Image via WikipediaAfter Dylan was born, I was also concerned about what I used to clean things that he would come into contact with such as bottles, nipples, toys, highchair, etc... Now that he is mobile and getting into everything the same concern is there, except it extends to all surfaces around the house including carpet, tile, refrigerator, toilet, area rugs, trashcans, you name it, if its within reach Dylan will either touch it and/or put it into his mouth. So here are some ideas for "chemical free" cleaning solutions. Most of the ingredients may be things that you have around your house already.
NATURAL AIR FRESHENER
Mix 1 cup lemon juice and 1 cup water in a spray bottle. Spray when needed
NATURAL DEODORIZER AND SCRUBBER
To disinfect porous surfaces rub a lemon over surface to clean and deodorize onion and garlic smells and to disinfect any bacteria that may be living on the surface. Also use on wooden cutting boards, cutlery, and bowls. Also use citrus to remove coffee and tea stains from cups. Simply sprinkle a pinch of salt on a piece of orange or lemon peel and rub the marks off, then wash as usual.
MICROWAVE OVEN CLEANER
Use lemons to disinfect and clean your microwave oven. Open the microwave door and remove excess debris using a damp cloth. Set cut lemon wedges into a microwave safe bowl of water. 2 to 3 cups of water should be sufficient and 2 to 3 tbsp. of lemon juice is a simple alternative if fresh whole lemons are not available. Place bowl in microwave oven for about 2 to 3 minutes or however long it takes to boil water in your microwave. This creates the lemon soaked steam that will cut the grease. Let bowl stand in microwave for at least 10 minutes. The water will be very hot and by letting it stand, there is time for steam to build up inside microwave oven. Remove bowl carefully from microwave. Set aside. Wipe the inside of the microwave with a warm damp cloth or rag. This will remove the surface grease.
Olive oil is a safer and more effective shining agent than many cleaning standbys, such as ammonia, which can dull and even corrode chrome and stainless steel. Use a few drops of olive oil on a soft, dust free cloth and wipe down stainless steel surfaces.
NATURAL HAND CLEANER AND EXFOLIANT
Sugar is abrasive and works great if you have dirty, greasy, or oily hands. Simply rub them with 1 Tbs. sugar and rinse with warm water. This also works great for softening calluses and removing dead skin from hands and feet.
FURNITURE POLISH
1/2 teaspoon oil, such as olive (or jojoba, a liquid wax)
1/4 cup vinegar or fresh lemon juice
Mix the ingredients in a glass jar. Dab a soft rag into the solution and wipe onto wood surfaces. Cover the glass jar and store indefinitely.
VINEGAR DEODORIZER
Keep spray bottles filled with straight 5 percent vinegar in your kitchen and in your bathroom and use them for cleaning. The smell of vinegar will dissipate within a few hours. Straight vinegar can be used for cleaning the toilet rim. Just spray it on and wipe off.
Vinegar Spray: Straight vinegar reportedly kills 82 percent of mold. Pour some white distilled vinegar straight into a spray bottle, spray on mold and soap scum, and let set without rinsing if you can put up with the smell. It will dissipate in a few hours.
Read more at Suite101: More Environmentally Safe Household Tips: Save Money with These Alternative Green Solutions http://www.suite101.com/content/more-eco-friendly-household-tips-a209095#ixzz1C5Jkq0cu
For additional idea on Green Cleaning check out the link below:
http://www.rebuildingtogethersacramento.org/pdfs/green.pdf
1 comment:
i use seventh generation wipes to kill germs on high chair trays and toys, etc. they kill most all harmful ones with thyme. they are great.
Post a Comment