Spring is literally right around the corner folks! This means warmer
weather, 12 hour long days (increasing through the season), blooming flowers
and trees, the birds & the bees, and SPRING CLEANING! That’s right
everyone’s favorite part of spring is right around the corner. Oh wait….you’re
not a big fan of spring cleaning? Well join the club. Who in their right mind
would think scrubbing baseboards, emptying closets, de-cluttering every corner
of the house is fun?! I’m the first to run outside to soak up the sun, forgetting
about the 3 months of dust stored under the bed or the closet that everyone in
the house is deathly afraid to open. You know what’s worst then spring
cleaning? Yes, there is worse! The chemicals used to clean houses. Did you know
that most commercial household cleaners contain; Ammonia, 2-butoxyethanol/
Ethylene glycol butyl ether, Ethoxylated nonyl phenols (NPEs), Methylene
chloride, Naphthalene, Silica, Toluene,
Trisodium nitrilotriacetate (NTA, Xylene, Bleach (Sodium hypochlorite), and
Phosphates. If you’re like me, you cannot pronounce most of these, let alone
know what they are doing to you. So, here is a site to visit if you are feeling
gutsy and want to read about it-
http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_279.cfm.
You lucky people are so awesome that I’m going to share my
natural cleaning solution secrets with you. That’s right NO EXCUSES for
cleaning with toxic chemicals. I’m here to help. Plus these formulas will save
you money! Who doesn't like making their pockets a little fatter? First thing
first, crank up that stereo. I have to clean to music. I don’t care what it is
you listen to. I have a confession… I listen to Dubstep while cleaning (I bet
my neighbors want to kill me). A bit embarrassing to admit but, hey it works
for me. So, find what works for you. Now we get down to the nitty gritty. Make
sure you have all your cleaning supplies stocked up.
Cleaning Supplies
• Baking
Soda - cleans, deodorizes, softens water, scours.
• Soap -
unscented soap in liquid form, flakes, powders or bars is biodegradable and
will clean just about anything. Avoid using soaps which contain petroleum
distillates.
• Lemon -
one of the strongest food-acids, effective against most household bacteria.
• Borax -
(sodium borate) cleans, deodorizes, disinfects, softens water, and cleans
wallpaper, painted walls and floors. (Borax is a natural substance which is
non-carcinogenic, does not accumulate in the body, or absorb through the skin.
It is not harmful to the environment.)
• White
Vinegar - cuts grease, removes mildew, odors, some stains and wax build-up.
• Washing
Soda - or SAL Soda is sodium carbonate decahydrate, a mineral. Washing soda
cuts grease, removes stains, softens water, cleans wall, tiles, sinks and tubs.
Use care, as washing soda can irritate mucous membranes. Do not use on
aluminum.
• Isopropyl
Alcohol - is an excellent disinfectant. (It has been suggested to replace this
with ethanol or 100 proof alcohol in solution with water. There is some
indication that isopropyl alcohol buildup contributes to illness in the body.)
• Cornstarch
- can be used to clean windows, polish furniture, shampoo carpets and rugs.
• Citrus
Solvent - cleans paint brushes, oil and grease, some stains. (Citrus solvent
may cause skin, lung or eye irritations for people with multiple chemical
sensitivities.)
• Microfiber
Cloths- which lift off dirt, grease and dust without the need for cleaning
chemicals, because they are formulated to penetrate and trap dirt. There are a
number of different brands. A good quality cloth can last for several years.
Non-Toxic Formulas
*Before applying any cleaning formulations, test in small
hidden areas if possible. Always use caution with any new product in your home.
All-Purpose Cleaner: Mix 1/2 cup vinegar and 1/4 cup baking
soda (or 2 teaspoons borax) into 1/2 gallon (2 liters) water. Store and keep.
Use for removal of water deposit stains on shower stall panels, bathroom chrome
fixtures, windows, bathroom mirrors, etc.
Air Freshener: Commercial air fresheners mask smells and
coat nasal passages to diminish the sense of smell.
• Baking soda or vinegar with lemon juice in small dishes
absorbs odors around the house.
• Having houseplants helps reduce odors in the home.
• Prevent cooking odors by simmering vinegar (1 tbsp. in 1
cup water) on the stove while cooking. To get such smells as fish and onion off
utensils and cutting boards, wipe them with vinegar and wash in soapy water.
• Keep fresh coffee grounds on the counter.
• Grind up a slice of lemon in the garbage disposal.
• Simmer water and cinnamon or other spices on stove.
• Place bowls of fragrant dried herbs and flowers in room.
Bathroom mold: Mold in bathroom tile grout is a common
problem and can be a health concern. Mix one part hydrogen peroxide (3%) with
two parts water in a spray bottle and spray on areas with mold. Wait at least
one hour before rinsing or using shower.
Carpet stains: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a
spray bottle. Spray directly on stain, let sit for several minutes, and clean
with a brush or sponge using warm soapy water.
For fresh grease spots, sprinkle corn starch onto spot and
wait 15 - 30 minutes before vacuuming.
For a heavy duty carpet cleaner, mix 1/4 cup each of salt,
borax and vinegar. Rub paste into carpet and leave for a few hours. Vacuum.
Chopping block cleaner: Rub a slice of lemon across a
chopping block to disinfect the surface. For tougher stains, squeeze some of
the lemon juice onto the spot and let sit for 10 minutes, then wipe.
Coffee and tea stains: Stains in cups can be removed by
applying vinegar to a sponge and wiping. To clean a teakettle or coffee maker,
add 2 cups water and 1/4 cup vinegar; bring to a boil. Let cool, wipe with a
clean cloth and rinse thoroughly with water.
Deodorize:
• Plastic food storage containers - soak overnight in warm
water and baking soda
• In-sink garbage disposal units - grind up lemon or orange
peel in the unit
• Carpets - sprinkle baking soda several hours before
vacuuming
• Garage, basements - set a sliced onion on a plate in
center of room for 12 - 24 hours
Dishwasher Soap: Mix equal parts of borax and washing soda,
but increase the washing soda if your water is hard.
Dish washing Soap: Commercial low-phosphate detergents are
not themselves harmful, but phosphates nourish algae which use up oxygen in
waterways. A detergent substitution is to use liquid soap. Add 2 or 3
tablespoons of vinegar to the warm, soapy water for tough jobs.
Disinfectant: Mix 2 teaspoons borax, 4 tablespoons vinegar
and 3 cups hot water. For stronger cleaning power add 1/4 teaspoon liquid
castile soap. Wipe on with dampened cloth or use non-aerosol spray bottle.
(This is not an antibacterial formula. The average kitchen or bathroom does not
require antibacterial cleaners.) To disinfect kitchen sponges, put them in the
dishwasher when running a load.
Drain Cleaner: For light drain cleaning, mix 1/2 cup salt in
4 liters water, heat (but not to a boil) and pour down the drain. For stronger
cleaning, pour about 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain, then 1/2 cup vinegar.
The resulting chemical reaction can break fatty acids down into soap and
glycerine, allowing the clog to wash down the drain. After 15 minutes, pour in
boiling water to clear residue. Caution: only use this method with metal
plumbing. Plastic pipes can melt if excess boiling water is used. Also, do not
use this method after trying a commercial drain opener--the vinegar can react
with the drain opener to create dangerous fumes.
Fabric Softener: To reduce static cling, dampen your hands,
then shake out your clothes as you remove them from the drier. Line-drying
clothing is another alternative.
Floor Cleaner and Polish:
Vinyl and linoleum: mix 1 cup vinegar and a few drops of
baby oil in 1 gallon warm water. For tough jobs, add 1/4 cup borax. Use
sparingly on linoleum.
Wood: apply a thin coat of 1:1 vegetable oil and vinegar and
rub in well.
Painted wood: mix 1 teaspoon washing soda into 1 gallon (4L)
hot water.
Brick and stone tiles: mix 1 cup white vinegar in 1 gallon
(4L) water; rinse with clear water.
Most floor surfaces can be easily cleaned using a solution
of vinegar and water. For damp-mopping wood floors: mix equal amounts of white
distilled vinegar and water. Add 15 drops of pure peppermint oil; shake to mix.
Furniture Polish: For varnished wood, add a few drops of
lemon oil into a 1/2 cup warm water. Mix well and spray onto a soft cotton
cloth. Cloth should only be slightly damp. Wipe furniture with the cloth, and
finish by wiping once more using a dry soft cotton cloth. For unvarnished wood,
mix two tsps each of olive oil and lemon juice and apply a small amount to a
soft cotton cloth. Wring the cloth to spread the mixture further into the
material and apply to the furniture using wide strokes. This helps distribute
the oil evenly.
Laundry Detergent: Mix 1 cup Ivory soap (or Fels Naptha
soap), 1/2 cup washing soda and 1/2 cup borax. Use 1 tbsp for light loads; 2
tbsp for heavy loads. Commercial natural, biodegradable laundry detergents are
also now available online and in select stores.
Lime Deposits: You can reduce lime deposits in your
teakettle by putting in 1/2 cup (125ml) white vinegar and 2 cups water, and
gently boiling for a few minutes. Rinse well with fresh water while kettle is
still warm. To remove lime scale on bathroom fixtures, squeeze lemon juice onto
affected areas and let sit for several minutes before wiping clean with a wet
cloth.
Marks on walls and painted surfaces: Many ink spots, pencil,
crayon or marker spots can be cleaned from painted surfaces using baking soda
applied to a damp sponge. Rub gently, then wipe and rinse.
Metal Cleaners and Polishes:
Aluminum: using a soft cloth, clean with a solution of cream
of tartar and water.
Brass or bronze: polish with a soft cloth dipped in lemon
and baking-soda solution, or vinegar and salt solution. Another method is to
apply a dab of ketchup on a soft cloth and rub over tarnished spots.
Chrome: polish with baby oil, vinegar, or aluminum foil
shiny side out.
Copper: soak a cotton rag in a pot of boiling water with 1
tablespoon salt and 1 cup white vinegar. Apply to copper while hot; let cool,
then wipe clean. For tougher jobs, sprinkle baking soda or lemon juice on a
soft cloth, then wipe. For copper cookware, sprinkle a lemon wedge with salt,
then scrub. A simpler method is to apply a dab of ketchup on a soft cloth and
rub over tarnished spots.
Gold: clean with toothpaste, or a paste of salt, vinegar,
and flour.
Silver: line a pan with aluminum foil and fill with water;
add a teaspoon each of baking soda and salt. Bring to a boil and immerse
silver. Polish with soft cloth.
Stainless steel: clean with a cloth dampened with undiluted
white vinegar, or olive oil. For stainless cookware, mix 4 tbs baking soda in 1
qt water, and apply using a soft cloth. Wipe dry using a clean cloth. For
stainless steel sinks, pour some club soda on an absorbent cloth to clean, then
wipe dry using a clean cloth.
Mold and Mildew: Use white vinegar or lemon juice full
strength. Apply with a sponge or scrubby.
Mothballs: The common mothball is made of
paradichlorobenzene, which is harmful to liver and kidneys. Cedar chips in a
cheesecloth square, or cedar oil in an absorbent cloth will repel moths. The
cedar should be 'aromatic cedar', also referred to as juniper in some areas.
Cedar chips are available at many craft supply stores, or make your own using a
plane and a block of cedar from the lumberyard. Homemade moth-repelling sachets
can also be made with lavender, rosemary, vetiver and rose petals. Dried lemon
peels are also a natural moth deterrent - simply toss into clothes chest, or
tie in cheesecloth and hang in the closet.
Oil and Grease Spots: For small spills on the garage floor,
add baking soda and scrub with wet brush. Or use CitraSolv nontoxic degreaser.
Oven Cleaner: Moisten oven surfaces with sponge and water.
Use 3/4cup baking soda, 1/4cup salt and 1/4cup water to make a thick paste, and
spread throughout oven interior. (avoid bare metal and any openings) Let sit
overnight. Remove with spatula and wipe clean. Rub gently with fine steel wool
for tough spots. Or use Arm & Hammer Oven Cleaner, declared nontoxic by
Consumers Union.
Paint Brush Cleaner: Non-toxic, citrus oil based solvents
are now available commercially under several brand names. Citra-Solve is one
brand. This works well for cleaning brushes of oil-based paints. Paint brushes
and rollers used for an on-going project can be saved overnight, or even up to
a week, without cleaning at all. Simply wrap the brush or roller snugly in a
plastic bag, such as a used bread or produce bag. Squeeze out air pockets and
store away from light. The paint won't dry because air can't get to it. Simply
unwrap the brush or roller the next day and continue with the job.
Fresh paint odors can be reduced by placing a small dish of
white vinegar in the room.
Rust Remover: Sprinkle a little salt on the rust, squeeze a
lime over the salt until it is well soaked. Leave the mixture on for 2 - 3
hours. Use leftover rind to scrub residue.
Scouring Powder: For top of stove, refrigerator and other
such surfaces that should not be scratched, use baking soda. Apply baking soda
directly with a damp sponge.
Shoe Polish: Olive oil with a few drops of lemon juice can
be applied to shoes with a thick cotton or terry rag. Leave for a few minutes;
wipe and buff with a clean, dry rag.
Stickers on walls: To remove, sponge vinegar over them
several times, and wait 15 minutes, then rub off the stickers. This also works
for price tags (stickers) on tools, etc.
Toilet Bowl Cleaner: Mix 1/4 cup baking soda and 1 cup
vinegar, pour into basin and let it set for a few minutes. Scrub with brush and
rinse. A mixture of borax (2 parts) and lemon juice (one part) will also work.
Tub and Tile Cleaner: For simple cleaning, rub in baking
soda with a damp sponge and rinse with fresh water. For tougher jobs, wipe
surfaces with vinegar first and follow with baking soda as a scouring powder.
(Vinegar can break down tile grout, so use sparingly.)
Wallpaper Remover: Mix equal parts of white vinegar and hot
water, apply with sponge over the old wallpaper to soften the adhesive. Peel of
the lifting paper and reapply the mixture to stubborn patches. Open the room
windows or use a fan to dissipate the pungent vinegar smell.
Water Rings on Wood: Water rings on a wooden table or
counter are the result of moisture that is trapped under the topcoat, but not
the finish. Try applying toothpaste or mayonnaise to a damp cloth and rub into
the ring. Be careful not to run too vigorously so as not to mar the finish.
Once the ring is removed, buff the entire wood surface.
Window Cleaner: Mix 2 teaspoons of white vinegar with 1
liter (qt) warm water. Use crumpled newspaper or cotton cloth to clean. Only
use the black and white newspapers, not the colored ones. Don't clean windows
if the sun is on them, or if they are warm, or streaks will show on drying. Be
sure to follow the recipe, because using too strong a solution of vinegar will
etch the glass and eventually cloud it. The All-Purpose Cleaner (above) also
works well on windows.
Happy Spring to every one of you! I hope you found this blog
post helpful. I also hope that even if you don’t switch from toxic cleaners all
together, that you at least try to replace one each week with a safer non toxic
cleaner. Challenge yourself this spring!
- Katie Riemke
Katie Riemke is an out of the home full-time working mom of
2 boys. She volunteers with TheMommiesNetwork as promotions adviser. She also
has an online store Abnormal Oddities that offers weird and bizarre items
nonetheless they are fantastic.
Pintrest: http://pinterest.com/abnormalodditie/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AbnormalOddities
