A great way to help the environment and to keep your home clean without the use harsh chemicals is replace some of your daily cleaners with some of these natural cleaner recipes.
All-Purpose Cleaner:
1/2 cup vinegar
1/4 cup baking soda (or 2 teaspoons borax)
Mix into 1/2 gallon (2 liters) water. Store and keep. Good for water deposit on shower stall panels, bathroom chrome fixtures, windows, bathroom mirrors, etc.
Bathroom mold Cleaner:
Mix one part hydrogen peroxide (3%) with two parts water in a spray bottle and spray on areas with mold. Wait at least one hour before rinsing or using shower.
Drain Cleaner:
Remove all water from the sink or tub and pour about 1 cup of baking soda down the drain. Then pour 1 cup of vinegar down the drain and plug it immediately ( if it is double sink plug up both sides, because the mixture will bubble up). After about 30 minutes or when the bubbles have died down, run hot water for a bit to clear the rest.
Chopping block Cleaner:
Rub a slice of lemon across a chopping block to disinfect the surface. For tougher stains, squeeze some of the lemon juice onto the spot and let sit for 10 minutes, then wipe.
Furniture Polish:
1 cup lemon juice
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp water
Lightly apply to furniture using a soft cloth. Wait a couple of minutes before buffing.
Toilet Bowl Cleaner:
Pour a cup of white vinegar into the toilet and toss in a handful of baking soda to soak about 10 minutes.
Swish with toilet brush.
Mix enough borax and lemon juice into a paste which can cover the entire ring.
Flush toilet to wet the sides, and then rub on paste.
Let sit for 2 hours and scrub thoroughly.
For less stubborn toilet bowl rings, sprinkle baking soda around the rim and scrub with a toilet brush.
Tub and Tile Cleaner:
1 2/3 cups baking soda
1/2 cup liquid soap
2 tablespoons vinegar
1/2 cup water
a few drops of Tea tree essential oil
Mix baking soda and soap. Add water, then, add vinegar and oil. Store in a squirt-top bottle and shake before using. Rinse thoroughly to avoid leaving a residue.
For a thicker substance:
Combine 1/2 cup baking soda with enough vegetable-oil-based liquid soap to make a frosting-like mixture.
Add 15 drops of Tea tree oil .
Scoop the mixture onto a sponge and scrub the bathtub, sinks, Formica countertops or shower stall. Rinse
Disinfectant Spray:
2 Cups Water
1/4 Cup White Vinegar
1/4 tsp. Tea Tree Oil
1/4 tsp. Lavender Oil
Combine and store in a spray bottle. Shake occasionally. Use where ever a disinfectant spray is needed.
