How to Make Non-Toxic Cleaning Supplies From Simple Household Items
We all would agree that it is wonderful to save money, but what about saving the environment at the same time? You can do both by making your own cleaning products from natural products you may already have around your home. Not only save you money, but you and your family will be much healthier by creating a toxin-free living environment.
Here are some natural cleaning products:
Window Cleaner Mix 1/2 teaspoon of liquid detergent with 3 tablespoons of vinegar in 2 cups of water. Put in a spray bottle and you've got a natural windex replacement.
Mold Remover To remove mold from places such as your shower curtain, put straight white vingar on a sponge or in a spray bottle and cover affected area. Let it sit for awhile before wiping with an abrasive sponge. This is a great way to extend the life of plastic curtains, which otherwise may end up in the landfill.
Oven Cleaner Wet the surface of the oven where you plan to clean, and then cover generously with baking soda until fully white. Dampen the baking soda with water and let it work overnight. In the morning, the residue should be easily removable with a sponge or towel.
Cutting Board Cleaner If you use a wooden cutting board, protect your family from harmful bacteria that can reside in the wood cuts by rubbing a fresh lemon across the surface. The acid in the lemon will kill the bacteria.
Furniture Polish In a glass container, mix 1/2 teaspoon of olive or jojoba oil with 1/4 cup vinegar or lemon juice. Use a soft cloth to apply the mixture to wood surfaces for a natural polished look.
Carpet Cleaner For stains on your carpet, mix equal parts of white vinegar and water into a spray bottle; spray directly on the stain and allow to sit approximately 15 minutes. Then use warm soapy water with a brush or sponge to clean area further, rinse and allow to dry.
Air Freshener Baking soda is a natural odor absorber that can be placed unobtrusively in your refrigerator, kitchen or bathroom area. For temporary odor control, you can boil a cup of water with aproximately 1 tablespoon of vinegar in it or for a more pleasant scent simmer cinnamon and water (although these methods are a little non-energy efficient solutions).
All-Purpose Spray Cleaner For a general cleaning solution for kitchen counters and surfaces, mix 1/2 teaspoon of washing soda with a small amount of liquid soap and 2 cups of hot water. Mix vigorously in a spray bottle and apply generously, wipe clean with sponge or rag.
Mold and Mildew Removal As an alternate to vinegar, mix 2 teaspoons of tea tree oil with 2 cups of water and apply to areas with a spray bottle.
There are many ways that we as individuals can contribute to reducing waste and toxins that affect the planet that we live on. Use these tips to not only do your part toward helping our environment and cleanse your living space naturally, but to save money on household cleaners as well.