Ingredients for Green Cleaning
By Kari Livingston
Photo: © Lise Gagne / iStockphoto
 Environmentally friendly cleaning products are readily available at a variety of retail stores, but it is also easy to make your own "green" household products. Your entire house can be fresh, clean and germ free by using just four readily available household ingredients: water, white vinegar, baking soda and Castile soap. When making up your own cleaning solutions, it is helpful to keep a supply of clean spray bottles on hand. Make sure that you clearly label each solution bottle.
Baking soda, one of the most effective household scrubbers available at any cost, dissolves in water and has some anti fungal properties. Although it is not quite as abrasive as more costly scrubs that contain chlorine, you don't have to worry about fumes or potentially harmful chemical reactions or skin irritations. Baking soda is also safe for drain pipes and for the ground water supply.
Vinegar is a natural antibacterial and anti fungal cleanser that can be used as a drain and sink deodorizer, a wood disinfectant, and to cut through grease. |
Adding a few teaspoons of vinegar to dishwater will increase your dishwashing detergent's effectiveness and will help cut grease on dishes and pans. 1 cup of vinegar mixed with 5 cups of water can be used to clean windows without the help of harsh chemicals. A solution of 1 teaspoon of olive oil and 1/2 cup of vinegar will clean and protect most wood surfaces without adding a waxy buildup.
Vinegar and baking soda together can be used to clean bathroom toilets and other surfaces. To use the combination to unclog backed up drains, pour 1 cup of baking soda down a clogged drain followed by 1 cup of vinegar. Let it sit for five minutes before flushing with hot water.
If you have any grime or dirt left after cleaning with baking soda and vinegar, Castile soap will take care of it. Castile soap is a gentle, effective, environmentally friendly cleanser that is made from vegetable fat. It can be used as a laundry or dishwashing detergent (used undiluted it can pre-treat stains) and it can even be diluted with water to make an effective mopping solution.
If you don't want to make up your own cleaning solutions, there are many natural, ready to use cleaning alternatives that you can buy. Look for products that are concentrated, so that you can adjust the solution strength depending on your cleaning needs. They may be more expensive, but they usually last longer because you mix them with water. |
