Getting Ready for Spring Cleaning (Part 2) : A Greener Recipe
Cleaning your home does not have to mean drenching your home in layer after layer of chemicals. Many household cooking ingredients can be used instead, which is better for your health and the environment.
Ingredients like vinegar have a high acidity that kills most mold, germs, and bacteria while baking soda neutralizes odors and acts as a scrubbing agent.
Below are some simple “recipes” for cleaning. Remember to use reusable wipes!
Glass/Window Cleaner
¼ Cup Distilled White Vinegar
1 Quart Water
Mix in Spray Bottle. Spray onto window then wipe off with newspaper or rag.
Floor Cleaner
4 Cups Distilled White Vinegar
1 Gallon Water
A few drops peppermint or lemon oil for scent (optional)
Mix in bucket then mop and let dry. There will be an initial smell of vinegar but it will eventually dissipate leaving only the smell of the peppermint/lemon oil.
Tub and Tile Cleaner
1 2/3 Cups Baking Soda
½ Cup Vegetable oil based liquid soap
½ Cup Water
2 Tablespoons Vinegar
Combine ingredients in spray bottle or jar. Shake well before using. Apply with cloth or sponge. Rinse well.
Wood Polish
1 Lemon
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
1 Tablespoon water
Cut lemon in half and juice into a container. Add olive oil and water. Shake until emulsified. Pour on to cloth and wipe down furniture. Unlike the other recipes listed this wood polish should be discarded after use because its ingredients are perishable.
For more green home recipes check out these sites!
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/20-diy-green-cleaning-recipes-141129
http://cuddlesandchaos.com/diy-green-cleaning-recipes/
http://www.mnn.com/your-home/at-home/blogs/how-to-make-green-cleaning-supplies
http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/wellness_articles.asp?id=1073
green cleaning supplies via shutterstock