Natural cleaners

1.       Homemade Substitutions: Here is a list of common, environmentally safe products which can be used alone or in combination for many household purposes.

●Baking Soda: cleans, deodorizes, softens water, scours

●Lemon: one of the strongest food-acids, effective against most household bacteria

●Borax: cleans, deodorizes, disinfects, softens water, cleans wallpaper, painted walls, and floors

●White Vinegar: cuts grease, removes mildew, odors, some stains, and wax build-up

●Cornstarch: can be used to clean windows, polish furniture, shampoo carpets and rugs

2.     Formulas:

All-purpose cleaner: Mix 1/2 c. vinegar and 1/2 c. baking soda into 1/2 gallon of water.

Air Freshener: Baking soda or vinegar with lemon juice in small dishes absorbs odors around the house.

Bathroom mold: Mix one part hydrogen peroxide with 2 parts water in a spray bottle and spray on areas with mold. Wait at least one hour before rinsing.

Carpet stains: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray directly on stain, let sit for several minutes, and clean with a brush.

Dishwasher soap: Mix equal parts of borax and washing soda, but increase the washing soda if your water is hard.

Laundry detergent: Mix 1 c. Ivory soap, 1/2 c. washing soap, and 1/2 c. borax. Use 1 tbsp for light loads and 2 tbsp for heavy loads.

Toilet bowl cleaner: Mix 1/4 c. baking soda and 1 c. vinegar, pour into basin and let it set for a few minutes. Scrub with brush and rinse.

Window cleaner: Mix 2 teaspoons of white vinegar with 1 liter warm water. Use crumpled newspaper or cotton cloth to clean.

3.       Green cleaning products:

Seventh Generation

Nellie’s All-Natural Products

Green Works