Green Cleaning

Many household cleaners contain harsh chemicals and are unhealthy. Also, detergents are petroleum based.  Here is a collection of natural cleaning formulas. They are solutions and methods that keep our environment happy.  Most of the ingredients are inexpensive and you probably already have many of them in your kitchen.  Used individually or combined, these cleaners are safe, effective and cost-efficient.

·         BAKING SODA (sodium bicarbonate): An all-purpose, non-toxic cleaner. Cleans, deodorizes, removes stains and softens fabrics.

·         BORAX (sodium borate): A natural mineral that kills mold and bacteria. An alternative to bleach, it deodorizes, removes stains and boosts the cleaning power of soap.

·         CASTILE AND VEGETABLE OIL BASED SOAPS: Cleans everything

·         CORNSTARCH: Starches clothes, absorbs oil and grease

·         LEMON JUICE: Cuts through grease and removes perspiration and other stains from clothing, a bleach alternative.

·         SALT (sodium chloride): An abrasive

·         TOOTHPASTE: A mild abrasive

·         VINEGAR ( acetic acid): Cuts grease, removes stains and is an excellent water softener.

·         WASHING SODA ( sodium carbonate): Cleans clothes, softens water, cuts grease and disinfects. It increases the cleaning power of soap.

General Household Cleaners

1 tsp. liquid soap- vegetable oil based

1 tsp. borax

Squeeze of lemon or vinegar

1 qt. warm water

Instructions:

Mix together and use in a spray bottle.

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3 tbsp. vinegar,

½ tsp. washing soda

½ tsp. liquid soap – vegetable oil based

2 c. hot water

Instructions:

Mix together and use in a spray bottle.

Window Cleaner

2 tsp vinegar

1zt. warm water

Instructions:

Mix together and apply to window.  Apply to window and rub dry with newspaper.

Drain Cleaner

¼ c. baking soda

½ c. vinegar

Instructions:

Pour baking soda down drain and pour vinegar down drain. Let sit 15 minutes and rinse with water.

Toilet Bowl Cleaner

1 c. borax

½ c. vinegar

Instructions:

Wet the sides of the bowl.  Sprinkle the borax around the toilet bowl, then spray with vinegar. Leave for several hours or overnight before scrubbing with a toilet brush.

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Sink, Tub and Tile Cleaner

1 c. baking soda

½ c. liquid soap

Instructions:

Mix ingredients and rub on with wet sponge or cloth and rinse. For mineral deposits, soak a cloth in vinegar and leave it on the deposit for about an hour and rinse. For a mold or mildew, make a past of borax and water and put it on the surface . Leave the paste on the area for a while if the stains are bad and rinse.

For more cleaning recipes and instructions, please visit the following websites:

·         Eco-Cycle – recipes and instructions for alternative cleaners

·         Clean and Green- Recipes and instructions for alternative cleaners

·         Earth Easy- Non-toxic home cleaning ideas

The following companies that offer “non-toxic” or “environmentally-friendly” products:*

·         Seventh Generation – Non-toxic household products

·         Seaside Naturals – All Natural , non-toxic cleaning, baby and body care products

·         Eco Wise – Earth friendly “everything” store

·         Natural solutions – holistic beauty, body and bath products

·         Life Kind – Organic and safe cleaning products

·         simple.pure.clean – all natural cleaning products

*Note: this information is intended for informational purposes only.  CRERPA does not endorse any of the above-mentioned products or companies.