Tired of smelly, harsh and abrasive cleaners that are bad for the enviorment? Here’s some quick and easy solutions made right out of your own cabinets at home. These easy to make cleaning supplies are both nontoxic and very green friendly. Not only are these much safer for the yourself and the world in which you live, the end cost is much less than that of traditional cleaners bought at your local stores.
Air Freshers :
Sweeper Scents
There are a few ways in which you can ac hive beautiful long lasting scents without adding problems to the ozone layer. These non aerosol freshers are a snap to create. The scent mixtures are of endless possibilities. However for this one I will use Lemon Balm Leaves, you may use what ever you desire.
The awesome thing about this nifty little trick is that you can grow Lemon Balm in your own backyard, it requires very very low maintenance and will grow in just about any climate and soil condition.
If using live plants you will first need to cut and hang the stems upside down in a safe place to thoroughly dry out.
Remove leaves from stems, gently crush leaves into smaller pieces and place into a reusable tea bag or small cheesecloth bag. Unzip your sweeper bag and pin the Lemon scented pouch to the inside of the bag holding compartment. Wahhla your done, each time you run your sweeper you will fill the remove with an inviting sent of lemony goodness. Another way you can do this is to directly sweep up the crushed Lemon Balm leaves into the sweeper, this will act the very same way as the attached pouch, however you will need to redo these steps when you have replaced the dirty bag.
All purpose cleaners:
Counters, toilets, floors and more
Vinegar is a natural dirt killing machine, it cuts though dirt and grime like a warm knife through butter. White vinegar is best to use, You can use this in full or diluted strengths to clean any hard surface in your home from counter tops to toilets. Use caution on some flooring’s due to its natural acid content, it may tarnish or eat away at your wax covering on some floor polishes when used at full strength.
To use at full strength simply place the vinegar into a clean spray type bottle and apply to surface and wipe clean, the smell will dissipate once the vinegar has dried.
For diluted applications in a clean spray bottle mix 1/2 cup of warm water to 1 cup of white vinegar, apply to surfaces and wipe clean.
Stained Coffee Pots
Diluted formula is also ideal for coffee pots, add the water mixture to your water chamber in your coffee pot and set to brew, this will clean all the dirt and grim that has settled into all the nooks and crannies of your coffee maker as well as the pot it’s self. Rinse thoroughly and rerun plain water through the pot to ensure any residue is gone and your morning java isn’t blessed with a hint of vinegar.
Drain Cleaner
Vinegar is also one of the best natural drain cleaners, to unclog your drain pour a small amount of baking soda directly into the drain, next pour undiluted vinegar into the drain. Remember in school when you would see the recreations of lava on a model? Your going to be seeing that again, when the two are mixed it will create a bubbly effect that pushes it’s way up and through the clogs. You may have to repeat this a few times for very stubborn clogs, Rinse drain by running warm tap water down it for a few mins. Safe and easy for all drains in the home with out sending nasty chemicals down the tubes.
Windows
Vinegar can also be used on windows! For clear clean windows use undiluted. Spray directly onto the window and wipe dry with a soft clean rag.
Soap Scum Buster
Tubs, toilets, sinks and counters
A tired but true helper when it comes to getting tough soap scum and build ups off your tub and tile is the age old trick of using Baking Soda! Just shake out the soda directly on to the surface, use a warm wet rag with a back and forth or circular motion to clean. Rise thought when done, repeat if necessary. Safe and effective.
Source: Andreea’s Cleaning Services