Many cleaning products that you buy in the store are made with harsh chemicals, which are hard on your skin as well as the environment. Did you know that you can make your own homemade versions of essential cleaning products which will be completely non-toxic and environmentally friendly? Try these easy recipes to clean your home in a healthier, and much cheaper, way:
Spray Cleaner
To create a multi-purpose spray cleaner, simply mix together one part white vinegar with one part water in a spray bottle. This mixture is great for cleaning countertops, kitchen ranges, bathroom sinks, toilets, shower walls, and much more. The white vinegar is mildly acidic and so it will dissolve the dirt and soap scum on these surfaces. However, it is so gentle that it can be used to clean hardwood flooring. Rather than overpowering odours with a strong synthetic scent the vinegar will absorb them and become odourless when dry. White vinegar is also colourless, meaning that it will not stain grout or countertops.
If you are struggling with really tough hard water deposits or soap scum, try using undiluted white vinegar straight from the jug.
Scouring Powder
To really tackle hard-to-clean grime, you can use simple baking powder as a scouring powder to scrub grimy rings around the bathtub or remove caked on food from the stovetop. Try making a paste of baking soda and water and applying it to the surface, leaving it to stand for 10 to 20 minutes. Baking soda also works to absorb odours.
Glass Cleaner
Try this recipe for a homemade glass cleaner than works just as well as any commercial product: mix one cup of rubbing alcohol, one cup of water, and one tablespoon of white vinegar. The rubbing alcohol can be found in your local pharmacy and works really well for cleaning windows because it evaporates when dry. This mixture can be used on mirrors and chrome fixtures as well, and it will give a shiny finish to ceramic tiles.
Next time you need to clean your home, avoid the toxic store-bought chemicals and make your own homemade cleaning products instead. You will save the environment and some money too!
