposits from the inside. Use undiluted white vinegar on a sponge to clean greasy stains from the stove top. Scrub bad mildew stains with a mixture of undiluted white vinegar and salt. Do not use white vinegar on stone or marble surfaces, because the acid can destroy the finish.
Lemon Juice
Like vinegar, lemon juice is highly acidic, so it can cut grease and remove hard water stains. It has a pleasant smell and helps neutralize odors. Lemon juice also has a slight bleaching effect, so it is effective on many stains in grout and on white clothing.
A green alternative to wood furniture polish is one part lemon juice to two parts olive oil. Make a furniture spray by mixing ½ tsp. mineral or olive oil with ¼ cup lemon juice. Rub wooden cutting boards with 1/2 a cut lemon to disinfect the wood and remove odors.
For very heavy hard water stains, squeeze lemon juice onto the stain and let it sit for 10 minutes before wiping off. You can also use lemon juice with detergent in the wash cycle to clean, freshen and whiten cloth diapers.
Member Comments