“Green” is everywhere these days; it is a compelling concept, so let’s hope it doesn’t become a cliché. “Green” cleaning is actually “old” cleaning, as we are reinventing methods used by past generations. Time was when the space under my kitchen sink was stuffed full of various specific purpose cleaning agents. In the interest of becoming more “green”, I have simplified my collection of cleaning agents, while becoming kinder to my environment. After doing a little research, there are just a few items needed for simple household chores. In fact, there are five natural cleaners no home should be without:
•Baking soda which is a mild, natural abrasive and can be used for cleaning without worrying about scratching surfaces.
•White vinegar is a mild acidic product. It won't destroy surfaces; works great for soap scum.
•Lemon juice is nature's bleach and disinfectant. It is a great natural stain remover and deodorizer.
•Borax is a natural laundry additive and booster.
•Club soda is a general stain remover.
Most households have these items, but use them in cooking not for cleaning or gardening. Below are some interesting “green” household tips using these natural substances:
Using baking soda:
•Cups with coffee or tea stains can be scoured out by rubbing with baking soda. Rinse and dry.
•To rid cutting boards of onion, garlic or fish smell, apply a paste of baking soda and water and rinse.
•An open box of baking soda will absorb odors from the refrigerator for at least a month or two.
•To renew and freshen a cleaning sponge, soak overnight in salt or baking soda water.
Using white vinegar/lemon juice:
•To clean copper and brassware: dip lemon halves in salt and rub. Spraying a solution of vinegar and salt will also do the trick.
•To prevent mildew from forming in a refrigerator, wipe with a cloth dipped in vinegar. The acid effectively kills the mildew fungus.
•To remove lime deposits from a tea kettle, fill with equal parts of vinegar and water. Bring to a boil and stand overnight.
•To avoid strong smells of fish, garlic, etc. from filling up your home, place white vinegar in a small bowl next to the stove while cooking.
•To remove the smell of burnt food from a pan, simmer a few slices of lemon in water in it.
•Around the yard, lemon juice and vinegar can be sprayed on weeds, as a natural weed killer!
Using baking soda or club soda:
•Baking soda makes a great fungicide for plants, when mixed 1.5 Tbsp to 1Tbsp vegetable oil and 1.5 gallons of water. Spray on plants in early morning or evening.
•To remove stains from clothing, club soda will work quite often. Place paper towels under the stain and pour club soda over it. The carbonation in the soda bubbles up the stain. Blot and repeat if necessary. If the stain remains, rub borax into the material.
•To refresh a cleaning sponge, soak overnight in salt or baking soda and water. Wash out in the morning.
Have fun experimenting with these simple, “green” tips. Our grandmothers (and grandfathers) would be proud!
Date published on web site:
01-30-2008
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