In a world of magic cleaning erasers and streak free window sprays, there is little doubt that the cleaning product marketing and manufacturing business is huge. But, what average consumers forget is that it is a business. Product makers make their living by making you believe that you cannot live without their newest formula to fight germs and wipe away dirt and grime. We’ve all seen the commercials and we’ve all had those moments of basing our purchases on what the commercial promised that the product could do to make our lives cleaner and easier. Being a slave to these name brand products is not only hazardous to your wallet but, also to you, your family and the environment in which you live. In these modern times, the best option for cleaning our homes is to basically go back the basics, using what our great grandmothers used. With just a few simple green cleaning products, your home will be sparkling clean without all those harsh chemicals found in commercial brand cleaners.
Baking Soda works miracles. This non-toxic cleaner is perfect for all types of green cleaning in the home! From toilet bowls to tubs, baking soda is a natural way to clean all kinds of household surfaces. And one of the best parts about using baking soda in the home is that it is extremely inexpensive. Local grocery stores carry boxes that range from 1-2 dollars but, at your local dollar store you can purchase a non name brand box for as little as 55 cents! No matter the brand, its all the same and it works better than most cleaners.
5 Ways to use Baking Soda:
1.Toilet Bowl Cleaner- just sprinkle baking soda in the bowl and around the rim. Use a toilet bowl brush to scrub the bowl clean. Baking soda provides a delicate abrasive that will get rid of stains and grime without damaging the porcelain.
2.All-Purpose Surface Cleaner-add baking soda to a counter top, tile, or sink and use a sponge to make a great cleaning paste.
3.Deodorize your refrigerator- just open a box and naturally get rid of odors without the risk of cross contamination from chemicals.
4.Floor Cleaner-1/2 cup added to a bucket of warm water makes for the perfect floor cleaner without the harsh chemical smell or residue left after mopping.
5.Deodorize your carpet-sprinkle some baking soda on the carpet and vacuum up. This is the best way to get rid of those awful pet smells from any carpet or rug.
Along with baking soda, another miracle Eco- Friendly cleaning product is distilled white vinegar. Distilled white vinegar has amazing anti-bacterial properties. Due to its high level of acidity, it is a great way to kills most germs and bacteria without the use of harsh chemicals.
5 Ways to use White Distilled Vinegar:
1.Toilet bowl cleaner- this technique is one of my personal favorites. It has been referred to as the “toilet bowl sizzler.” Just sprinkle some baking soda around the rim and then pour vinegar inside the bowl. There will be a slight chemical reaction in which the products will sizzle and make your toilet sparkling clean in the process!
2.Cleaning Linoleum/Laminate floors- mix 1 part vinegar with 3 parts warm water in a large bucket. Mix and begin mopping.
3.All-Purpose Cleaner-perfect for everything from countertops to bathroom surfaces, just mix 1 part vinegar and 3 parts water to a spray bottle. You can add a few drops of lemon essential oil in order to get a better scent.
4.Grout Cleaner-spray vinegar, let sit and then use an old toothbrush to scrub away the grime.
5.Cleaning up pet stains-spray vinegar and blot. Add baking soda to carpet then vacuum away.
If the thought of making your own cleaning products does not appeal to you, there are several Eco-Friendly companies that provide lots of amazing green cleaning products. These companies include: Seventh Generation, Mrs. Meyers, Method and Earth Friendly Products.
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