Store-bought cleaning products can contain many chemicals that are bad for the environment and can leave your counters and other surfaces smelling industrial. Homemade cleaners are just as effective and use natural, organic ingredients. The products are safer for the environment and smell fresh and clean rather than like chemicals. These cleaners can also be made when needed, rather than stored for long periods.
All-Purpose Cleaner
The all-purpose cleaner is designed to clean dirt and oils off surfaces without damaging them. Because it contains no bleach, it is safe to use on both white and colored surfaces. A good all-purpose cleaner from the eartheasy.com website contains about one-half cup of vinegar and one-quarter cup baking soda mixed into one-half gallon of water. You can make more or less cleaner by changing the amount of each ingredient as long as the proportions are kept consistent.
Mold Remover
Mold can be difficult to remove, and will often call for a more powerful cleaner. A good mold cleaner must kill the mold spores on the surface. Combine one part hydrogen peroxide with two parts of water in a spray bottle. The mold remover should be sprayed directly onto the mold and left to sit for approximately one hour. The cleaner should then be rinsed off.
Mark Remover
Scuffs on hard floors or marks on painted walls are difficult to remove without causing damage to the surface. To clean, apply baking soda to a damp sponge. Rub the mark gently. The baking soda will break down the dirts and oils in the mark, and the grittiness will help to gently buff the mark off the surface without causing damage.
Laundry Detergent
Commercial laundry detergents can cause allergic reactions in people with sensitive skin. Additionally, the strong scents in the detergents can still be detected by some noses long after the wash cycle is complete. For a fresher, organic detergent, combine one-quarter cup of white vinegar with one-quarter cup of salt. Add to the laundry machine in lieu of detergent and wash normally.
Glass Cleaner
Glass cleaners should evaporate quickly to avoid leaving water spots on the reflective surface. One cup of isopropyl rubbing alcohol mixed with one teaspoon of white vinegar and one cup of water. The white vinegar will break down the oils and streaks on the surface of the glass, while the alcohol helps the cleaner to evaporate quickly and streak-free.
Furniture Polish
Furniture polish will keep wood looking new while hiding scratches, nicks and other imperfections. An organic furniture polish contains one cup of olive oil and one-half cup of lemon juice. Place the mixture into a spray bottle, and spray onto a cleaning rag. Wipe the polish onto the surface of the wood, and then wipe off with a clean surface of the rag.
Member Comments