Keep It Clean and Toxic Free
Most household cleaning products are toxic. Additionally, many give off hazardous fumes which linger in the home until they are released through a door, window, etc. Fortunately there is a simple solution. Alternative non-toxic cleaning products can be made from common
household ingredients in minutes. To produce ALL of these simple, effective, non-toxic cleaners all you need is:
•Baking Soda •Bananas •Borax •Cloves
•Cinnamon •Cornstarch •Cream of Tartar •Lemons
•Salt •Toothpaste •White Vinegar
AIR FRESHENER
1) To freshen the air, mix small amounts of clove, cinnamon, and orange peel in a pan with water and simmer on the stove – make sure to keep water in the pan or the mixture will burn.
2) An open box of baking soda in the refrigerator will help to keep it smelling fresh. Baking soda in the garbage can, litter box, and diaper pail will also help eliminate odors.
NOTE: It is always best to open a window or use and exhaust fan to remove odors. This is the best way to actually remove the irritant.
BASIN, TUB, AND TILE CLEANER
1) Place ½ cup of baking soda in a bowl and add 2-3 tablespoons of phosphate-free liquid soap or detergent. Scoop the mixture onto a sponge and scrub the surface. Rinse with cool water.
2) Rub the area to be cleaned with half a lemon dipped in borax. Rinse, and dry with soft cloth.
CERAMIC TILE CLEANER
Mix a quarter-cup of vinegar in a gallon of warm water. Generously apply solution to tile with a sponge. This removes most dirt without scrubbing and doesn’t leave a film!
DISINFECTANT
Mix a half-cup of borax (a natural mineral that kills mold and bacteria) with 1 gallon hot water. Add a few sprigs of fresh thyme. Steep for 10 minutes, strain and cool. Store in a clean reusable plastic spray bottle.
DRAIN OPENER
1) Pour in 1/4 cup baking soda, followed by ½ cup vinegar. Close the drain until it stops fizzing and flush with boiling water.
2) To prevent drains from clogging, mix 1 cup baking soda, 1 cup salt, and ¼ cup cream of tartar. Pour ¼ cup of this mixture into the drain followed by a pot of boiling water. Your drain should remain open and odor free. Repeat this process each week and your drains will remain open and free of odors.
NOTE: To keep drains clean, open, and odor free, never pour grease down a drain and always use a drain strainer.
GARBAGE DISPOSAL FRESHENER
Grind ice and used lemon or orange in the disposal. Besides freshening, the ice will clean and sharpen the blades.
LEATHER SHOE POLISH
Add some shine to leather by polishing it with the inside of a banana peel; then buff.
MILDEW REMOVER
Dissolve half-cup of vinegar with half-cup borax in warm water. Mix them fresh for each use. Apply with a sponge or spray bottle if borax is completely dissolved.
SILVER POLISH
1) Clean silver with white toothpaste and warm water using an old soft bristled toothbrush.
2) To magnetize tarnish away, soak silver in salted water in an aluminum container; then wipe it clean.
TOILET BOWL CLEANER
Sprinkle some baking soda into the bowl. Drizzle with vinegar; scour with a toilet brush. This not only cleans, it deodorizes, as well.
WINDOW CLEANER
1) Mix 2 tablespoons of borax or washing soda in 3 cups water and spray onto the glass using a pump sprayer.
2) Mix 2 teaspoons of white vinegar with 1 quart warm water. Use a natural linen towel or other soft cloth to clean.
3) Mix half-cup cornstarch with 2 quarts warm water. Apply with sponge then wipe with absorbent cloth or towel. Good for car windows and bathroom mirrors. Do not do windows or glass when sun is on them or if they are warm. This causes the solution to dry to quickly creating unwanted streaks.
NOTE: Try not to wash windows when the sun is shining directly on them; the cleaning solution will dry too fast and streak. Using a squeegee similar to those used at gas stations will also reduce streaking (lines can be wiped away with cloth or newspaper).
WOOD FURNITURE CLEANER
To remove water stains on wood furniture, dab white toothpaste onto stain. Allow the paste to dry and then gently buff off with a soft cloth.
Teach What is Good 