Cleaning your home is a necessity, but that does not mean
you have to use toxic, chemically-laden cleaners. In fact, with just a
few ingredients, you can make your own green cleaning products. Look
below to learn how to make cleaners you will feel comfortable using
around your family.
The following are the items you will need to make natural cleaning products:
* White distilled vinegar
* Baking soda
* Washing soda (found in the laundry aisle)
* Natural detergent or liquid soap
* Vegetable glycerin (optional)
* Essential oil (optional)
Soft Scrubbing Cream
To clean your bathtub, pour 1/2 cup baking soda into a medium bowl.
Add liquid detergent and stir until it becomes the consistency of
frosting. Put a spoonful onto a sponge, wet it slightly, clean your
bathtub and then rinse it. You will find this cleaner does not leave a
gritty feel in the bathtub. You can make just enough for the job or you
can add a teaspoon of vegetable glycerin to keep the cleaner moist.
Store it in a tightly sealed jar.
All-Purpose Spray Cleaner
To clean general surfaces, put 1/2 teaspoon washing soda with a small
amount of liquid soap in an empty spray bottle. Add 2 cups of hot tap
water. Shake the bottle to incorporate the washing soda until it has
fully dissolved. Squirt the liquid on the surface and then wipe it off
with a rag or a sponge.
Oven Cleaner
To clean stuck-on food in the bottom of the oven, sprinkle water over
the food. Cover the moist food with enough baking soda that the bottom
of the oven looks white. Add more water over the top of the baking soda
and allow the mixture to rest overnight. The next day, wipe out the mess
that has loosened. To remove anything that remains, put a little bit of
liquid detergent on a wet sponge and finish washing the oven.
Window Cleaner
To clean your windows, mix together 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon liquid
detergent, 3 tablespoons vinegar and 2 cups of water in a spray bottle.
Shake the bottle and then spray it on your windows. Use a wadded-up
piece of newspaper to wipe the spray from the window. You can also add a
drop or two of your favorite essential oil to cover the scent of the
vinegar.
These four recipes can be used for most of your cleaning needs.
However, you can also use each ingredient for cleaning on its own. 1/2
cup of straight vinegar in your rinse cycle softens clothes. (Please
note: you do NOT want to use vinegar on marble surfaces.) Baking soda
deodorizes. Sprinkle baking soda on your carpet before vacuuming to
remove odors.
Even though these green cleaning products are not harmful, if you
make larger quantities, be sure to mark the bottles clearly, so you know
what is in them. This will ensure you use the right product to get the
best results.
