There are a lot of harmful products being used today. Dishwashing detergents, tub and tile cleaners and toilet bowl cleaners are the worst of the common cleaners. Drain cleaners are the most hazardous. Look for phosphate free products because phosphate cannot be removed in water treatment plants and end up in natural water areas. Look for non-hazardous, mild or non-irritant and neutral pH on the label.
Citrus in cleaners can be misleading because we think natural. The d-limonene in orange peal is great for cleaning grease but it is flammable and an air pollutant. A lot of chemical processing goes into converting fruits into cleaning agents.
Be careful with antibacterial cleaners. Overuse can contribute to an emergence of antibiotic resistant bacteria that are the cause of hard to treat illnesses. Unless a person is sick in the house do not use these.
Simple cleaning recipes:
Basic All Purpose Cleaner:
1/2 tsp. washing soda a dab of liquid soap 2 cups of hot water
Combine in a spray bottle and shake until the soda is dissolved. Apply and
wipe off with a sponge or cloth. (Washing soda is with the laundry detergent - it is not baking soda)
Germ Killing Cleaner
1 part hydrogen peroxide to 9 parts water. Spray on surface and rinse off with a cloth or sponge
Creamy Soft Scrub
Put 1/2 cup baking soda in a bowl and add enough liquid detergent to make
a frosting texture. Apply to area with a cloth or sponge. Rinse
Oven Cleaner
1 cup or more of baking soda; water; a squirt or two of liquid detergent or soap. Sprinkle water generously over
the bottom of the oven. Sprinkle with baking soda until totally white. Sprinkle more water on top. Let sit
overnight. Wipe up the next morning. For any remaining grime dab a bit of liquid soap on a sponge or cloth
and wash. Make a paste of soda and water to clean sides.
Windows and Mirrors
1 tbsp. white vinegar to 1 cup of water. Put in a spray bottle.
Spray on and dry with a lint free cloth. Can also use coffee filters dipped in vinegar. Leaves no residue
Shower Doors
Use the same spray as for windows. Occasionally rub on a little lemon oil to help prevent soap scum buildup.
Shower Mold
Add a few drops of tea tree oil to water and spray on shower walls, door or
curtain after showering to prevent mold formation.
Run the fan for a while after showering
Tub
Sprinkle soda into a wet tub. Let sit a few minutes and wipe with a cloth. Rinse
Can use the creamy soft scrub above
Toilet Bowls
1 cup of white vinegar and swish with a brush
Also try: drop a denture tablet into the bowl to help lift away stain.
Drains
Pour into drain: 1 cup baking soda and 1 cup white vinegar. After bubbling stops pour in boiling water.
Do this every month or two.
Also try: drop in a couple of denture tablets and run the hot water.
Do not put oil or grease down the sink because it leaves a coating on the pipe walls. Pour the oil in a can
and put it in the trash.
Disposals
Slice a lemon and put in disposal 1/2 at at time. Run until is sounds smooth.
Put on a rubber glove and with paper towels clean under the rubber splash guard.
Floor Cleaner
Most of the time warm water is all you need. Change the water often if it gets real dirty.
Also try: 1 tbsp of liquid soap; 1 tbsp of fresh lemon juice; 1 gallon of water. Apply to floor. May need to rinse.
Carpet
Sprinkle baking soda on carpet for a fresh smell.
Furniture
Use a microfiber cloth or a man's old nylon sock. Dusting is usually all you need.
For a polish: 1/2 tsp oil as walnut or olive; 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice. Mix in glass jar. Dab on soft cloth and
wipe on wood surface. Store indefinitely in glass jar.
Flat Screen TV
Dust regularly
Turn off tv, unplug and make sure screen is cool. Dampen a lint free cloth with water. Wring out to be moist not
dripping. Do not use paper towel, tissue paper or napkin because they may scratch. Gently wipe from center in
circles outward to the frame and in corners. Do not rub, scrub or use too much pressure.
Miscellaneous
I prefer to use cleaning cloths because sponges harbor germs.
Never use vinegar in the washing machine because it can damage metal parts and the tub.
