Common household items can be used to make safe, cheap, child-safe, non-toxic cleaning solutions. Plus, they do a great job of cleaning your home! The “greenest” thing you can do is to first use up what you have. Even if they are a bit toxic, using it is better than dumping it out into our water system. If you have toxic products you don’t want to use, dispose of them properly by contacting your cities hazardous waste department.
Tile, Counter Tops & Toilet Bowl Cleaner – Mix baking soda and water together until you form a paste with a similar consistency as soft toothpaste.
Shower Doors – To clean the scum off your glass doors, wipe them down with lemon oil. As a preventative measure, you can use a few drops of lemon oil on them once or twice a month.
Shower Heads – To remove mineral deposits from your shower heads, put vinegar in a plastic bag and attach the bag to your shower head using a rubber band.
The goal is to immerse your shower heads in vinegar overnight. Then rinse with water in the morning and they will be mineral deposit free and sparkling clean!
Window’s & Mirrors – Make your class sparkle with Club Soda. Place in a spray bottle, spray on and immediately wipe off using newspaper.
Unclogging Drains – Mix equal amounts of salt and baking soda and pour down your drain. Then run hot water for a couple of minutes. This will work great if your drain is clogged due to oil or grease. If your drain is clogged for any other reason, such as hair, you need to clean out the hair trap or snake your drain.
Faucets with Lime Scale – Rub with some lemon juice and let sit overnight. In the morning, wipe clean with a damp cloth.
Stainless Steel Sinks, Fixtures and Appliances – Mix one part rubbing alcohol with two parts water.
Put into a spray bottle and spray onto a soft cotton cloth. Use the damp cloth to polish your steel.
Hardwood Floors – Mix 1 part distilled white vinegar and 2 parts water. Vinegar disinfects and picks up dust.
Scuffed Floors – Apply 2-4 drops of tea tree oil to the scuff. Wipe off the excess oil with a soft cloth. Take a clean soft cloth and rub in white distilled vinegar.
Wood Furniture – Polish and protect your furniture by combining 2 cups olive oil or vegetable oil with the juice from 1 lemon. Rub it on your furniture with a soft cloth.
Glassware – Make your glassware sparkle by adding 1 cup of vinegar to your rinse water.
Vehicle – To clean your cars exterior, windshield, hubcaps and tires, mix 1/4 cup of liquid Castile Soap with a full bucket of hot water. Use a clean soft sponge and thoroughly hose it off when you’re finished washing.
Garage Floor – To remove oil stains and get your garage floor looking like new, create a paste with baking soda and water and put a generous amount on the stains. Let stand overnight. Then scrub with a damp brush, rinse and wipe clean.
You can customize your products by adding a few drops of your favorite essential oils, such as, lavender or vanilla.
Heidi DeCoux is a Professional Organizer who specializes in helping people get organized, simplify and save money. She is also a Public Speaker and Author of the Fast-Filing Method audio program, which shows you how to eliminate piles of papers and how to file and find any paper document in 30 seconds or less. For more information on this unique audio program, visit http://www.ClearSimpleLiving.com Heidi offers a FREE e-Solutions Kit filled with tips and solutions on how to make your life easier, calmer and more organized. To get yours, just visit her website at http://www.HeidiDeCoux.com and click on e-Solutions.
