Number one

Spring Cleaning Time!

Well, there may not be much warmth in it, but the sun is certainly on its way back.  All that cheerful sunshine refreshes more than our moods, the UV light also sterilizes the air. So throw back the curtains, let in the breeze and let the cleaning begin!

… If only it were that easy.  If your place is anything like mine, it’ll take more than sunshine to scrub the signs of a long, hard winter’s confinement away. What to do?  So many of today’s cleaning products contain toxic ingredients including known or suspected carcinogens. 

Why not play it safe by making your own “green” cleaning products?  It’s both easy and cost-effective.  With just these few ingredients, you can clean almost anything:

Household Ingredients

Uses

Baking soda

Scrubbing, whitening

Borax (sodium borate)

Removing stains/disinfecting, laundry soap boosting

Club Soda (or any unflavoured fizzy water)

Lifting stains

Cornstarch

Absorbing stains

Hydrogen peroxide

Disinfecting, removing stains

Lemon

Removing stains and odours

Liquid dish soap

Sudsing power

Pine oil

Cleaning soft wood floors

Plant essential oils

Chemical-free scents (smell first to check for sensitivity)

Salt

Scrubbing

Toothpaste

Polishing metal

Washing soda (sodium carbonate)

Scrubbing, removing stains and cutting grease

White vinegar

Disinfecting, removing stains (especially good on hard water and iron stains!), fabric softener

 

Ingredients Ready?  Let’s Clean!

ALL PURPOSE CLEANER
Use on any non-wood surface.

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup borax
  • 4L hot water

Mix until borax is dissolved, mop or spray and wipe surfaces.


GLASS CLEANER
Ditch the ammonia and breathe easy.

Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup white vinegar or 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 cups water
  • 3 or 4 drops liquid soap (optional)

Mix and spray or wipe on; for the best shine, use old newspapers!


DRAIN UN-CLOGGER
If there is a lot of gunk down there, start with a plumber’s snake to pull out what you can.

Pour – ½ cup baking soda down the drain.  Follow with ½ cup of vinegar.  Let it fizz.  Once things have settled, pour down a kettle’s worth of boiling water.  Try the drain again and repeat as necessary.


DISINFECTANT

By avoiding controversial antibacterial cleansers (unless instructed to use them by your MD) you can help slow the rate of spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Research has shown that the regular use of vinegar or hydrogen peroxide to disinfect surfaces in kitchens and bathrooms is as effective as bleach – even more effective than bleach if one is used immediately after the other!  Don’t forget door handles and light switches.

By using natural ingredients to clean your home, you are providing a welcoming, nontoxic environment for yourself and your family in which to heal and grow.  For more green cleaning ideas see the handout in our office.  Happy cleaning!

 

2 Response(s) for “Spring Cleaning Time!

  • Sandra

    I like to use small, decorative bowls of white vinegar in the corner of rooms as a deodorizer/air freshener!

  • Cynthia

    Great information. I have used baking soda with a bit of vinegar to make a paste to help clean my oven. Apply the paste with a paint brush to the inside of your oven, let sit for an hour or so (or over night if you like) and then wipe with a wet towel or mild scrubber sponge. Worked great!

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