As cleaning products have risen in cost and the effects of the chemicals they contain are becoming more widely known, you may want to consider using natural alternatives. According to the Charity Guide website, U.S. homes are exposed to approximately 40 pounds of toxic, chemical-laden cleaning products per year. Cleaning with natural products can eliminate the use of many cleaners that have known carcinogens, contain allergens and cause many other health problems.
Vinegar
Vinegar is a natural, effective cleaner that can be used throughout your house without the harmful side effects of chemical cleaners. Use distilled white vinegar in the bathroom and kitchen to dissolve soap scum, eliminate hard water rings and remove dirt. Dilute it with an equal amount of water and keep it in a spray bottle to clean your kitchen countertops, range surfaces, microwave, refrigerator, bathroom sinks, toilets, tubs, showers and floor.
The Organized Home website recommends using undiluted vinegar to remove mineral deposits from the shower head. Pour vinegar into a plastic bag and attach it to your shower head with a rubber band. Leave it on overnight and rinse it the next morning. You may also add 1 cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle in your washing machine to help soften your clothes without leaving a residue.
Baking Soda
The EarthEasy website says baking soda makes a good cleaner and scouring powder. If you have stubborn stains, rings or spots on your tub, sink, shower or toilet, sprinkle some baking soda on them and scrub as you would with any abrasive cleanser. If the stains are still difficult to remove, Organized Home suggest making a paste of baking soda with a small amount of water and applying it to the area. Leave it on for about 20 minutes then come back and scrub.
Stubborn drains can be unclogged by mixing 1/2 cup of baking soda and 1 cup of vinegar in the drain. Allow it to stand for several hours then pour hot water down the drain. It works as well as commercial drain cleaners but without the harsh chemicals that can damage your plumbing.
Salt
The Dr. Weil website says that coarse salt can clean and remove stains from cookware and inside your oven. Sprinkle salt over the stain then wipe it off. For rust stains, sprinkle salt then squeeze a lemon over the stain and let it stand for a couple of hours. The stain should wipe off fairly easily. You may repeat this process without harming your cookware or oven.
Rubbing Alcohol
Isopropyl alcohol, also known as rubbing alcohol, can disinfect many hard surfaces. After removing stains with vinegar or baking soda, wipe down your sink and cabinets with rubbing alcohol to kill germs. You can also mix equal parts rubbing alcohol, vinegar and water in a spray bottle to clean windows and mirrors without leaving streaks.
Mayonnaise
The EarthEasy website claims that you can use mayonnaise to remove some water rings from wood. Apply a dab of mayonnaise with a damp cloth and rub it into the water ring. After the ring is gone, use a dry cloth to buff the surface. If it doesn't work the first time, repeat the process.
Mineral Oil
Instead of purchasing expensive furniture polish that may be loaded with chemicals, try mineral oil. Apply a small amount of mineral oil on a dry cloth and rub it into your wood furniture. Buff it with a dry cloth for a shine that is as bright as any you'll see with commercial products.
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